Leffingwell Ranch Offering Brochure
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LEFFINGWELL RANCH<br />
CLYDE PARK, MONTANA | PARK COUNTY<br />
LISTED EXCLUSIVELY BY
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
INTRODUCTION1<br />
LOCATION & ACCESS3-4<br />
ELEVATION & CLIMATE 5<br />
PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION 6<br />
IMPROVEMENTS8-12<br />
WATER RIGHTS 14<br />
RANCH & AREA FISHING 16<br />
HUNTING & RECREATION17<br />
AREA HISTORY 18<br />
UTILITIES & SERVICES20<br />
CONSERVATION EASEMENT20<br />
REAL ESTATE TAXES20<br />
MINERAL RIGHTS20<br />
FENCES & BOUNDARY LINES20<br />
SUMMARY STATEMENT 21<br />
OFFERING PRICE & CONDITIONS OF SALE 22<br />
CONTACT INFORMATION23<br />
MAPS 24-26
INTRODUCTION<br />
Owned by the <strong>Leffingwell</strong> Family since 1901, this offering is truly historic and may be one of the longest-held family ranch properties in Park County<br />
and Southwest Montana. The next owner of this iconic ranch will be only the third owner since Montana was granted statehood in 1889.<br />
Consisting of approximately 970 deeded acres, <strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> is currently being operated as a “working dude ranch” along the trout-rich waters<br />
of Brackett Creek west of Clyde Park. The setting of the <strong>Ranch</strong> headquarters along Brackett Creek provides dramatic views of the Bridger Mountain<br />
Range to the west and the Crazy Mountain Range to the east. Mid-sized properties, as well as sizable ranches, control much of the private land in the<br />
Brackett Creek Valley. Combined with the vast acreage of U.S. Forest Service land, the possibility of future high-density development in this area is<br />
unlikely. The limited number of homes makes this area of Gallatin and Park Counties one of the most highly sought-after parts of Southwest Montana.<br />
Bracket Creek provides an intimate small stream fishing experience as it serpentines through the <strong>Ranch</strong> for about one and a half miles. This mountain<br />
stream is primarily spring fed and maintains a steady flow even during the fall season when many mountain streams experience decreased flows.<br />
Miles Creek flows from the southern reaches of the <strong>Ranch</strong> and feeds Brackett Creek near the headquarters. Serving as a prolific spawning stream<br />
flowing into Brackett Creek, the owners have never allowed fishing on this stream to protect this critical spawning habitat. This mountain stream has a<br />
steady flow year round. Several springs have created natural ponds along the riparian bottoms providing additional water-development opportunities.<br />
The bountiful elk herds in the area often find protection on the <strong>Ranch</strong> and frequent the hay meadows and the Brackett Creek bottom. Located in<br />
Hunting District 393, according to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, the <strong>Ranch</strong> is in a general tag area providing an easier opportunity to access<br />
both bull elk and buck deer tags.<br />
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LOCATION & ACCESS<br />
<strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> is located on Brackett Creek Road between Highway 86 (Bridger Canyon Road) to the west and Highway 89 to the east. About 8.5<br />
miles east of the <strong>Ranch</strong> is the rural town of Clyde Park, which is about 20 miles north of Livingston. Bozeman is a comfortable 35-minute drive to the<br />
west via Bridger Canyon Road and Bridger Bowl Ski Area is less than 10 miles from the <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />
Livingston is historically a ranching and railroad community, and these traditions continue today. Livingston also has a strong tourism-based economy<br />
due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and world-class fishing. With just over 8,000 residents, Livingston has a strong art influence as well<br />
as many fine dining establishments.<br />
Bozeman is a vibrant and active university-oriented city steeped in culture and art. Bozeman is proud to maintain its small-town feeling with big-city<br />
amenities. It is home to Montana State University, Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman Symphony, and Montana Ballet. The fourth-largest city in the<br />
state, Bozeman offers abundant opportunities for fine dining, lodging, entertainment venues, and shopping opportunities.<br />
— 3 —
LOCATION & ACCESS<br />
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) at Gallatin Field in Belgrade is about a 45-minute drive from the property. Recently expanded,<br />
Gallatin Field offers several full-service FBOs and excellent commercial services through Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue,<br />
Southwest Sun Country, and United Airlines. The seventh busiest passenger airport in the Pacific Northwest, Bozeman offers direct flights to over 20<br />
major airports around the nation.<br />
Approximate distances to other Montana cities and points of interest from the <strong>Ranch</strong>:<br />
Livingston<br />
Bozeman<br />
Helena<br />
Billings<br />
30 miles<br />
37 miles<br />
119 miles<br />
135 miles<br />
— 4 —
