Ask Cynthia Inman
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 605-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. An elevator near the laundry room offers an optional second story access.
Formal dining area featuring expansive windows overlooking the grounds
Gourmet kitchen with top-tier GE Monogram appliances (gas range, double door refrigerator, double oven, dishwasher, warming drawer, wine cooler), oversized island offering 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 (gas and wood), 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.
Listed by:
Cynthia Inman, Broker - Ranch Connection (817) 366-3850
Tesa M Whitley, REALTOR Land and Ranch - Ranch Connection (432) 638-3636
Directions: From Austin I-35 N to Waco. Take exit 299, merge onto S. General Bruce Dodgken Loop to Hwy 36, 46.4 miles to the ranch in Jonesboro. From Dallas I-35 S to Waco Take exit 299, merge onto S. General Bruce Dodgken Loop to Hwy 36, 46.4 miles to the ranch in Jonesboro From Waco Take exit 299, merge onto S. General Bruce Dodgken Loop to Hwy 36, 46.4 miles to the ranch in Jonesboro From Hamilton, take Hwy 36 to Jonesboro, the ranch is just about 1 mile east of town. Please do not tresspass. Gated entrance. Appointment required. Shown by appointment only. Call Cynthia Inman, Broker 817-366-3850 or Tesa Whitley, REALTOR® Land and Ranch 432-638-3636 We ask for a minimum of 24 hr notice, please
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