Property Description:
Lantana River Ranch is an exceptional riverfront and recreational property offering a combination of scenic beauty, diverse land characteristics, and well-appointed improvements. The ranch features a custom residence and infinity pool situated atop a 60-foot bluff overlooking the lush, improved hay pastures and productive farmland of the Leon River bottomland, complemented by pecan orchards, native pasture, and established wildlife habitat. Held by the same family for many decades, Lantana River Ranch is a property that lives much larger than its actual size, offering a remarkable variety of land, water, recreational, and agricultural opportunities.
Ideally situated along the banks of the Leon River, the ranch is located between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Austin, just west of Waco. Currently operated as a leased cattle ranch, the property also supports good hay production and provides excellent hunting opportunities for traditional Texas wildlife. Improvements include an approximately 3,000± square-foot main residence, swimming pool and spa, equipment barn, and pipe-fenced livestock working pens. With its combination of comfortable improvements, productive acreage, river frontage, and recreational appeal, Lantana River Ranch is well suited for enjoying time with family and friends while continuing its existing ranch operations.
Location:
Lantana River Ranch is located at 2655 County Road 194 in Jonesboro, Coryell County, Texas, approximately five miles south of Jonesboro and south of State Highway 36. The ranch is approximately 50 miles west of Waco, with an estimated drive time of one hour or less, 125 miles south of Dallas, 109 miles south of Fort Worth, and 106 miles north of Austin, with an approximate two-hour drive from each of the three major metropolitan areas.
Land:
Encompassing 399± acres, Lantana River Ranch is divided into three separate parcels situated on both sides of County Road 194, with approximately 250 acres on the north side and 149 acres on the south side.
The 250-Acre Main Tract
The approximately 250-acre main tract features roughly 3,750 feet of frontage along the north side of County Road 194 and is home to the main residence and equipment barn. The land offers a diverse combination of improved and native pastures for livestock, improved farmland suitable for crops and Coastal Bermuda, and wooded areas and brush that provide valuable wildlife habitat.
The northern portion of this tract consists of relatively flat river bottomland with approximately 3,000 feet of frontage along the Leon River, with approximately half of the river frontage extending along both sides of the river. The southern portion, comprising approximately 60% of the tract, rises to the bluff and includes the main residence and barn. From the home and pool, the elevated setting atop the 60-foot bluff provides impressive views overlooking the Leon River bottomland, pecan orchard, and a small lake. The combination of river frontage and wooded terrain provides excellent cover for the native wildlife that inhabits the property.
The 149-Acre Southern Tracts
The remaining approximately 149 acres consist of two unimproved tracts located directly across County Road 194 from the main 250-acre tract. The first is an approximately 17-acre tract with roughly 2,000 feet of frontage along County Road 194, situated across from the main entrance. Although currently unimproved, this tract was previously utilized as a vineyard.
The remaining approximately 132 acres feature a matching entrance gate aligned with the southernmost gate of the main 250-acre tract. With approximately 3,250 feet of frontage along the south side of County Road 194, this acreage consists of native pasture, trees, and brush that provide excellent wildlife habitat. Ranch roads and trails provide access throughout the property, along with a variety of deer blinds and feeders.
Water:
The northern portion of the ranch is situated along the south side of the Leon River, where the property features high riverbanks and approximately 3,000 feet of frontage along the south side of the river. The ranch also appears to include frontage along both sides of the river. A portion of the property adjacent to the river lies within the floodplain.
In addition to the Leon River, stock tanks are located throughout the ranch, along with a narrow but lengthy pond situated below the main residence.
Community water services the main residence and barn, while a water well is located on the southern 132-acre tract.
Terrain/Topography:
One of the property’s most compelling features is the expansive view from the back of the main residence, where approximately 20-mile views take in the surrounding countryside. The ranch features approximately 80 feet of elevation change, with higher ground along a bluff and ridge line running through approximately the middle of the northern portion of the property.
The terrain transitions from flat, fertile river bottomland to gently rolling areas throughout the ranch, with the northern portion of the property sloping toward the Leon River. A variety of native trees, including oak, elm, and pecan, provide attractive tree cover and complement the combination of native and improved pastures found across the property.
Improvements:
Main Residence
A winding drive through the beautiful entrance and gate leads through a park-like setting of well-maintained live oaks to the main residence.
Built in the early 1990s, the approximately 3,000± square-foot custom home has been well built and maintained and has served as the setting for many large family gatherings over the years. The two-story residence features a metal roof, board-and-batten siding, and a porch that wraps around three sides of the home, providing inviting outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy the surrounding views.
The popular open floor plan is highlighted by a dramatic two-story great room featuring a large wood-burning stone fireplace, hearth, and chimney extending to the ceiling. A wet bar with an ice maker and generous countertop overlooks the great room, creating a natural gathering space.
The kitchen features handmade Spanish tile countertops and backsplash, Saltillo tile flooring, and an adjoining dining area overlooking the great room. Appliances include an electric cooktop, double oven, dishwasher, and double stainless-steel sink. A spacious mudroom with washer and dryer is located just off the kitchen and provides access to the oversized attached two-car garage, which features new electric roll-up doors. The home also includes a large man cave with built-in gun cases and shelving.
The primary bedroom is located on the first floor and features direct access to the back patio, a large walk-in closet, and a spacious bathroom with double sinks, separate tub and shower, and a private water closet.
Upstairs, a large landing provides a sitting area and built-in desk overlooking the great room. The second floor also includes two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Outdoor Living & Pool
Outdoor entertaining is a natural extension of the home, with expansive stone and wood decks and a covered back porch surrounding the infinity pool and spa. A waterfall feature adds to the setting, while the elevated outdoor living areas atop the 60-foot bluff overlook the fertile Leon River bottomland, improved and native pastures, improved farmland, and pecan orchard.
Equipment Barn & Ranch Infrastructure
The approximately 2,600± square-foot Morton metal barn features high ceilings, concrete floors, and two large sliding doors. Additional improvements include a small office with a stainless-steel sink, shop area, and covered porch along one side of the barn.
The ranch is fenced and cross-fenced and includes pipe-fenced working pens for livestock.
Recreation/Hunting:
Lantana River Ranch offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, with the Leon River, wooded acreage, open fields, and multiple ponds providing an appealing setting for enjoying the outdoors. Activities include horseback riding, hiking throughout the wooded portions of the ranch, swimming in the infinity pool or Leon River, and fishing along the riverbanks or in the property’s various ponds.
The combination of wooded cover, open fields, and the Leon River corridor also provides excellent opportunities for hunting. The ranch supports a variety of traditional Texas wildlife, including whitetail deer, hogs, waterfowl, bobcats, turkey, quail, and dove. Numerous feeders and blinds are already established throughout the property for hunting or observing wildlife.
With its Leon River frontage, scenic bluff-top setting, diverse terrain, agricultural capability, and established recreational improvements, Lantana River Ranch offers a distinctive opportunity to own and enjoy a versatile Central Texas ranch.