ELEVATION & CLIMATE<br />
The lowest elevation of the <strong>Ranch</strong> sits at around 5,210 feet above sea level at the northern east edge, and the highest point is in the southern-central<br />
portion at 5,920 feet. The improvements sit at about 5,300 feet above sea level. The elevation of Clyde Park, Montana is approximately 4,865 feet.<br />
The average annual precipitation in Clyde Park is approximately 15.3 inches of rain and 43.6 inches of snow over about 95 days of the year.<br />
Average maximum temperatures in June, July and August range from 77° to 90° Fahrenheit. In December, January and February average maximum<br />
temperatures are between 36° and 40° Fahrenheit. Summer nights average about 44° to 50° Fahrenheit. Winter average minimum is 20° Fahrenheit.<br />
This is an area that receives a good amount of sunshine throughout the year with an average of 185 sunny days per U.S. Climate Data.<br />
— 5 —
PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION<br />
Also known as the G Bar M <strong>Ranch</strong>, this historic working guest ranch has entertained guests since 1933 – spanning a period of nearly eighty-nine years!<br />
The <strong>Ranch</strong> typically hosts about 18 guests at a time for day riding and day-to-day ranch work. Guests begin to arrive at the <strong>Ranch</strong> in mid-May with<br />
the guest season wrapping up around late November to the first week in December. The seller has developed a storied tradition of teaching beginners<br />
and experts alike over their many years of operation. The <strong>Ranch</strong> has proved to be a successful dude operation and would be a viable opportunity if the<br />
next owner chooses to run the property in a similar manner.<br />
The irrigation ditch is shared between three neighbors who work together to maintain the ditch that provides irrigation water for each landowner.<br />
Currently, the <strong>Ranch</strong> runs about 120 cow/calf pairs throughout the year on both the <strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> as well as several private leases. According to<br />
the Seller, the <strong>Ranch</strong> could comfortably run about 80 cow/calf pairs without utilizing the private lease acres. The <strong>Ranch</strong> also utilizes a grazing permit<br />
on the nearby U.S. Forest Service. Cattle are turned out on the Permit typically the first week in July with 52 cow-calf pairs.<br />
Hay bottoms typically produce approximately 1.5 tons of grass hay annually to feed cattle through the winter months.<br />
ACREAGE CLASSIFICATION<br />
The <strong>Ranch</strong>, which encompasses approximately 970± deeded acres, is generally comprised of the following acreage classifications:<br />
800± Acres of Mountain and Timbered Pasture<br />
160± Acres of Riparian Bottom and Hay Ground<br />
10± Acres of Improvements<br />
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— 7 —
The Lodge<br />
IMPROVEMENTS<br />
The main lodge was built in 2000 and consists of four bedrooms and four full bathrooms on the main level with an expansive living room/dining room<br />
area. The wood-burning fireplace, which is constructed in native Montana stone, is the centerpiece of the living room area. The commercial kitchen<br />
is fully functional and adjoins the dining room area. The lodge is designated as a commercial building and is licensed accordingly. The full basement<br />
consists of two bedrooms that share a full bathroom and a second “common” bathroom. The basement space has a nice-sized living room area. The<br />
pantry, linen closet and laundry/storage room are in the basement as well.<br />
The garden and root cellar are positioned in close proximity to the lodge. The garden provides fresh vegetables for the guests during the summer<br />
season.<br />
A propane hot-water boiler serves the lodge with radiant floor heat in the kitchen and dining room areas and there are hot-water baseboard units<br />
throughout the balance of the lodge.<br />
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IMPROVEMENTS<br />
Owner’s House – The original <strong>Ranch</strong> house, which has been remodeled<br />
and added onto over the years from its construction in the early 1900s,<br />
is modest and comfortable. The home, which is heated with both wood<br />
and electric baseboard heat, has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The<br />
living room/dining room area is directly off the kitchen and is warm and<br />
welcoming and the mudroom off the main entrance provides a space to<br />
kick off muddy boots and hang coats. The bathrooms were refloored and<br />
repainted in 2021 along with a minor kitchen remodel.<br />
Guest House – Remodeled in the 1970s, the guest house has four<br />
bedrooms with one and a half bathrooms.<br />
The primary heat source is a wood-burning stove with an electric<br />
baseboard backup system. The electric baseboard is only operated when<br />
the house is vacant for a period of time, otherwise the home is heated<br />
with the wood stove which maintains a nice constant temperature in the<br />
home.<br />
Two Guest Cabins – Built in the 1940s, the cabins are used to house ranch guests during the summer season. Heated with gas stoves, each have two<br />
