Ritter Farms

Summary: Welcome to your own slice of paradise on this stunning 225-acre farm and ranch property nestled in the heart of nature's beauty. This picturesque estate boasts everything you need for a tranquil and self-sufficient lifestyle, with two serene ponds glistening under the sun and a babbling creek meandering through the landscape, providing a peaceful ambiance that is unmatched.

Land Characteristics: Ritter Farms consists of a diverse tract of land with rolling terrain, multiple improved pastures that are separated by strips of timber and a desirable combination of creeks and stock ponds. Topography on the property ranges from an approximate low of 240’ ASL to an approximate high of 350’ ASL. While drives through the property are accented by what feels like gentle roll the 110 feet of total elevation change offers a surprising number of deep draws, most of which drain to a large creek that crosses the NW portion of the property. This creek is known locally as Moorman Creek and is very desirable with it’s sandy bottoms and consistent water flow throughout most conditions. A quick glance at the topography map seems to indicate that there are multiple pond sites on the property, a couple of which have the possibility of creating larger bodies of water which would have a high degree of recreational appeal. Currently, the property has three stock ponds, the large creek and multiple draws with natural springs so water supply is adequate for most livestock and wildlife purposes. The two largest ponds are located in the southern portion of the property near the home and other improvements. The log home sits above a well-stocked pond with tree lined banks that is estimated to be approximately one acre in size. A second pond that is approximately 0.6 acres in size is located just below a newly constructed hay barn.

The property's scattered timber adds to its natural charm, providing outstanding wildlife habitat but is also situated in a manner in which it offers very good privacy for the property owners. The property is located just off of US Highway 84 and across a railroad. The current owners had privacy in mind when they were developing this property and an initial step taken was planting almost ten acres of planted Pine timber along the southern boundary. This timber appears to be in the 8 – 10-year-old range and is at the point where it provides a nice buffer from the convenience of the major highway frontage. The bulk of the timber on the property is mature mixed hardwood and Pine but there are also several acres of dense younger timber. This variety of timber, both in terms of species and age offers a very versatile property. It is estimated that there is approximately 60 – 65 acres of improved pasture which is scattered throughout the property. The rear field was cut-over timber that has been converted to pasture with scattered young hardwood timber. This field adds another 55 acres (+/-) of grass for grazing purposes. The balance of the property is mixed native timber.

Improvements: At the heart of the property sits a magnificent custom log home, meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Boasting rustic charm and modern amenities, this home offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can unwind and create lasting memories with family and friends. With two spacious shops and a hay barn, you'll have ample space for equipment storage, workshops, or whatever your heart desires. Whether you're a hobbyist or a seasoned rancher, these facilities offer endless possibilities for your projects and endeavors. Whether you're enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace or hosting gatherings on the spacious deck overlooking the rolling hills, every corner of this home exudes comfort and luxury. With its open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and panoramic views, the home is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The log home was constructed in 2017 and has approximately 2,594 SF of GLA. It has four bedrooms and three and one half baths over two levels of living area. The home is nicely appointed with a good quality interior finish-out and nice amenities. The focal point of the home is the large open living area with high, vaulted ceilings, the large wrap patio which overlooks the larger pond and a large, attached carport. A virtual tour of the home is provided within this listing so that you can explore the rustic, yet refined finishes. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, the virtual tour will explain far more than we are able to so please take the time to immerse yourself in the virtual walk-thru of this wonderful home.

Other major improvements include a 1,600 SF insulated shop building with a concrete slab, restroom and shop sink. This large, open-air shop offers versatile storage options or room for expansion of living area. It has two large attached covered areas, 600 SF in the front and 800 SF on the side. Adjacent to the main shop is a 2,500 SF equipment shed and adjacent to that is another shop building on a concrete slab that was estimated to be approximately 1,200 SF. All three of these buildings have electrical in conduit and virtually no deferred maintenance. The newest addition was a large 80’ x 105’ metal frame hay shed with a metal roof. This structure was added in 2021 and has dirt floors. The improvements are accessed via a long gravel drive with an automatic gate up front. Electricity is provided by Deep East Texas Electrical Co-Op. The property has a water well with a filtration system that provides water to the house and shop. The TCEQ database shows this well to have a depth of 220 feet with an 8” casing. A large propane tank is utilized to run a massive liquid cooled generator. This unit is reported to be 35kw and can power the home, two shops and the equipment shed so that your life will not be interrupted when the next storm blows through. These features and so many more showcase a true pride of ownership that you will need to see to fully appreciate.

Location: The property is located at 4533 Hwy 84 between the communities of Tenaha and Joaquin in the northern portion of Shelby County. Center is approximately 15 minutes south and Carthage is approximately 20 minutes to the northwest. Coordinates to the front gate are: 31.9585, -94.1551. The property has additional access via a deeded easement from the NW corner of the property to CR 3717.

Located in a peaceful and idyllic setting, yet conveniently close to amenities and attractions, this property offers the best of both worlds. Whether you're seeking a private sanctuary to escape to or a productive ranching operation to call home, this 225-acre estate is sure to exceed your expectations and fulfill your dreams of country living at its finest. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own your piece of paradise!