488 AC Cherokee Creek

Nestled just 3/4 mile from the historic community of Chappel—the very first settled area in San Saba County—this rare 488-acre ranch offers a legacy of Texas history and abundant natural resources that few properties can match. This land once belonged to the Comanche and Lipan Apache peoples and was home to the area's earliest pioneer families. David Matsler and his family arrived in 1854, establishing the first permanent settlement along Cherokee Creek. They were followed by the prominent Low, Matsler, and Lively families, whose stories helped shape this Texas Hill Country land. LAND: The terrain features a beautiful mix of stony clays, sandy loam, and Frio soils, supporting a diverse native landscape of ancient oaks, mesquite, cedar elms, and juniper. Towering century-old pecans line the creek bottom, delivering reliable yields for family harvesting each fall. At the headquarters stands a magnificent oak tree estimated at 400–500 years old—a living witness to the land’s rich past. Elevation gently rolls from 1,455 ft down to 1,251 ft, creating dramatic, sweeping views overlooking the creek valley below. This topography delivers privacy, breathtaking sunsets, and natural beauty that feels untouched by time. WATER: Water is the crown jewel here. Two water wells serve the property: one provides reliable supply to the home, bunk room, and barn, while the second (needing service) once irrigated the historic fruit trees that supplied a popular roadside fruit stand along FM 501. Most impressively, Cherokee Creek flows gracefully through the ranch for 3,775 feet, with both sides fully owned by the seller. This is a true year-round, spring-fed creek—crystal clear, fed by numerous springs to the west, including the powerful Hext Springs. It offers exceptional fishing, swimming, and a serene, refreshing escape right on your own land. In an era of increasing water scarcity, this property stands apart as a secure, self-sufficient haven with reliable live water that rivals the best in the Texas Hill Country. IMPROVEMENTS: The original 1940 home has been thoughtfully expanded and updated, now featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. A comfortable bunk house built in 2004 sleeps six, perfect for family, friends, or guests. Additional improvements include a hay barn and a large barn with pens—currently used for storage and entertaining. Outside, a cozy sitting area with a large native rock fireplace invites you to unwind in the afternoons, listening to the sounds of nature. For the hunter or wildlife enthusiast, the ranch is thoughtfully managed with 8 strategically placed box stands and supplemental protein feeders that keep healthy deer populations calling this place home. During a recent visit, the air filled with the sound of turkeys gobbling as they flew down from their roosts to the creek bottom—an unforgettable Hill Country moment. LOCATION: This ranch combines peaceful rural living with convenient access: Just 25 minutes to San Saba 20 minutes to Cooper BBQ in Llano 1 hour to Fredericksburg 1.5 hours to Austin 2 hours 45 minutes to Fort Worth Whether you're seeking a recreational hunting ranch, a family legacy property, or a sound long-term investment, this is a generational opportunity. The current owners have maintained and improved the land with care and pride. Properties with this combination of history, live water, mature timber, wildlife, and views are exceptionally scarce. Come experience it for yourself—you’ll quickly understand why this area was the first to be settled in San Saba County and why it continues to captivate those who value Texas at its very best. A true Hill Country gem that delivers peace, productivity, recreation, and enduring value. Serious inquiries are encouraged—this is not just a ranch; it’s a legacy waiting for its next chapter.