Hidden Antler Ranch

Centrally located, The Hidden Antler Ranch is just a short 60 miles from Austin, 117 miles from Houston, and 103 miles from San Antonio. The nearest cities to the ranch are the historic and charming towns of La Grange-established in 1837 (12 miles), and Smithville-established in 1895 (10 miles). The ranch is conveniently located 5 miles down paved county roads from HW-71, with a main access point off of W. Old Lockhart Rd. The property is an ideal distance from HW-71, ensuring no road noise while preserving ease of access.

The Hidden Antler Ranch is located within the coveted bluebonnet country of the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion. Fayette and a few adjacent counties coalesce to form this region that is composed of some the most valuable land in the state of Texas. Bisected by the seasonally flowing Chandler Branch Creek, and ranging in elevations by up to 70’, this property exhibits a wide gradient of plant communities. The tree species on the property that account for the majority of land cover are post oak, live oak, cedar, and elm. Intermittently dotted within these dense stands of forest are cleared openings that allow for long vistas for hunting and general admiration of the country. These clearings coupled with the remaining post oak savannah account for about 75 acres or ~14% of the property’s acreage. The soil makeup on this property is primarily composed of fine to very fine sandy loams (87%), with small pockets of clay loam in the lower contours along Chandler Creek (4%). The remaining soil types are distributed amongst other sand and clay based loams.

The inherent heterogeneity on this property coupled with the abundant water sources combine to facilitate ideal habitat for many of the native mammal and bird species. White-tailed Deer: The genetically improved whitetail herd has been closely managed for over a decade. Managed under the provision of the TPWD MLDP III classification, selective harvesting and required annual management practices have been diligently carried out by the current owners. As a product of these actions, superior genetics, and proper nutrition, bucks from this property commonly score in the 170-180+ range. A 7 acre holding pen is located in the NW section of the property which can be used for a multitude of whitetail centric purposes such as soft releases, and breeding operations. Turkey: A healthy population of Rio Grande Turkeys also call the property home thanks to the mature hardwood forests that provide excellent brooding and roosting habitat. In the spring these birds are commonly seen in the open areas of the property as they compete for breeding opportunity. Waterfowl: The ten ponds scattered across the property play an important role for all the ground dwelling mammals, but when winter comes around these ponds also become wintering grounds for many migrating waterfowl species. Ducks that frequent this area include mallards, gadwalls, teal, ringnecks, wood-ducks, and widgeon.

There is currently no grazing or agricultural production on this property. However the property is tax exempt under a wildlife exemption.

Of equal quality to the land, the built improvements on the Hidden Antler Ranch are premier. These carefully thought-out additions to the ranch offer a high degree of comfort that is rare to find on rural properties. Main Houses: Built in 2013, the sister houses are 3,742 SFT and 2,880 SFT. The larger of the two houses is a 3 Bed/3.5 Bath while the other has 3 beds/3 baths. Designed with community time in mind the layouts are open and inviting, featuring natural wood finishes and lots of natural light. While similar on the exterior the two houses do feature some individual nuances such as an upstairs game room in one house, and varying kitchen and living room layouts. The exterior woodwork and landscaping that make first impressions are pleasing to the eye, while the pool area and a beautifully engineered pond are all visible from the many windows that line the back wall of both homes. Covered carport parking and convenient outdoor storage areas are also built into the plans for these unique houses. Pool Area: Sitting just off the covered back porches of the sister houses is a 1200 SFT pool. This pool overlooks a manicured backyard, and a nice pond that has been tastefully located behind the housing compound. Adjacent to the pool is a custom stone fire pit with room for many to gather around when fall and winter come around. Barndominium: Built in 2011 this multi-use barndominium was expertly engineered to serve a plethora of needs. Around 1500 SFT of the space is a sealed storage barn with a concrete foundation where landowners can store their tools and toys. The building also doubles as a living quarters equipped with a kitchen, living room, and large bedroom. Outside of the living area is a covered cement pad which is used as an outdoor storage and social area. Wood Cabin: Neighbor to the barndominium, this nostalgic feeling cabin built in 2011 has a large bedroom with two twin sized beds, and a full bath. High Fence: The property is entirely high fenced excluding one 12 acre exclusion area where low fenced hunting is available on the southern boundary. The high fence is a total of 22,000+ linear feet and is in excellent condition. Other: The road system built into this property is extensive, totaling over 8 miles of drivable trails. These wooded trails create the desirable effect of making the property feel twice its size. Additionally, nearly 1 mile of the roads on the property between the housing compounds are covered with high-grade caliche for ease of travel. There are many stand and feeder setups throughout the property, as well as a protein/grain storage silo that is located next to the barndominium. High speed internet is available at the housing compound thanks to fiber optic cable that has been brought in by the owners.

There is 8,780 feet of frontage on both sides of Chandler Branch creek as it runs from the NW corner to the SE corner of the property. There is also a smaller unnamed creek drainage that runs southward from just east of the entrance into Chandler Branch in the middle of the property. In addition to the creeks there are a total of 11 ponds on the property ranging in size from 1/4 to 3/4 of an acre. In total the ponds combine to form a significant 5 acres of surface water. There are 4 known operational wells on the ranch, all of which have been drilled since 2003. The wells range in bore depth from 275’ to 570’, and the groundwater is plentiful and of excellent quality.

The ranch has electrical service via distribution lines that run from W. Old Lockhart Road to both the housing and barndominium compounds. Fiber optic cables have also been trenched to the housing which provide more reliable high-speed internet.

Surface estate only. There is no current production.