2011 Cattle Baron’s Ball Dallas Event – 505 Ranch Club

Posted on October 11, 2011 by mwitt

As you may have heard, 505 Ranch Club has a luxury lakefront homesite up for auction at the upcoming 2011 Cattle Barons Ball Dallas at Southfork Ranch.  Please see details below.

“You can’t get these years back. Come and make memories with your family that will last a lifetime, while supporting the 2011 Cattle Baron’s Ball. Own a ranch and a lake house—all in one—on one of the few remaining luxury lakefront homesites at the 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake. All just 45 minutes from Dallas.

The 505 Ranch Club is offering an exclusive home ownership opportunity by offering a lot to one lucky bidder at the 2011 Cattle Baron’s Ball. The winning bidder will own a homesite on the shores of beautiful Cedar Creek Lake, along with the very best of both ranch and lakefront living, access to unparalleled amenities, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse with infinityedge pool and spa, guest cottages, a polo field, a skeet and trap shooting range, an ATV course, hiking and horseback riding trails, multiple stocked fishing lakes, and more. This is the chance to create an instant legacy with a home to be treasured for generations. For more information about the 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake, please visit http://www.505ranch.com, or call 214.532.6059 for a tour to preview lots prior to auction.

Restrictions: Choice of one lot #30–34. The estimated value of the homesite is $450,000, which includes ownership of the ranch and amenities. The winning bidder will pay to Cattle Baron’s Ball the amount ABOVE the $350,000 reserve at the conclusion of the bidding. Buyer will close with 505 Ranch for the reserve price of $350,000. All contracts, tax and deed transactions will be conducted between the buyer and 505 Ranch Club. The American Cancer Society and Cattle Baron’s Ball assume no responsibility or ownership of the land transaction. If a different lot is desired, buyer may apply the $450,000 value to any lot and pay the incremental difference to purchase that lot instead.

For more information please visit this link, we are live action #16: 2011 Cattle Baron’s Ball

 

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Building a Lake House in Dallas: 3 Things to Consider

Posted on September 20, 2011 by admin

If you have purchased a lake lot and are building a lake house in Dallas for your family, you know how many important decisions there are to make. Perhaps you’ve looked at other luxury homes designed for lake living, and you like some of the ideas but not all. Your home has to perfectly suit your family because, after all, it is a dream come true – your building a lake house.

 

To help you put your thoughts in order, we’ve prepared a brief list of recommendations:

  • Put together a team of professionals at the start, and include your architect, builder, landscape designer and interior designer. This will help you with regard to overall budgeting. Everyone wants to see their creations become a reality, but great ideas can grow to be extravagant ideas fairly easily. The most neglected area is usually the landscaping, and since you’re preparing a place where you will enjoy the outdoors, you’ll want to give equal attention to your outdoor space.
  • Spend as much time as you need in the planning stage and never allow yourself to be rushed into decisions. Your team must demonstrate that your opinion is the one that matters to them. Don’t enter into a contract with any member of your team until you are sure of all the information you gathered, you have checked out references, and you have seen their enthusiasm with regard to making your plans into a reality.
  • Also, when choosing your team, keep in mind that smallest things must be respected in order for the big things to turn out right. Failure to be on time, failure to keep a promise, failure to return phone calls – these are recipes for disaster. Pay attention to small details in the beginning, and trust your instincts.

Congratulations on having chosen to build a lakefront luxury home. Roger Maese, who serves as Sales Director for 505 Ranch Club, is a wonderful source of information with regard to architects and builders. He would be happy to hear from you at any time during the process of selecting your team and building your second home.

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Getting to Know Cedar Creek Lake, TX

Posted on August 31, 2011 by admin

Our luxury homes development, 505 Ranch Club, is located on Cedar Creek Lake TX, which is 45-minutes from Dallas. This beautiful lake has been recognized as one of the best places in the country to live. Although Cedar Creek Lake is well known to Northeast Texans, we’d like others across the state and the country to know more about our jewel of a lake, and the reasons so many have chosen to build lake homes here.

