Executive Summary
The Ramshorn Ranch is a productive, power-packed 152± acre (112± deeded) ranch in the South Meadow Creek valley just west of McAllister. Its setting tucked up against the timbered foothills of the Tobacco Root Mountains is inspiring. The comfortable and well-appointed log-sided home and outbuildings sit in the middle of the property overlooking the expansive 50± acres of lush irrigated meadows. Views beyond include Ennis Lake and the Madison Range further to the east. Timbered rangeland climbs above this setting to the west and the upper reaches of the ranch offer even more dramatic views of the Madison River valley, the Madison Range and the Tobacco Roots which dominate the western skyline. This very private small ranch is the perfect entry into one of Montana’s most sought-after river valleys.
Just the Facts
- Four miles west of McAllister, minutes from Ennis and an easy hour to Bozeman
- 112± deeded and 40± acres of BLM lease
- Comfortable 2 bedroom/2.5 bathroom log-sided home, metal storage shed, rustic/historic guest cabin and storage shed
- 50± acres of irrigated meadows with good water rights
- Lush meadows with stream bottoms running into timbered foothills
- Huge views of Ennis Lake and Madison Range
- Private setting and ideal equestrian property
General Description
As one leaves McAllister on the paved Meadow Creek Road, which splits to become the South Meadow Creek Road, one is looking across the open valley to the partially timbered foothills of the Tobacco Root Mountains. The Ramshorn Ranch is in one’s view at the base of these foothills. The road corners to the north just before hitting the ranch and then turns back west and runs along the ranch boundary before bending off to the northwest into a tight canyon at the ranch entrance. One is aware of the ranch buildings at several points along this road where one can see between the trees and the setting is impressive. The lower part of the ranch is dominated by approximately 50 acres of irrigated meadows and an irrigation ditch that has passed through for so many years that it manifests as a live seasonal creek with brush and cottonwoods lining it which provides another layer of privacy for the ranch. The ranch buildings lie in the center of the ranch tucked up against the timbered foothills that make up the upper part of the ranch and include the BLM acreage that lies between the lower meadows and the upper timbered tract. This upper 40-acre tract offers really big views of the Madison range and the Tobacco Roots and would be a really dramatic location for an owner’s home.
Broker's Comments
Ramshorn Ranch presents a rare opportunity to buy a power-packed small ranch in the Madison Valley that offers privacy, views and productivity on a modest acreage.
Learn about the locale
Location
Ramshorn is located about 11 miles north of Ennis and just west of McAllister on the South Meadow Creek Road. It is an easy one-hour drive to Bozeman and its many amenities including Montana’s most active commercial airport. Extensive private aircraft FBO facilities are also available at the Big Sky Airport just south of Ennis. The Madison Valley abounds with wonderful locations. Many would argue that the Meadow Creek Valley with its big views of the Madison Range and Ennis Lake, and proximity to Bozeman, make it a premier place to locate in the sought-after Madison River Valley.
Locale
The Meadow Creek valleys are home to many small ranches and some acreage tracts. They offer an eclectic mix of multi-generational local families and recent immigrants to the state whose names would be recognized on a national level. People like this end of the valley because of its easy access to Bozeman, the milder climate, and the views it commands of the Madison Range on the other side of the valley.The Madison Valley itself is one of Montana’s two or three most sought-after river valleys. Ennis is its centerpiece and is a truly wonderful small Montana town that exhibits a real sense of civic pride. Its classic main street with its false fronted buildings and mix of shops, galleries and eating and drinking establishments is widely admired and enjoyed. The “season” in the Madison Valley brings part-time residents from all over the world. That season is long because it revolves around wildlife and fishing which can begin in May and run through November. Ranches in the valley are generally large and tightly held with many protected by conservation easements which protect the big, open feel of this dramatic valley. Everyone contributes both financially and personally to maintaining the character of this community which has managed to retain a comfortable diversity between the captains of industry who own the big ranches and the many working Montana families who all call the valley home.
Climate
The climate at the north end of the main Madison Valley is generally mild. It has a slightly longer growing season than the upper valley to the south and is tucked up against the hills and behind a ridge that blocks wind. The ranch is not normally affected by deep snow as it is lies on the edge of the “snow line” separating it from the deeper snows farther up the South Meadow valley. The winters and the summers still exhibit pretty ideal mountain temperatures with comfortable days and cool nights.
Learn more about the property
Acreage (Deeded & Leased)
There are approximately 50 acres that are subject to irrigation. The balance of the ranch is native timbered rangeland or improved dryland pasture.
Deeded Acres: 113±
BLM Leased Acres: 40±
Total Leased Acres: 40±
Total Acres: 153±
Additional Information
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Ramshorn is unencumbered by conservation easements but would certainly be a prime candidate with 5-acre tracts in the immediate neighborhood bringing up to $50,000 per acre.
Improvements
The main house is estimated to contain 2,256± sq. ft. of living area along with 600± square feet of covered decks. It is traditional construction with log siding that has been chinked to appear like full logs. There are log accents inside as well as extensive use of stacked stone both in the central fireplace and accenting the exterior. The house has a comfortable “homey” feel to it and includes a long front porch that commands major views over the meadows to the lake and mountains to the east. The interior includes a living room/dining room/ kitchen area, a powder room, and two bedrooms, each with a bathroom, all on the main floor. There is a loft above that is used primarily as an office but plumbing is available to convert it to an additional bedroom/bathroom. There is a one-room “historic” cabin that has been converted to a guestroom. Other buildings include a metal pole shed used for equipment and hay storage as well as another historic building that has been restored for use as a tack room.
Water Rights
The ranch has good basic water rights which allow the meadows to be flood irrigated for a first cutting of hay or for grazing. Ramshorn also owns 5 shares of water which amounts to 100 miner’s inches in the South Meadow Reservoir that provides later season irrigation. In addition there are three wells on the ranch. The main one at the homestead provides plenty of water for domestic use and the yard irrigation. The other two wells have not been used and one is estimated to produce over 160 GPM and would be adequate for irrigation purposes. Actual filings are available from any Hall and Hall office or broker.
Taxes
Property taxes are estimated at $1,965 based upon past years.
Learn about the general operations
General Operations
The ranch is currently operated by one of its owners who is a well respected local outfitter. He runs his own horses there and takes in horses to run for others through the winter months. He is interested in staying on under a scenario that might include continuing to operate the property while acting as a caretaker for a new owner. His stewardship of the property is evident and the ability to joint venture in some way with an experienced, reputable outfitter who would be able to provide a cross section of services would be a real asset.Ramshorn also stands on its own as a modest-sized equestrian property with easy access to nearby public lands for riding and recreation.
Leases and Permits
Ramshorn has a 40± acre BLM grazing lease adjoining the deeded lands and running uphill into the timber. It is surrounded by other deeded lands, thus sequestering it from public access.
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