Old Black Dog Ranch - McCulloch County, Brady, TX
Old Black Dog Ranch, situated in eastern McCulloch County, is an exceptional recreational property high-fenced with exotic animals, a beautifully updated farmhouse, and a remarkable equipment barn/barndominium. This ranch is meticulously maintained, offering surface water, intricate trails, effective brush management, and carefully planned structural enhancements. Located 9 miles northeast of Brady, the ranch is near the city regarded as the geographical center of the state, which is why Brady is known as the “Heart of Texas.”
Key Attributes
Location
The ranch is situated 8.5 miles Northeast of Brady, Texas, and is accessed by frontage on county road 476. Austin – 2.5 hrs – San Antonio – 2.5 hrs – Dallas 3.75 hrs – Houston – 5 hrs.
Topography, Rangeland & Habitat
The property features a gentle roll in the front, where the home and barn overlook a spacious terraced field. Moving north, the terrain begins to undulate more distinctly, providing fantastic long-range views of northern McCulloch County from the back. The western rangeland of the ranch is primarily dominated by oak trees, interspersed with clusters of mesquite. The southeastern area mainly features grasslands, accompanied by groups of oaks, mesquite, and ash juniper. In the center, near the homestead, you’ll find impressive sprawling live oaks.
Wildlife
Several years ago, the ranch was high-fenced and currently boasts a thriving population of Axis and a small herd of Fallow deer. While there are some native whitetails present, they are not part of active management efforts. The fencelines are meticulously maintained to prevent entry by hogs and coyotes. Additionally, there are chances to hunt doves and ducks. The front field has the potential to become an excellent sunflower or millet field for dove hunting.
Improvements
As you approach the main drive, a recently remodeled farmhouse comes into view. This farmhouse features expansive porches on three sides, providing stunning views of the ranch. Inside the 3,662 sq. ft. home, you’ll find exquisite original hardwood floors that have been beautifully refinished, along with original shiplap in the dining room. The residence includes three bedrooms, a workout room, four full bathrooms, two living areas, a dining room, a kitchen, and a mudroom. Stepping through the back door leads you to a barndominium, perfect for guests or overflow family. It contains two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and two full bathrooms. Attached to it is a spacious 3,200 sq. ft. shop, featuring 25-foot high ceilings and equipped with three 12-foot and one 14-foot electric roll-up doors, a second-story shooting room overlooking a 1,000 yard range, and additional storage. The total area under the roof for the barn is 10,730 sq. ft.
Water
The ranch features multiple tanks, with the largest located at the back, measuring approximately 0.4 acres when full. This tank, along with another near the homestead, can be supplemented by the nearby wells. Throughout the ranch, several small ponds fill up during wetter seasons. Additionally, there are seven wells drilled (Two are hooked up to power: one uses a solar pump, while four are standing cased) the ranch for anyone looking to provide more water to ponds or troughs.
Electricity
Electricity has been installed for the home and barns.