Cedar Creek Lake is the fourth largest lake in Texas, created in 1964 as a water reservoir. It was built on Cedar Creek, which is a tributary to the Trinity River. There are other major creeks that contribute to the inflow as well. Early on it began to be the prime choice for lake homes as it is one of the few lakes in Texas that allows property ownership of the 320 miles of shoreline. The lake is 8.5 miles wide at its widest point, and it covers approximately 32,000 acres.

Owners of real estate on Cedar Creek Lake have access to services and shopping at a number of towns including Mabank and Gun Barrel City where, between these two towns, you will find the 505 Ranch Club. Property owners and visitors find a wide variety of offerings in the local towns, including retail shopping areas, country clubs, medical facilities, fine restaurants, entertainment and church affiliations. Some of the towns also have festivals that can be a lot of fun for the locals and visitors.

While there is a ton of fun to be had on the lakeshore, the anglers would say we’ve missed the point if we don’t talk about fishing. Fishing on Cedar Creek Lake has been rated as excellent for White & Hybrid Striped Bass (which are stocked annually) and rated good for Largemouth Bass, Catfish and Crappie by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Fishermen say that Largemouth Bass angling is best in the clear water at the lower end of the lake and that Catfish are abundant and found everywhere, with more Blues than Channels in the legal size range.

For the second home owners at 505 Ranch Club, our location on Texas’ beautiful Cedar Creek Lake and our amenities provide everything they could want. The location is peaceful, tranquil, filled with nature’s beauty and space, and a far cry from urban life. It is also the perfect place for family activities within the 505 acres of the development. Our amenities include equestrian; walking, riding and 4 wheeler trails; clubhouse and pool; skeet shooting; concierge and much more. And the greatest amenity of course is the lake itself.

We invite you to come out here to our bit of paradise, get to know Cedar Creek Lake, and come and visit us at the 505 Ranch Club.

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Interview with Cattle Baron’s Ball Member Kim Bannister

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

It has recently been our pleasure to interview Ms. Kim Bannister, a four-year member of the Cattle Baron’s Ball, serving her second year as Chair of the Live Auction. As you may know, Dallas’ Cattle Baron’s Ball is the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for cancer research through the American Cancer Society. As such, it has not only made a mark on Texas culture and history, it has made a significant difference in the lives of those who are coping with cancer.

Kim was clear on her reasons for volunteering: “I joined the Cattle’s Ball because I identify with cancer. After losing my grandmother I vowed to take part in the fight as its effects can be drastic and aggressive, leaving someone once full of life, with little promise.” She went on to explain that with more funds, researchers are able to continue to discover ways to fight cancer and hopefully one day, find a cure. Kim said, “We are 100 women who volunteer our time and talents to raise money to help find the cure for cancer- it is not only an honor but a commitment to building long-lasting relationships with our donors. Without their continued generosity, we wouldn’t be able to offer such assistance to The American Cancer Society.”

One of the proud donors to the Live Auction is the 505 Ranch Club. A beautiful 505 lot on Cedar Creek Lake is being offered, much to Kim’s pleasure. She said, “My family has visited Ranch 505 and we feel this family locale is the perfect respite from the daily doings of the Dallas and Fort Worth area. From fishing, swimming and boating, to skeet shooting, equestrian activities and 4 wheelers, it’s the treasured family adventure awaiting you that make this place so great – and it’s only 45 minutes from Dallas! We are honored to have Ranch 505 be a part of our Live Auction, helping us continue to raise funds for the cure.”

Kim went on, “This year, our Live Auction is one not to be missed. Our items include traveling to Rome to meet world-renowned jewelry heir Mr. Bulgari for a private tour of the Bulgari archives and a fabulous lunch at his favorite locale; designing your own custom piece with another well-known jewelry designer Mr. Konstantino in Athens; exploring the Greek islands; a five-star dove hunt in Argentina; a trip to Aspen for the 30th Annual Food & Wine Festival where you’ll stay in a glorious private home and signature Pappas Bros. Steakhouse chef will cook your meals and provide a personal tour of the festival; touring on a private yacht in Tahiti courtesy of Fraser Yachts; art by renowned artists Phil Romano and JD Miller and a private dinner for you and 8 couples at their art gallery, and much, much more!”