bedrooms and one full bathroom and a small living room. The cabins were re-chinked four years ago and are weather tight.<br />
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IMPROVEMENTS<br />
Horse Barn – One of the original<br />
structures on the <strong>Ranch</strong>, the historic log<br />
barn was built with hand-hewn logs in the<br />
1940s.<br />
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IMPROVEMENTS<br />
Shop – Constructed in 1989, the Bear Creek milled-log structure has a concrete<br />
floor and is heated with a wood stove during the winter months. The shop is<br />
also where the horseshoes are forged and shaped for the horses on the <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />
ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS<br />
Trailer House – The current trailer house will move with the seller.<br />
Storage Shed – The shed houses the various implements and equipment used<br />
on the <strong>Ranch</strong> for annual operations.<br />
Calving Barn – Built around 2016, the calving barn has several calving jugs,<br />
vet room, and also stores hay. Cows can readily be moved into the barn from<br />
the adjoining corrals during mid-February calving season.<br />
Mountain Cabin – Located just off Miles Creek about a mile south of the<br />
headquarters, the private and secluded log cabin was constructed with Bear<br />
Creek milled logs. The mountain cabin consists of two bedrooms, a loft area,<br />
and a full bathroom. A large expansive kitchen, dining room and living room<br />
area, which is approximately 1,400 square feet, is on the main level and there<br />
is an unfinished basement. The cabin is heated with a propane-gas-fired boiler<br />
with baseboard hot-water heating.<br />
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— 13 —
WATER RIGHTS<br />
According to the Department of Natural Resources and<br />
Conservation, <strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> owns 27 water rights<br />
sourced out of Brackett Creek, Miles Creek, springs and<br />
groundwater.<br />
5 Domestic and/or Lawn and Garden<br />
12 Stock<br />
8 Irrigation<br />
1 Power Generation<br />
1 Fishing and Wildlife<br />
For additional information regarding the water rights,<br />
please contact the Swan Land Company Bozeman<br />
Office at 406.522.7342.<br />
All water rights in Montana are subject to eventual<br />
re-adjudication by the Montana Water Court and, as a<br />
result of that process, may be changed as to validity,<br />
amount, priority date, place of use and other such<br />
changes as the Court determines. This water district<br />
is currently under the Preliminary-Temporary Decree<br />
as classified by the Department of Natural Resources<br />
and Conservation (DNRC). The Seller has made all of<br />
the filings currently required and will transfer the water<br />
rights as they currently stand with no warranty of future<br />
viability.<br />
All water rights appurtenant to and for the benefit of<br />
the <strong>Ranch</strong> will be conveyed to the Buyer at closing of<br />
a sale.<br />
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RANCH & AREA FISHING<br />
The remarkable and reliable waters of Brackett<br />
Creek is a headwaters tributary of the Shields River<br />
and is formed in one the strongest watersheds in the<br />
Rocky Mountain West. This classic riffle and pool<br />
stream teems with German brown and rainbow trout.<br />
Because of the private land ownership and lack of<br />
public access along virtually its entirety, Brackett<br />
Creek experiences very little pressure which in turn<br />
allows trout to grow and proliferate.<br />
With limited access, its walk-and-wade fishing,<br />
and long distances between access points, Brackett<br />
Creek provides an intimate and very private angling<br />
experience. This undisturbed mountain stream<br />
is highly sought after by many local fly-fishing<br />
aficionados.<br />
On the occasion when one desires to explore<br />
southwestern Montana’s other fine trout waters, a<br />
remarkable array of choices is available within 30 to<br />
45 minutes of <strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>. The Yellowstone,<br />
Shields, Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson, and Missouri<br />
rivers are easily accessed from the <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />
The upper Shields River near Wilsall offers uncrowded<br />
wade fishing for small but plentiful cutthroat and<br />
brook trout. Downstream, the river becomes a browntrout<br />
fishery with some larger cutthroat and smaller<br />
rainbows also being found. A combination of light<br />
fishing pressure, excellent habitat and nutrient-heavy<br />
water allows the trout to become quite numerous. Fall<br />
presents the best time to fish the Shields River with<br />
many large brown trout migrating upstream from the<br />
Yellowstone River to spawn. If larger water is desired,<br />
the nearby world-famous Yellowstone River offers<br />
anglers over 100 miles of trout-rich water accessed by<br />
multiple fishing-access sites.<br />
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HUNTING & RECREATION<br />
