Executive Summary
The 1,010± acre Fitzgerald Ranch, located almost equidistant between Pagosa Springs, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, offers 2.3± miles of the Navajo River. Beautiful meadows along the river bottom transition into a healthy forest of manicured ponderosa pine. Buildings are exceptional, including an inviting log home that has been featured in national publications. Other improvements include an eight-stall horse barn, new manager’s home, heated shop and helicopter pad. Location
Almost equidistantly positioned between the resort communities of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico the Fitzgerald Ranch is about 25 miles from each and 5 miles east of Chromo, Colorado on County Road 382, just north of the New Mexico state line.
Taos, New Mexico is approximately a 1˝ hour drive from the ranch, and Santa Fe, New Mexico is just under two hours to the south. Commercial air service is available at Durango about 1˝ hour's drive from the ranch. The Stevens Field Airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the ranch and can accommodate private jet aircraft. The runway is 8,100 feet in length and 100 feet in width. It offers concierge services, jet fuel, car rentals, and a nicely remodeled customer lounge. Locale
The name Pagosa is derived from a Native American word which literally means "healing waters." The portion of Colorado that is now Archuleta County was originally occupied by the Anasazi, followed by the Ute, Navajo, and Apache Indians.
Pagosa is widely recognized for the largest, hottest, naturally occurring mineral and therapeutic hot springs. Pagosa Springs and the surrounding area offer some of southwestern Colorado's finest recreational activities, historical attractions, museums, dining, art, and cultural experiences. Health care facilities, public and private schools, a charming river walk, and a new sports complex further complement this distinctive and charming mountain town.
Pagosa is the county seat of Archuleta County and currently has an estimated population of slightly over 11,000 people. Archuleta County incorporates approximately 1,364 square miles and roughly 50% of the county is the San Juan National Forest, which consists of 1,869,931+/- acres. This area is also home to the San Juan, Piedra, and Navajo Rivers and the legendary Wolf Creek Ski Area boasting more base snowfall than any other Colorado ski area. Wolf Creek is located approximately 50 miles from the ranch. Climate
Pagosa Springs and the surrounding area is located in the "Colorado Sunbelt" and receives an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Summer-time temperatures rise to the high 80's and low 90's while average winter temperatures are usually in the low to mid-20's but can, of course, drop considerably. Average annual snowfall is approximately 100 inches and annual precipitation is slightly over 20 inches. General Description
The Fitzgerald Ranch is a unique and diverse property in a pristine setting; offering river frontage, irrigated meadows, forested areas, impeccable improvements, and solitude.
From the banks of the Navajo River, which flows along beautiful irrigated meadows framed by cottonwood trees, the property rises through hillsides of manicured ponderosa pine forest. The ranch is predominantly south facing, receiving generous amounts of sunshine and exposure.
Gently rolling topography and a good internal road system make it easy to access and enjoy. The views from the ranch of the Chalk Mountains, Chama Peak, and Navajo Peak are quite dramatic.
The improvements are nicely positioned. The ranch manager's residence, horse barn and shop are situated on the north side, above the Navajo River, close enough to the county road to allow convenient access. The principal residence is located just over a mile from the county road and is well protected in a forested area at a higher elevation on the northern end of the property. A gated entry provides controlled entry to the ranch.
The combination of irrigated meadows, native grassland, gamble oak and massive ponderosas create ideal habitat for migratory elk, mule deer, and hundreds of Merriman turkey. The 2.3+/- miles of the Navajo River is well along in the process of being enhanced and is developing into a first-rate fishery. Rainbows, browns and brook trout can be found in this free-stone, gently flowing river, that is approximately 15-to 20-feet wide lined with willows and massive towering cottonwoods. Improvements
The improvements represent a collaboration of masterful craftsmanship, comfortable design, classic and refined taste, and overall functionality. The owner bought a virtually unimproved homestead ranch and has been absolutely meticulous in building improvements that are beautifully executed, thoughtfully designed, well situated, and useful both as part of an operating ranch and as a family retreat which welcomes friends, as well as the children and grandchildren of the owners. The owner's residence is of a traditional mountain-log home that is nestled in the trees, but enjoys incredible views while affording a high level of privacy and seclusion. This handsome log home was featured in an article written by Ingrid Spencer for Cowboys and Indians, in the December 2005 issue. In that article it is described as the "perfect log home in the Rockies." Please refer to the article itself which is contained in the back pocket of this brochure. It has also been prominently mentioned in Mountain Living (May/June 2000), Log Home Living Annual Buyers Guide (November 2000 on the cover), and Country's Best Log Homes (September 2003 pgs. 63-64).
The horse barn has a truly old western feel and is designed for ease of use and simplicity. The manager's home has been recently finished and is attractively positioned to enjoy an expansive view of the river. The shop is also designed for ease of use and the requirements of day-to-day ranch work. The key ingredients of these well-planned and executed improvements are outlined below:
Main Residence:
4,200+/- sq. ft.
Built in 1995
Dead-standing lodge pole pine and stone construction
3 bedrooms
4 bathrooms
Dining room
Great room
Living room
Kitchen
Loft - sleeps 7
2-sided massive river-rock fireplace
28 ft. cathedral ceilings
Custom doors throughout
10 ft. windows in great room
2 covered northern and western facing expansive decks
Outdoor unattached fireplace and barbeque
A series of 12 gravity stair stepping ponds mixed with beautiful mountain landscaping
3-car garage
Paved asphalt driveway
Manager's Home:
1,700 sq. ft.
