Tres Mesas Ranch
Goldthwaite, TXCharming Hill Country retreat with a cabin, pond, hunting, grazing, and wind turbine income. Conveniently located near Waco, Austin, and Lampasas, it’s a recreational and investment gem.
Big Valley Ranch is a well-improved East Texas ranch located near Troup in Cherokee and Rusk Counties, offering a balanced combination of residential improvements, agricultural capability, and recreational use. The property features a custom-built primary residence supported by a comprehensive set of ranch improvements, including a barn, shop, equipment storage, and working cattle facilities. The layout has been designed for efficiency, with cross-fenced pastures and centralized working pens that facilitate livestock handling and rotational grazing. Approximately 300 acres of pastureland, including 160± acres of improved coastal Bermuda hay fields, provide a strong foundation for a productive 150-200 cow-calf operation or similar agricultural enterprise.
Accessibility is a notable attribute, with nearly one mile of combined paved frontage on County Road 4608 and County Road 4606, along with multiple gated entry points. The ranch benefits from its proximity to Troup and Tyler, providing convenient access to regional services, medical facilities, and transportation infrastructure while maintaining the privacy associated with rural East Texas properties. The surrounding area is characterized by large neighboring tracts and established agricultural operations.
In addition to its agricultural function, the ranch supports a range of recreational uses, including hunting and fishing, with ponds, timbered areas, and a natural duck slough along Bowles Creek contributing to habitat diversity. The presence of utilities, water, and new infrastructure further enhances usability. Conveniently located near Troup and Tyler, the ranch combines rural privacy with proximity to an anchor city in East Texas, making it ideal for a homestead, working ranch with hay production, and a minor recreational aspect in a desirable market.
Big Valley Ranch presents a traditional East Texas landscape consisting of fenced pastureland, scattered trees, and denser timber concentrated along Bowles Creek. The ranch is accessed through multiple gated entrances that lead into a centralized headquarters area containing the primary residence and supporting improvements.
The operational layout is designed for efficiency, with all pastures feeding into a central set of working pens. Improvements are strategically positioned to allow convenient movement between grazing areas and handling facilities. The residence is located near the center of the property, providing oversight of the main operational area. Pipe-constructed working pens enable effective livestock management, allowing movement between pastures with minimal labor.
Big Valley Ranch represents a well-equipped East Texas property that integrates residential comfort with practical agricultural infrastructure. The modern residence, constructed in 2024, is complemented by a full suite of operational improvements, including a large shop, barn, equipment storage, and efficient working pens. The property’s layout, fencing, and water resources support continued livestock production while also offering recreational appeal. Its proximity to Tyler and regional transportation hubs enhances accessibility without compromising the rural setting. The ranch is suitable for a variety of ownership objectives, including a working cattle operation, recreational holding, or long-term rural residence.
The property is situated near Troup in Cherokee County, Texas, with a portion of the land extending into Rusk County. Primary access is provided via County Road 4608, complemented by additional gated entrances along County Road 4606. The ranch offers nearly one mile of paved road frontage, enhancing year-round accessibility. The main entrance is located off County Road 4608, while secondary access points are positioned near a pipeline right-of-way and meter station along the western boundary.
Troup is within a 10-minute drive and provides basic services, while Tyler, located roughly 30 to 40 minutes from the property, serves as a regional hub offering medical facilities, retail centers, dining, and commercial air service via Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Rusk County Airport is located approximately 15 miles away, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is roughly 133 miles from the ranch. The surrounding region is defined by rolling pastureland, timber, and established agricultural operations typical of East Texas.
The ranch is located within a rural agricultural community characterized by long-standing landownership and working ranches. Neighboring properties are primarily large tracts operated by local landowners, and the current ownership reports strong familiarity and positive relationships with surrounding neighbors.
Nearby Troup and Tyler provide the cultural and economic framework for the area. Troup offers essential services, schools, and local businesses, while Tyler functions as a larger regional center with hospitals, expanded retail, entertainment, and community events. The locale reflects a traditional East Texas setting with a stable agricultural base and accessible urban support.