The 505 Ranch Club is proud to be a part of the Live Auction which, last year, sold 26 items in 1 hour and 25 minutes totaling over $700,000! We also look forward to this year’s entertainer on the Live Auction Stage, Dierks Bentley, and their main headliner on the Main Stage, Darius Rucker.

We thank Kim Bannister, Chair of the Cattle Baron’s Ball Live Auction, for sharing her excitement with us. The Cattle Baron’s Ball takes place this year on October 15 at Southfork Ranch. More information about this superbly successful charitable event is available at http://www.cattlebaronsball.com.

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5 Tips for Dallas Skeet Shooting at 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake

Posted on July 20, 2011 by admin

If you’ve been thinking about the 505 Ranch Club as a possible location for your lake home, chances are you already know how many things there are to do here. This gated luxury homes development is not your ordinary escape to Cedar Creek Lake. You can fish of course, that’s a given. You can also relax on your private beach, utilize the equestrian center and board your horse, ride your 3-wheelers, travel the horse and walking trails, swim at the clubhouse, camp out at the tipi area, enjoy the concierge services. All of these things are available only 45-minutes from Dallas.

In addition to the great amenities we mentioned, there is an increasingly popular sport activity going on at 505 – Dallas skeet shooting! The 505 skeet range was one of the favorite places to have fun recently when we sponsored a “Family Fun Day” in honor of the Cattle Baron’s Ball. We were left to wonder how many visitors will now be swapping their 7-iron for a Beretta! Of course, as with any sport, there are experts offering advice on how to do it better.  We’ve decided to share five tips for beginners:

Position:

Put 60 percent of your weight on your front leg with your knee slightly bent. Your feet will be no more than shoulder width apart. Move only from the waist up, turning to follow the bird. And don’t rock from foot to foot. Your lead food will depend on you – right if you are left handed or left if you are right handed.
Eyes on the target:

When the target reaches to where your arm and gun are extended, then you will pull the trigger and continue follow-through with the barrel. Experts say that keeping your eyes focused on the target allows your eyes to feed your sub-conscious brain the speed, distance and angle of the target. So trust your instincts.
Safety:

If your children are participating (and many are), they’ll need to have a really good understanding of firearm safety and target shooting. You might find that your local Cub Scouts or Boys/Girl Scouts organizations do training in skeet shooting, trap shooting and so on.
Dominant eye:

Interestingly, you will have to find out which is your dominant eye in order to make sure the gun is the right one for you. Some of the old-timers at the 505 skeet range will know all about this, and can offer advice to the beginners. You can be right handed, for example, and yet be left-eye dominant. Apparently this is more common in women than in men.
Practice, practice, practice:

We know that practice makes perfect, and it also helps when you have developed a bad habit and want to correct the habit and form a new one.

We welcome all of the interest in 505 Ranch Club, and would love to show you around. You’ll find that our families are enjoying their lake home and loving the fact that there are so many things to do that bring the family together. Shooting at the 505 skeet range is a sometimes new, and definitely exciting family activity we offer.

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The 505 Equestrian Center’s Benefits: Interview with Mike Etter

Posted on June 28, 2011 by admin

equestrian centers, boarding a horseThere has been a lot of curiosity about 505 Ranch Club’s Equestrian Center. To answer some of the questions, we were fortunate to be able to interview the man in charge of the Center, Mike Etter.

We opened up the conversation with Mike explaining some of the terrific benefits homeowners at 505 Ranch Club are getting from the Equestrian Center. The first advantage is that homeowners have the comfort of boarding a horse at 505, and enjoy the security of knowing their horses are well cared for.

“The barn for residents who are boarding horses is already on the property,” Mike explained. “It has ten stalls in it, and turnout pens so the horses can be turned out in quarter acre runs and in order to exercise freely rather than be put up in a barn.” Mike elaborated, “In all of our turnout pens we are putting in automatic water systems so the horses will have automatic water in the runs. There are people here to feed the horses, and owners can pick and choose what they would like us to do for them and for their horse.”

