Hidden along the banks of the Neches River on a historic high point is Bear Mans Bluff Ranch. The stewards of this ranch have transformed the land into an idyllic family retreat that features the highest end of the authentic Texas ranch lifestyle. The main lodge sits overlooking the river, surrounded by massive oaks and cypress trees. Sitting on the porch carries owners and guests to a simpler time while offering extensive comfort and convenience. Miles of trails, a beautiful bass lake, a river fishing dock, and multiple other amenities make this ranch one of the finest offerings to be found in Texas.
Multiple habitats converge on Bear Man Bluff Ranch: longleaf pine forests, cypress-filled bayous, and hardwood bottomlands. Other old-growth trees on the ranch include water oaks, elms, dogwoods, magnolias, gum, and pine. The surrounding properties are primarily large wooded tracts, and no other structures are visible off of the property. Across the Neches river, the land is all part of thousands of acres of the Big Thicket National Preserve.
During the winter, much of the property is surrounded by water among the cypress trees. During the summer months, the water recedes and the understory becomes a beautiful grassland. Approximately 180± acres of the ranch has had most of the understory removed to create a park-like setting with large trees and good grasses. The northern half of the ranch has remained relatively untouched and is dominated by pines and thicker brush creating a privacy boundary and refuge for wildlife. White-tailed deer are abundant on the property and during the winter months, it is a haven for migrating ducks finding refuge amongst the flooded timber. Eagles and Ospreys are common in the area and a multitude of shorebirds make their home here. Other wildlife includes hogs, predators, and many species of songbirds.
Improvements:
The housing complex all includes top-of-the-line appliances, custom furniture, high ceilings, the best AV systems, flat screens televisions, an HVAC system, and immaculate landscaping.
The main lodge is a custom Western Heritage style lodge (approximately 6,000 square feet), using large-scale elements with expansive decks and cypress beams. The lodge is positioned on the bluff overlooking the river and forest. The great hall in the lodge is a combination of a living room and dining room with towering ceilings and exposed beams and ducts creating a dramatic setting. The room includes a large custom dining table, a large stone fireplace, and a unique wooden bar. Next to the great hall is a full kitchen with a gas stove and island layout with fine granite table tops. Accessed from the outside are three spacious bedrooms with full baths that all lead out to outdoor porches. All the bedrooms are impeccably furnished and the bathrooms all have decorative sinks with fixtures. Note; the housing on the property did NOT flood during Harvey.
Just next door to the main lodge is the similarly constructed two-story Guest House (approx. 6,000 square feet). Upon entry downstairs is a spacious dining and living area connecting four downstair bedrooms each with its own full bath. A fully equipped kitchen includes all updated appliances and a breakfast bar. Just outside the living space is a covered porch which is the main entrance to the downstairs quarters. Upstairs is accessed by stairs on the outside of the building and includes two spacious bedrooms with full baths and is centered by a living area with a small kitchen.
The grounds surrounding the two main structures are beautifully fenced and include a 5,000 square feet outdoor pavilion with a historic large fireplace (This restored fireplace was from an original structure that had been built on the property many years ago), built-in grill, television, and stereo system. A large dock overlooking the river has classic wooden furniture and a gas fire pit for romantic evenings on the water. There is also a two-car garage with upstairs storage located just outside of the compound.
