Ranches

Withers Ranch is located deep in the Davis Mountains in far west Texas. Situated in northern Jeff Davis County and eleven miles from the highway on primitive roads, it is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. The ranch offers an escape for those interested in swimming, hiking, birding and enjoying beautiful mountain country. The ranch has been in our family since 1972 and is dedicated to the protection and preservation of nature. Through a conservation easement, it is part of a 100,000 acre bioreserve under the stewardship of the Nature Conservancy that stretches from the slopes of Mt. Livermore to the mouth of Madera Canyon, downstream from the ranch. Come enjoy the magic of Madera Canyon, the music of the stream, western sunsets and storms, and create your own memories there.

“The new wild is where people and nature thrive together.” These eloquent words perfectly express the Chandler family’s philosophy of the ranch. The vision of making their home a place for guests to enjoy natural beauty and, at the same time, taking care of that beauty was always behind the creation of the guest ranch business. Independence Creek runs clear and steady through the West Texas desert, directly in front of Chandler Ranch headquarters and into the limestone cliffs that form the Pecos River. Escape to the clear cool waters that converge on Chandler Ranch and enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring.

For thousands of years, people have been drawn to the shade and cool waters of the Devils River. In just a few days at Hudspeth, guests can paddle and swim from pool to pool, stopping for a picnic on the shaded bank. If your stay is timed just right, catch a glimpse of bright orange fall colors from more than just the changing leaves, as thousands of Monarch butterflies stop along their migration route from Canada to central Mexico. Hike to one of several mountain peaks and search for bald and golden eagles above or white-tailed deer, quail, turkey, javelina and aoudad sheep in the canyons below. Mountain bike the 10-mile loop through Cedar Canyon, cool off at one of the shallow river crossings, site in your firearm at the shooting range and end the day with a home-cooked meal at the ranch headquarters.

Between the southwestern edge of the rolling hills and live oak savannahs of the Hill Country and the mesquite and cactus-covered South Texas Plains lies a vibrant ecosystem filled with Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireos, and multiple varieties of orioles, hummingbirds, butterflies, and charismatic mammals. Explore almost 2,000 acres on some of the rarest and most gentle horses in the US, Peruvian Pasos, take advantage of world-class bird and wildlife photography blinds or relax by the pool. Meals are prepared with ingredients from the ranch and cooked in both contemporary and traditional styles.

From trekking through an abandoned mining town to scouting for diverse wildlife, Ladder has an activity for everyone. Create your own journey and discover the depths of Ladder’s natural environment. Wandering creek canyons and endless mountain ranges await or take an unparalleled walk through history. Inhabited by humans dating back to prehistoric times, Ladder features ancient cultural heritage sites. Visit abandoned adobe ruins, pit houses, charcoal kilns and other encampments surrounded by beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. Or if you're an active adventurer, explore the ranch hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, or on a bison roundup.

Ranch 2810 beckons you to the Marfa grasslands for an experience unlike any other we offer. Designed by renowned architect Carlos Jiménez, the house sits on a flat hilltop with 360 degree views of the Chihuahuan Desert. Two protected courtyards and a masterful use of glass connect the interior and exterior spaces and create an intimate cohesiveness with the landscape. Spectacular views abound and become new throughout the day with the changing light. You might almost forget you came to see Marfa.

A secluded 10,000-acre jewel tucked into California’s famed Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort melds the spirit of the Old West with the seductive charms of today’s most relaxing resorts. Drive 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and you’ll find Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort’s 50 miles of riding trails, 100-acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, pool, spa, western-themed accommodations, fine dining, and endless ways to unplug and unwind. Just minutes away from the Ranch are more than 75 renowned vineyards and wineries and the charming Danish village of Solvang. Whether it’s a romantic weekend getaway for two, a family reunion, or a corporate retreat, come discover the magic of Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. This is far more than just a dude ranch. With a temperate climate year-round and ever-changing seasonal activities, any time of year is the perfect time to visit us.

This Costa Rican family-run cattle ranch is located in the mountains between Miravalles Volcano, Tenorio Volcano, and its extensive National Park. Hacienda Montezuma is entirely off-the-grid, and the water is sourced fresh from the mountain springs. The lake provides a tranquil spot for lazy afternoons, picnics and fishing. For those feeling more active, they can arrange fly fishing in the volcanic rivers, bird watching, trekking, rafting, a visit to the local town, and riding expeditions through pastures & the jungle. The 3700 acre Hacienda is dedicated to raising and breeding Brangus and Brahman cattle, with more than 1300 head. Visitors can join the “sabaneros”, or cowboys, while they herd and work the cattle.

Elephant Mountain Ranch is part of the Texas Hill Country River Region. With crystal clear rock bottom river beds like the Frio River in Concan and Leakey, TX this Nueces River ranch offers a secluded, private experience. The ranch is named for a baby elephant that escaped from and was returned to a circus traveling through nearby Montell in the early 20th century. Lipan Apache once roamed the Nueces Canyon, Franciscan monks and the U.S. military set up outposts and Charles Lindbergh made an unplanned stop nearby at the turn of the 20th century.

Located in the picturesque Cienega Mountains with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, Cibolo Creek Ranch, named for the buffalo that once roamed the region, is one of the oldest ranches in Texas. Cienega Fort was constructed between 1855 and 1857 by the ranch's founder, Milton Faver, at the spring-fed source of Cienega Creek. The Cienega forts were the original headquarters to Faver's growing cattle enterprise., chosen for their location at the spring-fed source of Cibolo Creek. Efforts to restore the ranch's historic structures and native habitat began in the late 1980s. Under the auspices of the Texas Historical Commission, everything from the fort structures, landscaping to interior decor were renovated. Every aspect of the environment reflects features of Spanish and Mexican culture. Most of the modern conveniences are tastefully hidden from view so guests can truly feel that they’ve slipped back in time, but without forfeiting modern comforts. Through ongoing habitat restoration efforts, much of the 30,000 acre landscape has been returned to its pre-pioneer condition.