The property lies within the humid subtropical climate zone of East Texas, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Annual rainfall typically ranges from 45 to 50 inches, supporting productive pasture growth and vegetation. Summer temperatures generally fall within the 80 to 90-degree range, while winters remain mild with occasional cooler periods. The extended growing season is well-suited for grazing and hay production.
Historically, the property has been utilized as a rural agricultural operation supporting a cow-calf program of approximately 150 to 200 head. Hay production and rotational grazing practices have been consistently implemented, and the improvements reflect long-term use focused on livestock and agricultural productivity.
The ranch comprises 300± acres of open pastureland with scattered trees. Of this total, 160± acres are improved pasture planted in coastal Bermuda grass and utilized for hay production. The remaining acreage consists of native pasture transitioning into timbered areas along Bowles Creek.
Utilities on the property include two water wells, electric service provided by Cherokee County Electric Cooperative, internet and Wi-Fi availability, a septic system, and a buried 500-gallon propane tank. There is no active oil or gas production or lease currently affecting the property. A month-to-month pasture lease is in place on a portion of the ranch and may be terminated prior to closing and funding. A recent timber evaluation estimated a value of approximately $700 per acre for selective harvesting within the timbered areas.
The improvements at Big Valley Ranch are comprehensive and support both residential living and agricultural operations. The primary residence is a single-level home offering 2,475± square feet of heated and cooled living space, with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, along with a central living area. The home is equipped with a split HVAC system, approximately three years old, and a gas tankless water heater of similar age. Appliances include a refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, microwave, vent hood, stove, and range, with gas service supporting the range, fireplace, and water heater. The residence is positioned to integrate with the surrounding improvements and offers direct access to the operational core of the ranch.
Adjacent to the residence is a 40’x60’ steel shop building, heated and cooled by mini-split systems. The structure features 20-foot lean-tos on both sides, providing additional covered storage. A finished bar or recreational space within the shop features a glass garage door that opens toward the pool area, creating a functional transition between work and leisure spaces. The barn encompasses 4,200± square feet and includes an 8’x12’ shipping container utilized as a tack room. This structure supports livestock shelter, hay storage, and equipment needs. Additional improvements include a 20’x40’ wood-framed equipment shed and a set of pipe-constructed working pens designed to handle 100 to 200 head of cattle. An overhead feed bin with a 30-ton capacity further supports feeding operations.
Fencing infrastructure includes a fully fenced perimeter and multiple cross-fences dividing the ranch into manageable pastures. This configuration supports rotational grazing and efficient livestock management. Collectively, the improvements create a turnkey operation capable of supporting ongoing agricultural use while also providing a comfortable residential environment.
Water resources include two water wells that supply both residential and agricultural needs. The property is also equipped with septic infrastructure and electric utilities distributed across multiple locations, supporting ranch operations.
Water rights associated with the property are expected to convey with the sale, subject to applicable state and local regulations.
Mineral rights are subject to seller ownership and should be confirmed through title review. The seller intends to make no reservations.
Annual property taxes for 2025 were approximately $8,300.
The property includes several ponds, highlighted by the newest and largest pond, located behind the residence and encompassing approximately five acres when full. Additional locations across the ranch offer potential for future pond development.
The ranch supports typical East Texas wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild hogs, alligators, small game, and various bird species. The combination of pasture, timber, and water features creates a diverse habitat suitable for wildlife viewing and hunting.
Recreational uses include duck hunting within natural sloughs and flooded timber along Bowles Creek, deer hunting in adjacent wooded areas with relatively low pressure from large neighboring properties, and seasonal dove hunting. The ranch also supports wild hog and alligator hunting. Nearby Lake Striker provides additional opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
The ranch is currently operated as a homestead and cow-calf operation supporting approximately 150 to 200 head of cattle. Existing infrastructure, including improved pastures, barns, working pens, and equipment storage, supports continued livestock production or alternative agricultural uses.
Not only did we feel we had the best in the industry by our side, but we also made a friend for life.
This is a letter to inform you that, as of today, my husband and I are proud owners of Texas property and feel it wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for Brett Grier’s perseverance and dedication in getting it done. From the start of our introduction to Brett’s big...