Executive Summary
The Bradbury Bijou Creek Ranch offers the rare combination for an eastern Colorado ranch of trees, productivity, privacy and location. There are very few sizeable properties with the features of this ranch located 30 to 60 minutes east of downtown Denver, Denver International Airport and Centennial Airport. Avoiding the mountain traffic and enjoying a good year-round climate are additional enticements for one seeking an attractive livestock or equestrian property with recreational features. Location
The property is 50 miles east of downtown Denver, 40 miles from Denver International Airport and 35 miles from Centennial Airport. Access is excellent traveling along Interstate 70 to the Strasburg or Byers, Colorado exit, then taking well-maintained county roads for eight to ten miles to the ranch entrance. Access from the south metro area, such as the Denver Tech Center, is along Quincy Avenue until reaching the ranch gate. Quincy Avenue is paved to within nine miles of the ranch with well-maintained county roads for the remaining distance. Arapahoe County Road 42 forms the south boundary of the property. Locale
Byers and Strasburg are the closest towns. Both communities offer schools, services and retail outlets. Metropolitan shopping and dining are only 30 minutes from the ranch. The general area is a mixture of agriculture and rural residential properties. Commuting from the ranch to employment in Denver or Aurora is very viable. Climate
The Denver area is well-known for its pleasant year-round climate. The area typically experiences all four seasons, but both winter and summer are moderate. High temperatures in the winter average in the 40s with many days in the 50s and even 60s. Below zero temperatures do occur but rarely last more than a day or two. Snow is common but typically melts in a matter of days.
Summer temperatures often get into the 90s but cool rapidly in the evenings. Humidity is low so outside activities on warm days remain pleasant. Fall is a picturesque and enjoyable time of year on this ranch with ideal temperatures and bright colors from turning leaves.
Livestock do very well in this climate with winter feeding only an occasional occurrence. The tree-lined creek bottom provides year-round cover and summer shade. General Description
The most exceptional aspect of the property is the nearly three miles of Bijou Creek that flows through the property from south to north. This cottonwood-lined creek bottom is very private as there are no roads crossing or running alongside it. This area hosts many forms of wildlife and also provides excellent livestock protection. While the creek only flows occasionally, there are a few small pools with year-round water.
To the west of the creek bottom is a large ridge that both protects and provides outstanding views of the valley below. Further to the west is a parcel of rolling native range. This parcel has sites with views of the Rocky Mountains as well as a set of small draws and canyons.
To the east of the creek is a bench with dryland fields and native pastures. The only minor blemish on the ranch is a power line that crosses the creek and runs along the west ridge for a short distance. Improvements
There are no buildings on the property leaving one free to consider several exceptional homesites. General Operations
Bradbury Bijou Creek ranch is owned by a well-known cattle and equestrian family. The Bradbury’s have operated the property as a combination of dry cropland and pasture for over 50 years. The dry cropland can be used to raise a variety of crops with the most common being winter wheat or livestock feed. Pastures are in good condition with the Bijou Valley being the envy of many ranchers. Wheat yields average 27 to 32 bushels/acre on a summerfallow basis.
Potential uses for the ranch include a small cattle operation. One can easily imagine this as the base for a top-quality registered cattle herd. As an equestrian operation, the opportunities for riding trails and protected paddocks in the shelter of the valley are very enticing.
Complimentary to agricultural activities or on a stand-alone basis, this property provides numerous recreational pursuits. Riding, hiking, hunting or simple enjoyment of the wildlife, solitude and scenery are all available throughout the ranch. Water Resources
Bijou Creek flows intermittently primarily following rainfall or snowmelt. There are several places where pools will form and hold water for extended periods.
Livestock water is provided by these pools, windmill-powered wells and from a pipeline and tank system originating on a neighboring ranch. An agreement is in place regarding the pipeline system, but further refinement would be necessary for the purchaser of this property.
The current owner has also adjudicated the deep water on the ranch in the Laramie- Foxhills and Arapahoe aquifers. This adjudication protects what could be valuable water rights in the future. Wildlife Resources
Even with its proximity to Denver, the ranch supports a healthy and diverse wildlife population. Whitetail and mule deer, antelope, turkey, dove and many other species are observed throughout the ranch. Additional Information
Conservation Easement
Approximately 1,005 acres of the ranch are under an easement with the Colorado Cattleman’s Agricultural Land Trust. This easement lies along and protects the creek bottom. There are actually two separate easements, therefore the eased property could be split into two parcels.
The easement restricts any further subdivision of land within its boundaries. The non-eased land of approximately 1,449 acres is only subject to local zoning laws and regulation. The easement allows agricultural and individual recreational pursuits, building of minor agricultural structures and a hunting cabin up to 1,000 square feet. Residential building within the easement is prohibited. Other terms of the easement are fairly standard. Acreage
2,454± Acreage Breakdown
Bradbury Bijou Creek Ranch consists of approximately 2,454± acres. Acreage is subject to revision as a survey will need to be completed along the northwestern boundary of the property.
Dry Cropland: 543± Acres
Creek Bottom and Native Range: 1,911± Acres
Total Acres: 2,454± Acres
An estimated 1,005± acres along the creek bottom, which is mostly flood plain, is under a conservation easement with the Colorado Cattleman’s Agricultural Land Trust. Broker Comments
The Bradbury Bijou Creek Ranch is an exceptionally attractive ranch located within an hour’s drive of downtown Denver. The miles of secluded tree-lined creek bottom combined with productive pastures and farmland provide an ideal setting for anyone desiring a place to get away from the pressures of urban living. The property is well-suited for an equestrian or livestock operation for anyone that also desires a presence close to a major airport and metropolitan area. Mineral Rights
Mineral ownership is not known. There is no producing mineral activity on the property. Sellers are reserving 100% of any owned minerals. Recreational Considerations
Taxes
The 2008 property taxes were $1,118.82. 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting 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 - Mike Hall 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.
Cooperative Broker Guidelines
|