Stone and log construction
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
Kitchen
Living room
Loft
Covered wood deck overlooking the river
Horse Barn:
Stone and log construction
39' x 63'
8 stalls
Exposed log trusses
Tack room
Loft / hay storage
2 sliding entry doors
Shop:
Steel construction
30' x 75'
Insulated
Partial concrete floor
Overhead heat
6 bay doors
Miscellaneous:
Built in 1995, 1,716+/- sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom modular home
Central water filtration system with two 30,000-gallon storage tanks
Fire hydrants
Asphalt helicopter pad
Cistern
Corrals
4 tree stands
Underground utilities
Utilities:
Phone - CenturyTel
Electric - LPEA (La Plata Electric Corporation)
Water - domestic well
Sewer - septic
Seller-owned underground, 1,000-gallon propane tank serviced by Bob's LP General Operations
The current owners have run a purebred Red Angus cow herd and have always maintained top quality livestock on the ranch utilizing the genetics of the most highly regarded Red Angus breeders. Water Resources
- 7.0 CFS of the Upper Navajo Ditch used to irrigate 163+/- acres. Priority No. 223 - Ditch No. 157, historic date of 1885 with a decree date of June 1, 1921 (a copy of this water right is available upon request)
- Domestic well
- 4 seasonal livestock/wildlife ponds Aesthetic Considerations
The elevation on the property ranges from 7,600+/- feet on the river bottom to 8,300+/- feet on the northern portions of the property. Additional Information
The ranch has been surveyed between 23 and 25 parcels, although they have never been recorded. The seller has no interest in subdividing the ranch. However, the ranch is an excellent candidate for a conservation easement. Colorado law currently allows a tax credit for Colorado tax payers and federal law has recently been amended to allow a tax deduction of up to 50% of one's adjusted gross income and the deduction may be taken over 16 years.
ZONING
Agricultural Acreage
1,010± Acreage Breakdown
Broker Comments
The 1,000 plus acre Fitzgerald Ranch comes alarmingly close to perfection in a classic Colorado mountain ranch. It is completely private yet accessible. It is both beautiful in itself and also commands excellent views of numerous high peaks and mountains that are nearby. It has multiple miles of top-quality trout river. It boasts beautiful and totally appropriate log buildings that are tasteful but not extravagant. It has a pleasing mix of riverbottom, meadow, and mountain terrain. In our opinion, it does not get any better, and to make it even more compelling the owners have priced it to sell. Recreational Considerations
In an incredibly beautiful area of southwest Colorado, the Fitzgerald Ranch is opportunely located 2+/- miles north of the New Mexico state line offering access to recreational opportunities in two very distinctive geographic areas.
This part of Colorado provides world-class skiing at Wolf Creek, a nearby
27-hole championship golf course, fly-fishing in the San Juan, Piedra and
Navajo Rivers, and access to the vast San Juan National Forest for wildlife,
big-game hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hiking.
Northern New Mexico offers a unique blend of culture, art, and historical attractions in Taos, Santa Fe, and Red River. Additionally, the Chama and Brazos Rivers offer nearby fly-fishing while Taos and Red River support smaller family-style ski resorts.
The property itself is home to a large population of Merriman turkey and the drainage that the property sits in serves as a migratory corridor for local elk and mule deer herds. The stretch of Navajo River that runs through the ranch is magnificent and is considered by many locals to be an excellent fishery in season. The tranquility and appeal of a private river is timeless and a valuable asset. Water Rights
All mineral rights, if any, currently owned by the seller shall be conveyed to the buyer at closing. The owner believes that he owns approximately 70% of the mineral rights under the property. Taxes
The property taxes are estimated at $3,200 per year based on recent history. Additional Services
MANAGEMENT SERVICES – Hall and Hall’s Management Division has a very clear mission – To represent the owner and to ensure that his or her experience is a positive one. Services are customized to suit the owner’s needs. They often begin with the recruiting and hiring of a suitable ranch manager or caretaker and are followed by the development of a management or operating plan along with appropriate budgets. Ongoing services include bill paying, ranch oversight, and consulting services as needed. Even the most sophisticated and experienced ranch owners appreciate the value of a management firm representing them and providing advice on local area practices and costs. Wes Oja and Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 or Randy Clavel at (303) 861-8282 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT SERVICES – Increasingly the value of a ranch is measured by the quality of each and every one of its resources. Coincidentally the enhancement of a ranch’s resources also increases the pleasure that one derives from the ownership of a ranch. Our management services have included the assessment of everything from wildlife habitat to bird habitat to water resources and fisheries and the subsequent oversight of the process involved with the enhancement of these resources. Wes Oja or Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
SPECIALIZED LENDING - Over the past 59 years Hall and Hall has created a legacy by efficiently providing capital to the intermountain west. In addition to traditional farm and ranch loans, we specialize in understanding the unique aspects of placing loans on ranches where value may be influenced by recreational features, location and improvements and repayment may come from outside sources. Our extensive experience and strong relationships with our lenders allows us to quickly tell you whether we can provide the required financing.
Competitive Pricing • Flexible Terms • Efficient Processing
In-House Appraisals • Common Sense Underwriting
Dave Roddy • (406) 656-7500
Mike Hall, Judy Chirila, or Randy Clavel • (303) 861-8282
Monte Lyons • (806) 698-6882 Email Broker - Jim Taylor Return to Top | Return to List
Hall and Hall is acting as a Seller’s Agent and will cooperate with other agents acting as a Transaction Broker or Buyer Agent only.
NOTICE: Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, potential profits, etc., are intended only as general guidelines and have been provided by sources deemed reliable, but whose accuracy we cannot guarantee. Prospective buyers should verify all information to their satisfaction. Prospective buyers should also be aware that the photographs in this brochure may have been digitally enhanced.
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