The <strong>Ranch</strong> is situated in Hunting District No. 393. According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, this is a general tag area which provides a resident<br />
or non-resident, much easier access to bull elk and buck deer tags. With plentiful native grass and easy access to live water streams, elk inhabit the<br />
<strong>Ranch</strong> in large numbers. Often vehicles stop along Brackett Creek Road in amazement at the elk herds that frequent the hay meadows during the fall<br />
season. Mature five- and six-point bulls are harvested off the <strong>Ranch</strong> annually.<br />
This unique ecosystem provides habitat for virtually all species of Rocky Mountain wildlife including black bear, moose, antelope, coyotes, bobcats,<br />
mountain lions, upland birds, waterfowl, raptors and sandhill cranes.<br />
This area is surrounded by some of Montana’s most desirable recreational areas and picturesque mountain ranges with the Gallatin, and Lewis and<br />
Clark National Forests located directly west and east of the <strong>Ranch</strong>. Numerous national forest service trailheads can be accessed within fifteen- to thirtyminute<br />
drives from the property, allowing for easy trailering of horses to thousands of acres of federal land.<br />
Exceptional skiing is a scenic 20-mile drive from the property with the “Cold Smoke” of Bridger Bowl. Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, also located<br />
20 miles from the property, offers the highest quality Nordic skiing with over 30km of trails well suited to all levels of ability. The après ski amenities<br />
of Bozeman, voted one of the World’s 25 Best Ski Towns by National Geographic in 2014, are also available nearby.<br />
— 17 —
AREA HISTORY<br />
Clyde Park, originally named Sunnyside, served as a resting stop for wagon trains and travelers heading west searching to find their fortunes in the gold<br />
digs of Montana and California. The stage stop and watering hole owned by Madame Bulldog was a welcome site for the weary travelers. In 1885, a<br />
post office was established in Madame’s town of Sunnyside with young Sarah Robinson as postmistress.<br />
In 1887, the post office was moved to the Messrs’ <strong>Ranch</strong>, a prominent family in the area who brought their imported English Clydesdale horses to work<br />
the fields. The presence of the Clydesdales precipitated the renaming of the town Clyde Park, referring to the park-like landscape and majestic work<br />
horses of the area.<br />
Supplies in the early days were hauled into Clyde Park by Jim Bowen, known as the “Cayuse Kid,” who freighted with a twenty-four-horse jerk line.<br />
By 1914, the Northern Pacific Railroad had constructed a spur line and was making its run up the Shields Valley past Clyde Park six times a week.<br />
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UTILITIES & SERVICES<br />
Electricity is provided by Park Electric Co-op based in Livingston, satellite internet is provided by Hughes Net, phone by Century link, and AmeriGas<br />
provides propane. Cellular coverage via Verizon is available at the higher reaches of the <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />
Domestic water for the homes and corrals is provided by individual wells. All residences are on individual-permitted septic systems.<br />
Annual electric costs for the improvements and stock water wells typically run about $8,500.00.<br />
CONSERVATION EASEMENT<br />
A portion of the <strong>Ranch</strong> is protected with a conservation easement held by the Montana<br />
Land Reliance. Approximately 595 acres of the higher timbered grazing land is under<br />
the easement leaving the riparian-stream bottoms of both Miles Creek and Brackett<br />
Creek unencumbered. For additional details or to request a copy of the conservation<br />
easement document, please contact our Bozeman Office.<br />
REAL ESTATE TAXES<br />
The taxes on the real estate and improvements for 2021 were approximately $13,500.00.<br />
MINERAL RIGHTS<br />
The Seller will convey with the <strong>Ranch</strong> 100% of whatever mineral, oil, gas, geothermal,<br />
hydro-carbon and gravel rights it actually owns, subject to reservations by<br />
previous owners. The Seller makes no representation as to the quantity or quality of<br />
any mineral or other subsurface rights appurtenant to the <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />
FENCES & BOUNDARY LINES<br />
The Seller hereby makes known that there are variations between the deeded property lines and the location of the existing boundary and pasture fence<br />
lines on the <strong>Ranch</strong>. The Seller makes no warranties regarding the location of the fence lines in relationship to the deeded property lines, nor does the<br />
Seller make any warranties or representations with regard to the specific acreage within the fenced property lines.<br />
The Seller is selling the <strong>Ranch</strong> in its “as is-where is” condition which includes the location of the fences as they now exist. Boundaries shown on any<br />
accompanying maps are approximate. The maps are not to scale and are for visual aid only. The accuracy of the maps and information portrayed thereon<br />