In a 2005 Big Sky Journal article, the author describes the setting of Green Valley Ranch best: “After a short drive off Montana Highway 2, the winding access road opens onto the homestead, where a caretaker’s cabin, guesthouse and main lodge encircle a small pond. In this sheltered meadow, it’s easy to see why the Green family settled here in the early 1900’s. The valley lies in the curve of the Flathead Range with Desert Mountain standing sentinel at 6,000 feet, cradling the collection of buildings protectively. From the hilltop above the lodge a person could look southwest and see right into Glacier National Park.” Green Valley Ranch was originally homesteaded by the George Green family when Glacier Park was newly created. The land was sold in 1947 and operated for fifty years as a dude ranch known as Desert Mountain Lodge. In 1999, the ranch was purchased and restored by the current owners – grandchildren of the original homesteading family. Today, five generations of the Green family ride and ski the logging trails, thin and replant the forest, and are securing the abundance and beauty of the area for future generations. Green Valley Ranch is their family’s treasure and legacy they now share with a select few.

Located in the picturesque Cienega Mountains with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, Cibolo Creek Ranch, named for the buffalo that once roamed the region, is one of the oldest ranches in Texas. The ranch is composed of rolling hills and rugged mountain peaks, with roads and trails throughout. Through ongoing habitat restoration efforts, much of the 30,000 acre landscape has been returned to its pre-pioneer condition.

It all began with a move from LA to Austin. Bobby and Gail went from the fast-paced high traffic, “cement” jungle life to a calming, serene, and nature-filled life. They had the extraordinary opportunity to buy 178 acres of raw land. Paired with a dream to create a wonderful place that provides a unique opportunity to nurture in nature, they began to build what you see today. They had the idea that more folks like them wanted to "nurture in nature", to recharge their physical and emotional batteries in a relaxed, beautiful, and caring environment. The Dubois are passionate about the land and the animals, being active, preparing and enjoying good food, and deeply wish to share that experience with others.

Dead Cat Ranch has been a family owned and operated ranch for over 35 years. Like so many landowners, the Spencer/Betts family has recently opened their ranch to guest stays and are excited to share the history of such a special place. Josh and Stacy have created a fun and relaxed environment with plenty of adventure for both families and large groups. Between the miles of ATV trails, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, shooting sports, and sitting around the campfire under the stars, this is an experience that will have you booking your next stay before you leave.

Cumberland has been a significant fixture of Virginia’s history since the 17th century. In recent years, this landmark site has had new life breathed into it as a result of its acquisition by Criss Cross Properties, LLC. Criss Cross Properties was founded by John B. Poindexter, an entrepreneur and restorationist whose ancestry is deep-rooted in the New Kent area. “Criss Cross,” which signified Christ’s cross in that era, was the name of his family’s first home in Colonial Virginia in the late 1600s. Although Mr. Poindexter resides in Texas, he considers New Kent his second home because of his rich family heritage in the area. Inspired by his love for history and a strong desire to preserve it, he began a property acquisition and restoration program in 2013. As part of the program, Mr. Poindexter acquired 3,423 acres of rural property clustered around the authentic Criss Cross home. That acreage encompassed part of the original family settlement, including the grounds of Cumberland. Disrepair and land degradation plagued most of the individual properties when they were purchased. Today, thanks to the guidance of local craftsmen and talented advisors, the estate has been revitalized to an impressive semblance of its original condition — with modern conveniences. Likewise, the surrounding lands are once again thriving as farms and managed forests that maintain the character of the colonial era.

As one of the most remote locations in Scotland, the journey to Alladale is an experience in itself. Driving from Edinburgh, you have the opportunity to see much of Scotland's beauty - rolling hills, pristine rivers, centuries old castles, and if you're lucky, weather that changes by the hour and only enhances the majestic landscape. Once you arrive, you are greeted by an enthusiastic team, led by Stuart and Mandy, eager to ensure your time on the Reserve doesn't disappoint. Alladale’s chef Natasha Buttigieg produces consciously prepared local and organic fare. Their state of the art aquaponic gardens and exterior raised beds produce the vegetables, salads, herbs, and berries. Alladale's ethically culled wild venison is available together with local game if so desired. Regional suppliers offer fresh & wild caught seafood and local trout. Bespoke menus are available upon request. The rugged beauty of Alladale Wilderness Reserve allows for guests to experience the Highlands in its wildest form. Being out there sometimes feels like staying at the edge of the world. This makes spending a few days exploring the Reserve an unforgettable experience. Alladale offers a great range of indoor and outdoor activities for you to enjoy onsite. Ryan is your local guide and expertly navigates his way around the terrain, through the rivers and restored peat bogs, to take you hiking to an ancient forest. Along the way, visit and feed the Highland cows, learn about how they are helping conservation efforts, and stop to visit the Scottish wildcat rewilding program. A trip to the Cairn River is a class in Atlantic Salmon spawning, and its importance to the overall ecosystem. They also offer a variety of interesting day trips to local historic gems. Or go dolphin watching before having a nice local lunch. And what about a visit to a lovely whisky distillery? Alladale is a fantastic base from where to explore a unique part of the Highlands and northern Scotland. You might have been drawn to the lore of the Highlands, but Alladale will capture your heart with its passion, and you'll leave planning your return.