4C Ranch - Austin County, Cat Spring, TX
The 4C Ranch is one of the largest ranch offerings in the highly sought-after area of Austin County. The ranch is just a short hour and fifteen minute drive from Houston and located off Hoppe Sister Road between New Ulm and Cat Spring. Hoppe Sister Road dead ends just past the 4C and has a great community of neighboring ranches.
Key Attributes
Topography, Rangeland & Habitat
The property is located in the Cross-Timbers ecological region of Texas and has amazing topography with multiple vistas, many overlooking one of the 11 ponds scattered evenly throughout the property. On the northern side of the ranch, the owner has worked tirelessly to restore the native grasses. In order to maintain the grass but not overgraze, the owners have ensured that they keep an appropriate number of cattle on the ranch. Numerous tactics have been employed and directed towards restoring the native virtues of the ranch’s ecology. Large mottes of oaks dividing the rolling terrain and improved pastures make this ranch feel much larger than its 420 acres.
The ranch mainly consists of clay loam and loamy fine sand which are ideal for supporting native grasses and large oaks. This region of the state will average over 40 inches of rain per year and supports a great diversity of wildlife.
There are four main vistas that are bordered by small valleys with elevation changes over 65 feet. Despite multiple draws and drainages, there are only 30 acres of designated floodplain located on the property.
Improvements
The main ranch house sits towards the front of the property and is approximately 3,750 square feet of living area. The 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home was extensively remodeled in 2021. There is a dedicated bar, wine fridge, and ice maker just off the kitchen making the home perfect for entertaining. The home sits on a hill with the back porch overlooking the largest lake on the property, with great views to the north. The four-bay garage has an additional attached bunkhouse with a full kitchen and bath. A virtual tour of the home can be seen by clicking the link below.
Two barns are located near the main house with a garage. The barn is 3,400 SF, and the equipment barn is L-shaped and ideal for parking ranch equipment.
The property has an excellent roads system providing great access throughout the ranch. Good fencing with multiple interior fenced pastures make this a cattle-ready ranch while maintaining a recreational and hunting appeal.
Water
Surface water on this ranch includes 11 lakes and ponds scattered throughout the ranch. Many of these are ideal for fishing and all are used by cattle and wildlife. This is one of the best-watered ranches in the area. Groundwater in the area is generally easily found and relatively shallow. The house is supplied by a productive 348-foot water well.
Area History
In 1966 Mr. Fenner started the search for his dream ranch. He was led to the perfect property which happened to be owned by eight Germans heirs who agreed to finance the ranch. After the initial purchase of 320 acres, the Fenner’s began acquiring neighboring properties until they ultimately amassed over 2000 acres. The Fenner’s have enjoyed every aspect of ranching, from their cattle operation, hunting and land stewardship, to making wine, cobbler and jelly from the mustang grapes found across the ranch. This is a true legacy ranch, ready to be enjoyed for generations to come.