Mike added that there are going to be trails throughout the 505 for homeowners and their families to go out and trail ride with their horses, and the arena is there to be used for everything related to horse riding. Homeowners can use the arena for exercising and for training as well, as horse wranglers will be there teaching their unique skills to homeowners and their families. Construction on the arena is completed, and the facility is already in use.

Two other facilities are under construction, and those are the polo field and the polo barn. Mike said that a portion of the polo barn is has been opened up already for horses. He projects that it will take another two months before the barn is finished. He expects that August will mark the beginning of the polo matches at 505. And for people who are interested in learning to play the sport, 505 will have a resident professional polo player on site for a portion of each year, available to give lessons.

Mike offered to sum it up as follows: “What we plan to do here with the 505 Ranch Club Equestrian Center is to make it available to people who enjoy equine sports and equine activities, and we are trying to provide all of the facilities for caretaking that will make things safer for the rider and the horse. Our service is for the homeowners only.” He went on to say that 505 may take on some polo people from outside, into the polo barn and boarding facility, but they would be separate, and not intertwined with the homeowners’ equestrian center except in the arena or on the polo field during matches.

“We would love to have people come by and take a look at what we are doing,” Mike said. “It’s pretty unique.”

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Family Fun Event at 505 Ranch Club a Great Success

Posted on June 21, 2011 by admin
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This gallery contains 15 photos.

Life never gets boring at the 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake! There is just too much to do! When the ranch planned their Family Fun Day, they imagined a great success, and it turned out to be just … Continue reading →

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Living on Cedar Creek Lake: Interview with the 505 Ranch Concierge

Posted on May 20, 2011 by admin

 

Homeowners at 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake have expressed, many times, how much they appreciate the services of Bob Jenkins, the 505 concierge. So much praise has come in that we’ve decided to interview Bob in order to find out exactly what he does, and what he loves about 505.

The first thing Bob explained in the interview is that he is here to look out for the homeowners. “We want them to love their time at 505 and be glad they built their lake homes here. We want our homeowners to be happy with their decision.” Then Bob went on to talk about some of the things that have become a natural part of his job (which he thoroughly enjoys by the way).

First and foremost he tries to save the homeowners a trip to their second home if they need something done. He will open the house to let the housekeeper in even if it’s early or late, or on his day off. He’ll see to opening the home for repair persons and deliveries and makes sure 505 ranch hands pick up the garbage on scheduled days just to keep the big trucks from loudly winding around the roads. He also arranges an extra pick up if the homeowner has a party. And there’s so much more that Bob does!

After storms Bob will ride around to make sure limbs are not down, and in freezing weather he’ll make sure exterior faucets are turned off and covered. With the homeowners’ permission he’ll go in and turn on faucets to keep plumbing from freezing. During the last storm, in which there were tornadoes in the area, he sent text messages to homeowners to assure them their property was okay. He feels a great responsibility to truly care for the homeowners, so he rides by every 505 lake home every day just to make sure things are okay.

Bob is well known for the cookies he bakes and brings to the clubhouse. When the homeowners have guests staying in the guest house, Bob prepares 9 a.m. fresh coffee, orange juice and homemade 505 cinnamon rolls. He shows guests how to use the spa and the fire pit, and makes sure smores ingredients are available. In the winter, if he knows when guests are arriving, he’ll have a fire going in the clubhouse and guesthouse. He is also happy to take guests or prospects for a ride on the Ranger so they can see just how many things there are to do in this bit of paradise, only 45-minutes from Dallas. And finally, one last little tidbit Bob provided… not only does he have fishing poles available, he also has the worms to go with them. And, he hopes he will be asked to help the younger fishermen catch their first fish.

Bob Jenkins is on the 505 Ranch Club premises every day but Wednesday and Thursday, and he was quick to say, “I live nearby, and will come over if I’m needed. I love to be outdoors, I love how beautiful the place is, I love stopping by the stables every morning to say “Hi” to the horses, and I love every home and lot owner at 505 Ranch. I’m here to care about 505 and its homeowners, and I do.”

