Shipley River Ranch

466.52± Acres | Jonesboro, Texas | Central Texas Hill Country

Nestled within the picturesque ranchlands of Jonesboro, Texas, Shipley River Ranch is a distinguished 466± acre estate offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich ranching heritage, and convenient access to key Texas metros including Waco, Dallas, and Austin.

Since its acquisition in 2005, this historic property has served as a cherished family retreat—an enduring sanctuary where generations have gathered to raise cattle, farm, hunt, hike, swim, and uncover arrowheads amid a landscape steeped in history and tradition. Atop its rolling hills stands a lovingly restored early 1800s stone, two-story stagecoach stop, a rare testament to the region’s storied past.

Location & Accessibility

Shipley River Ranch balances privacy with exceptional accessibility:

1 hour to Waco

1.5 hours to Austin

2 hours to Dallas

Just 20 minutes from shopping and essentials in Hamilton or Gatesville

Ranch entrance is on Hwy 36 with a gated entrance and winding drive to the main house.

Land & Water Features

The ranch’s terrain captivates with 120 feet of elevation change, unveiling expansive vistas, rolling pastures, and a rich tapestry of wooded ridges, seasonal creeks, and lush pecan bottoms.

Decades of thoughtful stewardship have nurtured the land into a scenic, yet highly functional ranch dominated by native oaks and a mixture of native and improved grasses, with selective cedar clearing enhancing grazing and wildlife habitat.

Divided into two primary pastures, allowing for efficient management of cultivated forage and grazing crops

Approximately 120 acres of farming-capable sandy loam soils

Comprehensive road and trail system facilitating seamless access throughout the property

Water resources are abundant and varied:

The winding Leon River offers deep fishing and swimming holes

Seasonal creeks meander through forested areas accessible via well-designed trails

A 685-foot-deep Trinity Aquifer well, housed within a 20’x20’ brick well house, supplies 16 gallons per minute, ensuring ample water for the lawn and pool

The main house is on Coryell Water, 1 meter.

Recreation & Wildlife

Shipley River Ranch caters to a diverse array of outdoor pursuits and sustainable livestock operations:

Thriving populations of white-tailed deer, dove, turkey, and hogs supported by strategically placed feeders and plentiful water sources

Multiple fossil and arrowhead hunting sites

Ideal for shooting sports, gardening, exploration, and peaceful family gatherings beneath the stars

Improvements & Residences

The ranch improvements reflect thoughtful design with an emphasis on comfort, elegance, and outdoor living:

Main Residence (2011)

Custom-built, 7,022 SF, two-story stone and brick masterpiece

Five bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths

Grand foyer with a winding staircase

Formal dining room featuring expansive windows overlooking the grounds

Gourmet kitchen with top-tier appliances, oversized island seating, and breakfast nook opening to the outdoor patio

Spacious living area with built-in bookcases, gas fireplace, and seamless access to the outdoor kitchen, swim-up bar, dual fireplaces, and putting green

Luxurious primary suite with soaking tub, walk-in shower, large walk-in closet housing a safe room, and adjoining private exercise room opening to the patio and pool area

Additional bedroom with en-suite bath on the main level

Upstairs hosts a large media/game room with full bar and access to an expansive covered deck, plus three bedrooms each with full baths

Ample attic storage with three access points

Three-car garage with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, epoxy flooring, mudroom, and oversized laundry/office/storage area

Views of live oaks, manicured lawns, and landscaping provide shade and serenity from every vantage point.

Guest/Manager’s House

Updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence (originally built in 1947, remodeled in 2014). Open porch and landscaped yard shaded by mature oaks.

Additional ranch infrastructure includes:

Equipment and storage barns positioned for convenience

Functional cattle pens and outbuildings supporting efficient ranch operations

Paved entrance and well-maintained all-weather interior roads

Conservation & Management

Actively managed for both conservation and recreation, Shipley River Ranch supports flourishing native wildlife and is well-suited for sustainable livestock and wildlife enterprises, preserving the integrity and legacy of this exceptional Texas Hill Country estate.