Property Description:
El Nido Ranch on Bois d’Arc Lake is a rare offering that seamlessly combines a luxury residential estate, recreational ranch, and premier lakefront property with sweeping views across Bois d’Arc Lake. Encompassing approximately 46 acres of gently rolling pasture, scattered hardwoods, and nearly 900 feet of shoreline, the ranch offers an exceptional blend of privacy, natural beauty, and recreational appeal.
Ideally situated just 1.5 hours northeast of Downtown Dallas—and even more convenient to the rapidly expanding communities north of Dallas in Collin and Cooke Counties—El Nido Ranch provides the unique opportunity to enjoy refined lakefront living within easy reach of the Metroplex.
The property has served as both a cherished second home and the owners’ primary residence. Accessed via a paved, tree-lined county road, the ranch welcomes visitors through a code-accessed entry gate and along a winding gravel drive that passes a beautiful renovated old pole barn before arriving at the two residences.
Originally purchased and redesigned by one of Dallas’ premier interior decorators, the original cabin was extensively remodeled prior to the completion of the thoughtfully designed custom main residence in 2019. Both homes were designed with relaxed entertaining in mind, featuring open-concept floorplans, vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and expansive porches overlooking the lake and surrounding grounds.
The manicured grounds surrounding the homes are irrigated and fenced, with areas dedicated to horses, donkeys, and raised garden beds. The ranch is perimeter fenced and cross-fenced with five-strand barbed wire fencing and currently benefits from an agricultural exemption.
Location:
El Nido Ranch is located at 1955 County Road 2980 in Windom, Fannin County, Texas 75492. The property lies approximately 1.5 hours northeast of Downtown Dallas, 7 miles northwest of Honey Grove, and 19 miles east of Bonham.
The ranch offers approximately 750 feet of frontage along County Road 2980, a paved two-lane county road located west of FM 1396 and approximately 6 miles north of U.S. Highway 82.
The surrounding area is characterized by large acreage properties, rolling pastureland, and recreational lake amenities, with nearby parks and public access points providing additional outdoor opportunities.
Land:
The ranch encompasses approximately 46 acres of gently sloping pastureland descending toward Bois d’Arc Lake. The areas surrounding the residences are landscaped with irrigated St. Augustine grass, while the balance of the property consists of open pasture, scattered mature trees, and heavier wooded areas along the eastern and northern boundaries.
The varied vegetation and lakefront setting provide excellent habitat for wildlife and create a scenic, private atmosphere throughout the ranch.
In addition to approximately 900 feet of lake frontage, the property also includes a small pond.
Utilities servicing the property include co-op electricity, propane gas, and community water. Both residences are serviced by septic systems.
The majority of the ranch benefits from an agricultural exemption, excluding the homes and barn improvements.
Water:
The property has approximately 900 feet of frontage on Bois D’Arc lake but also features a small pond.
Improvements:
Residential Improvements
The approach to El Nido Ranch immediately sets the tone for the property. Traveling down the paved, tree-lined county road past scenic pastures with grazing horses and cattle, visitors arrive at the beautiful code-accessed gated entrance. From there, the gravel drive winds past the historic pole barn before opening to the two residences overlooking the lake.
Cabin
In 2012, the original 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cabin was completely remodeled by one of Dallas’ premier interior decorators, transforming it into a refined yet comfortable lakeside retreat.
The approximately 1,491-square-foot cabin features an open-concept layout with a vaulted ceiling, abundant windows, and a large stone wood-burning fireplace anchoring the living area. The kitchen overlooks the main living space and is finished with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Two bedrooms and one bathroom are located on the first floor, while the second-floor bedroom suite includes a private bathroom and access to an elevated porch with magnificent lake views.
Exterior finishes include a combination of stone and siding beneath a composition roof. Outdoor living spaces include a stone patio overlooking the lake, long wooden porches along the front of the cabin, and a large covered side porch. The backyard features stone retaining walls and ten raised garden beds.
Main Residence
Completed in 2019, the thoughtfully designed custom main residence encompasses approximately 3,928 square feet and was carefully crafted for both relaxed everyday living and entertaining.
Upon entering the home, guests are welcomed by a spacious foyer accented with antique brick flooring that leads into the central hallway connecting the primary living spaces. The large dining room and vaulted living room feature elegant wainscoting, abundant natural light, and picturesque views overlooking the lake and surrounding grounds.
The kitchen was designed for the most discerning chef and includes a large center island, premium appliances, custom cabinetry, a spacious butler’s pantry, and extensive storage. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cozy sitting area anchored by a brick fireplace. Thoughtfully selected chandeliers, sconces, and recessed lighting provide warmth and character throughout the home.
The private primary suite occupies its own wing of the residence and overlooks both the lake and surrounding pastureland. The suite includes a spacious bathroom, oversized walk-in closet, and dedicated laundry area with full-size washer and dryer connections. Flooring throughout much of the home consists of antique brick and hardwoods, while the primary bedroom features carpeting for added comfort. The primary suite is serviced by its own HVAC zone.
The exterior of the home was designed for durability and energy efficiency, featuring Hardie-board siding, double-pane metal windows, and a composition roof. The landscaped grounds are welcoming coming out from either home looking down to the lake.
Historic Pole Barn
A centerpiece of the ranch is a beautiful remodeled pole barn. The structure serves as both an event space and equipment storage facility.
The barn measures approximately 40’ x 70’ (2,800 square feet) and features board-and-batten siding, a metal roof, and primarily dirt flooring with select enclosed storage areas. Its authentic character and open-air design make it a unique and functional improvement.
Recreation/Hunting:
The property lends itself to excellent recreation potential with frontage and access to Bois D’Arc Lake, the property is ready for the new owner to take on a variety of waterspouts activities from hunting, fishing, to all types of boating.
Development Potential:
The property is unzoned and located outside the city limits of Windom. Given the substantial lake frontage and highly desirable location on Bois d’Arc Lake, the ranch may also present future development or investment potential.
Surrounding properties in the area consist primarily of pastureland, recreational ranches, and large-acreage residential holdings.
