One of the many benefits of the Spear Ranch is that, while it is not mentioned in every individual description, all the improvements have been remodeled and renovated to the highest standard. It is truly “move in” ready. Many of the furnishings are included as well.
Main House – (7,414± Square Feet): This classic New England-style home was built by Willis and Belle Spear and has undergone several remodels and updates by at least four owners since 1930 that we know of. These were all families of considerable wealth and good taste who spared no expense to update and remodel it to the highest standard. The most recent and likely the most comprehensive update was completed in the last five years by the current owners.
Main Floor – There is a kitchen/pantry and dining area with granite counters and the latest high-end appliances set up equally for comfortable private family use or for a kitchen staff providing served meals. Just off this end of the house is a screened gazebo overlooking the creek that allows the family to eat summer meals outside. Natural oak wood flooring is throughout the two main floors. A hallway leads one to a series of rooms. There is a formal dining room with a gas fireplace just off the kitchen, a private office with a full bathroom across the hall, a library/sitting room with a wood-burning fireplace and powder room, and a bedroom with a full bathroom and gas-burning fireplace. This hallway opens into the formal front entrance and the large formal living room with a wood-burning fireplace and an attached enclosed sun porch.
Second Floor – Staircases from the front entrance and from the kitchen area lead up to the second floor. Starting from the back stairs, one first encounters a large laundry room and linen storage, and then there is a one-bedroom suite with a bathroom. Then, proceeding along the hallway, there is a small bedroom with a bathroom on one side and two good-sized bedrooms, each with a fireplace and a shared bathroom on the other side. This combination could also function as a one-bedroom suite with a sitting room. Then there is another smaller bedroom with a bathroom and fireplace. The hallway then opens into a large sitting area where the stairs come up from the front entrance. This end of the house is where the master bedroom suite is contained. It features a large bedroom with a fireplace, a bathroom, a sitting area, and a large closet area.
Other Features of the Main House – It is beautifully landscaped with the gazebo and a fenced play area for children. The house has its own backup generator. There is an attic that includes a recreation room for children. In the basement, there is an exercise room, all the utility hookups, and extensive backup water storage. The house also has a built-in fire suppression system on each floor.
Caretaker’s House (984± Square Feet): Next to the main house is a small, comfortable two-bedroom, two-bathroom caretaker’s house.
Guest House #1 (1,728± Square Feet): Located just downstream from the event barn, we believe the two guest houses were left over from the dude ranching era. This one features two bedrooms, each with a bathroom and a fireplace, a kitchen, a laundry room, a living room with a fireplace, and a lovely deck over the creek. There is a four-car garage associated with these guesthouses.
Guest House #2 (1,806± Square Feet): This house has a bigger kitchen with granite counters, a living room with a big stone fireplace, an enclosed porch, a laundry room, a bedroom with bathroom, a master suite with a sizable bathroom, sitting room, and bedroom. These bedrooms also have fireplaces.
Four Car Garage (1,780± Square Feet): This is an older building with a concrete floor that has not been updated. It is used for equipment and vehicle storage.
Pond Cabin: One of the three ponds has been dedicated as a swimming pond. Presiding over this pond is a completely refurbished older one room log cabin. It features a log burning fireplace and a porch overlooking the creek. It has hosted literally hundreds of pool parties over half a century or more in its current location.
Equestrian Barn (11,304± Square Feet): This is a very complete indoor arena with a large entry room and bathroom. Eight stalls with waterers, indoor and outdoor washing stalls, a hay loft, and a large 90’ X 120’ riding arena with special shock-absorbing mulch and sprinklers to keep the dust down. The stalls open into fenced paddocks. There is also an outdoor arena and round pen for working horses on the bench above the creek.
Event Barn (1,944± Square Feet): This classic hip roof barn has been converted into a facility for events such as dances, weddings, and concerts. The downstairs has been fitted with a prep kitchen, bathrooms, a green room, serving area, etc. The haymow has been refinished as an open space to accommodate whatever activity is contemplated. The doors on each end open up to large balconies that overlook the ranch and the creek.
Shop/Storage Building (3,200± Square Feet): This is a partially heated three-bay steel building with a bathroom, a shop area, and extensive storage for ranch equipment.
Other Improvements: While the ranch has its own wells, the entire property lies within the Sheridan Area Water Supply District and has access to city water. There are miles of trails throughout the ranch that have been covered with wood chips. There is a small gauge target range as well.