is not guaranteed nor warranted.<br />
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BROKER SUMMARY STATEMENT<br />
Since the 1930s, the <strong>Ranch</strong> has operated as a guest ranch and horsemanship operation providing an unrivaled horseback riding and western-flare<br />
experience in an iconic location. The historic guest cabins and structures, of which many have been refurbished, remain in operation today and provide<br />
a glimpse into the storied history of the <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />
Attractive live-water mountain properties with enough scale to provide a sense of privacy and place are difficult to obtain in today’s active real estate<br />
market. Located in one of Southwest Montana’s most highly sought after and least developed areas, the <strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> is a tremendous opportunity<br />
to acquire a sizable holding with an unparalleled simplicity of ownership and enjoyment.<br />
— 21 —
OFFERING PRICE & CONDITIONS OF SALE<br />
<strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>, as previously described herein, is offered for sale at $13,000,000 cash or terms acceptable solely at the discretion of the<br />
Seller. The conditions of sale are as follows:<br />
1. All Prospective Buyers must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Seller’s absolute financial capability to purchase the <strong>Ranch</strong> prior to<br />
scheduling an inspection of the <strong>Ranch</strong>;<br />
2. An earnest money deposit in the amount of 3.00% of the purchase price will be due upon completion of a fully executed contract, and<br />
all earnest money deposits will be held in escrow by Security Title Company in Livingston, Montana;<br />
3. The Seller will provide and pay for a standard owner’s title insurance policy. Any endorsements requested by the Buyer or any lender<br />
will be at Buyer’s expense. Title to the real property will be conveyed by a deed;<br />
4. All water right claims controlled by the <strong>Ranch</strong> will be transferred to the Buyer at Closing, and all of the mineral rights which the<br />
Seller actually owns will be conveyed to the Buyer at Closing;<br />
5. Buyers’ Brokers are welcomed and invited to contact listing broker Mike Swan in our Bozeman Office for information regarding<br />
Cooperation Policies.<br />
The Sellers reserve the right to effect a tax-deferred exchange for other real property in accordance with provisions in Section 1031 of the<br />
Internal Revenue Code. The Buyer will not be required to incur any additional expenses nor to step into the chain of title on any property<br />
which the Sellers may acquire.<br />
This entire <strong>Offering</strong> is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by the Sellers.<br />
Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, crop yields, potential profits, etc., are intended only as general<br />
guidelines and have been obtained from sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed by the Sellers or Swan<br />
Land Company. Prospective Buyers should verify all information to their sole and complete satisfaction.<br />
— 22 —
Swan Land Company has been authorized by the Seller to act as their Exclusive Real Estate Broker on the<br />
sale of <strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>. Since 2002, we have focused on the brokerage of significant ranches, farms and<br />
recreational properties throughout the Rocky Mountain West.<br />
This <strong>Offering</strong> is based on information believed to be correct; however, it is subject to errors, omissions,<br />
prior sale and change or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein has been provided by the<br />
Sellers or obtained from other sources deemed reliable. The Agent does not, however, guarantee accuracy<br />
and recommends that any Prospective Buyer conduct an independent investigation.<br />
For more information or to make an appointment to inspect the <strong>Ranch</strong>, please call:<br />
Swan Land Company<br />
1185 North 14th Avenue – Suite One<br />
Bozeman, Montana 59715<br />
Office 406.522.7342<br />
Toll Free 866.999.7342<br />
www.swanlandco.com<br />
Mike Swan<br />
Managing Broker/Owner<br />
Mobile 406.570.4897<br />
mike@swanlandco.com<br />
A 48-hour notice is requested to make proper arrangements for an inspection of <strong>Leffingwell</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />
— 23 —
LEFFINGWELL RANCH
ty, Montana, 956 AC +/-<br />
Clyde Park<br />
LEFFINGWELL RANCH<br />
Bozeman<br />
Livingston<br />
Note: All Acreages Are Approximate and All Boundary Lines, Roads and<br />
Elevations are Approximate. This Map is Not a Survey. Information Has<br />
Been Obtained From Sources Deemed Reliable But is Not Guaranteed By<br />
Either The Seller or Swan Land Company.<br />
Copyright 2021
Note: All Acreages Are Approximate and All Boundary Lines, Roads and<br />
Elevations are Approximate. This Map is Not a Survey. Information Has<br />
Been Obtained From Sources Deemed Reliable But is Not Guaranteed By<br />
Either The Seller or Swan Land Company.<br />
Copyright 2021
Genuine. Devoted. Proven.<br />
866.999.7342 | WWW.SWANLANDCO.COM | INFO@SWANLANDCO.COM