The 505 Cedar Creek Ranch Club has only 56 luxury waterfront homesites sharing a 505 acre ranch on Cedar Creek Lake. Amenities include over a mile and a half of shoreline, a lake club, guest house and equestrian center, private fishing lakes, a skeet range, hiking and riding trails, and much more. It’s the second home where memories are made to last a lifetime.

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5 Lake Safety Tips from the 505 Ranch

Posted on May 17, 2011 by admin

For everyone using Cedar Creek Lake, and especially for those who have chosen to build their second home at the 505 Ranch Club… we want you to keep lake safety on your mind this summer. Water mishaps can and do happen, so here are five tips that will help to keep your family save and enjoying the water throughout the entire season:

  1. Exercise good sense: Avoid letting your child swim at your beach, the clubhouse pool or your back yard pool, or in the harbor area without lifesaving aids that you have tested to make sure they work well and won’t slip off.
  2. Think ahead and anticipate: Be cautious about leaving toys floating in the water. Your child may be tempted to fish them out when you’re not looking.
  3. Teach your children to swim: When signing your child up for swimming classes, we advise that you pick a program that includes water survival skills.
  4. Be ready for an emergency: Learn basic first aid and pick up lifesaving skills so you can respond effectively to a water emergency.
  5. Drum in safety rules: Rules such as “do not swim alone,” and “swim in supervised areas only” and “check the water depth” should be repeated until they are well followed.

We want the time you spend in your second home at Cedar Creek Lake to be the highest quality experience you can have with your family. Enjoy the fishing, boating, swimming, playing on the beach, jumping in the pool and all of the laughter and love that goes with it. We wish you a happy and safe summer at the lake!

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Fun at the Teepee

Posted on May 2, 2011 by admin

At sunset the family gathers around a fire pit. The kids poke at the logs, and sparks fly skyward revealing a bed of embers ready for toasting marshmallows and s’mores. More “green sticks” are needed, so Dad combs through the brush and finds some green twigs with a fairly sharp point. Toasted marshmallows are brandished followed by a discussion on the fine points of marshmallow cooking – should they be slightly charred or just tanned? The youngest holds up a marshmallow torch and Mom reminds everyone that burning marshmallows is “no-no”. When darkness falls, the older kids go into the teepee where their sleeping bags, pillows, drinks and snacks are waiting. Mom and Dad and the young ones head back to the house with the promise that, yes, the young ones will be able to sleep over in the teepee one day soon.

Sounds like family time that will last forever doesn’t it? Where can this kind of fun be had? One place, only 45-minutes from Dallas, is the 505 Ranch Club on Cedar Creek Lake. The Ranch Club is a gated lake homes development where the facilities provide opportunity for an amazing array of family activities. In addition to every home having its own beach on the lake, the ranch has an ATV course for 4 wheelers and motorcycles, an eight station skeet and trap range, a clubhouse and pool, a guest cottage, numerous walking trails, numerous equestrian trails, two equestrian centers, six ponds and lakes that are fully stocked with fish, the harbor, and last but certainly not least, primitive campsites with beautiful replica Native American teepees and fire pits where families or just the kids can spend the night.

Certainly the teepees and fire pits provide a great space for families to enjoy fire-cooked treats and a night under the stars. Folks can bring out their best scary stories, try to top each other with a funnier joke, make up crazy lyrics to a song, be together with no television or electronic distractions, and get some great laughing, talking, loving time. It’s easy to imagine this simple family pleasure happening on the spur of the moment when the teepees are right there within walking distance of your second home. Now, here’s a recipe to get it all rolling: Place one marshmallow on a roasting stick followed by a caramel or Rolo candy. Top with another marshmallow. Roast over campfire coals until golden. Do not flame the marshmallow. Pull the bottom marshmallow up over the candy so it is completely covered. Be sure and let the caramel cool before eating, and have a ton of fun!

 

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