About an hour west of Fort Worth, the outer suburbs of the DFW Metroplex give way to miles of rolling Texas hill country encompassing a magnificent patchwork of open prairies, pristine lakes and unspoiled cross timber woodlands. This authentic slice of classic Western wilderness is home to a Texas-size equestrian community set on 5,000 acres of gorgeous wooded terrain just north of Interstate 20.
The 7-R Ranch development offers buyers a selection of one- to 10-acre ranchettes in a gated environment with first-class recreational amenities and hundreds of scenic acres set aside as private nature reserves. In addition to an on-site equestrian center with boarding stables and an extensive trail network, 7-R Ranch offers buyers a deluxe clubhouse, a separate 11,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts, several private lakes stocked with bass, and a hilltop lookout with some of the most beautiful 30-mile vistas in all of Texas. Many homesites feature panoramic hill country views, and all lots are supplied with paved road access, public water and utilities. The 7-R Ranch Sundance Lodge model home is now open and ready for viewing.
Acreage: 5,000 acres (2,025 hectares)
Gatehouse: Gated access assures the privacy and security of 7-R Ranch residents.
Clubhouse: The spacious private clubhouse features a beautiful rock pool and playground. A separate recreation center measuring more than 11,000 square feet is currently under construction.
Equestrian: In keeping with the Old West heritage of the North Texas hill country, 7-R Ranch offers residents an on-site equestrian center with deluxe horse boarding facilities, plus a private trail network where residents can enjoy scenic backcountry rides.
Fitness: The first-class private fitness center will offer a complete selection of cardio and weight training equipment.
Recreation: The new Arthur L. Ruff Recreation Center will offer a wide range of social and recreational amenities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, workout equipment, locker rooms, tennis and racquetball courts, soccer and softball fields, a giant-screen video theater, a catering kitchen, business center, community lounge, vending area and picnic sites. Phase one of the project is scheduled for completion in early summer 2008.
Boating: Numerous lakes on the property are ideal for canoes, kayaks and other small recreational boats.
Fishing: The private lakes at 7-R Ranch are stocked with bass and other freshwater fish.
Swimming: The indoor-outdoor pool complex at the new recreation center will allow residents to swim year-round.
Conservation Areas: Large swaths of the property have been set aside as private nature reserves teeming with wildlife, including white-tail deer, African Barbary sheep and numerous species of endemic and migratory birds.
Hiking and Biking: The vast trail network at 7-R Ranch allows residents to explore hundreds of acres of spectacular woodlands and prairies on foot or by bike. And with 300 days of sunshine per year, residents can enjoy this remarkable wilderness throughout the four seasons.
Area Attractions: In addition to the sublime natural attractions of the North Texas hill country, 7-R Ranch residents have easy access to one of America’s most exciting metropolitan areas. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex harbors a sophisticated mix of top museums and historical sites, golf courses performing arts venues, professional sports franchises and chic shopping districts.
Dining and Shopping: Gordon and other small towns in the surrounding region offer a good selection of local shops and restaurants. Also nearby is the historic Smokestack Restaurant and general store in the coal mining ghost town of Thurber (don’t miss their famous buttermilk pie!). With the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex only an hour away via Interstate 20, residents also have easy access to a full range of major retailers, specialized boutiques and fine dining restaurants.
Lots: 7-R Ranch offers a selection of homesites ranging from one to 10 acres, all with paved road access and public water and utilities. Hilltop lots on the flanks of Clayton Mountain feature panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Buyers also have the option of joining two or more lots into a single larger estate. Priced from $59,000 to $200,000.