The Johns Ranch, a remarkable cattle ranch beneath Nadina Mountain, featuring productive hayland, extensive Crown range, abundant water & a stunning custom log residence. Exceptional privacy, accessible lakes, sweeping mountain views and nearby world-class recreation.
Foreign Buyer Ban does not apply to this property
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Spanning approximately 2,820 deeded acres across 17 titles, The Johns Ranch is an exceptional Central Interior ranching opportunity that offers the scale and infrastructure of a serious cattle operation in a remarkably private setting of lakes, forests and open range. Situated east of Nadina Mountain, the deeded lands are surrounded by extensive Crown grazing tenure extending toward the Nadina River, with grazing licence RAN074927 scheduled to build to more than 1,200 AUMs over the current plan term and Woodlot Licence WL 1761 providing additional value. Water is a defining feature of the property, with Cole Lake, Emil Lake and George Lake all directly accessible from the deeded parcels, Owen Lake directly across the road, and Reddick Creek, ponds, sloughs and natural drainages providing excellent livestock water throughout the ranch and range.
The ranch is a proven cattle operation, currently running approximately 600–800 yearlings and 150 cow-calf pairs, with reported yearling gains exceeding 3 pounds per day in recent seasons. The owners estimate the deeded land could support close to 300 pairs, with winter feed rather than summer grass or stock water being the primary constraint. Approximately 400 acres are currently hayed, with an estimated 200 additional acres of historic hay ground offering expansion potential. The ranch is almost entirely perimeter fenced and includes extensive corrals, holding and sorting pens, a working alley, squeeze facilities, smaller paddocks and a gravity-fed livestock watering system. Ongoing land reclamation and selective timber harvesting provide further opportunity to increase productive acreage.
At the heart of the ranch is a striking approximately 2,700 sq. ft. custom log residence with the scale and Western character of a Yellowstone-style ranch house and sweeping views across the valley, ranch and surrounding mountains. Improvements also include a 140' x 36' horse barn with an approximately 1,400 sq. ft. two-bedroom apartment, shop and a rustic guest cabin providing additional accommodation. The ranch operates efficiently off-grid through solar, battery storage and redundant propane and diesel generator systems. Lakes, creeks, abundant wildlife and exceptional privacy give the property a true wilderness character, while the nearby Morice River offers world-class fishing. Despite its seclusion, the ranch is approximately 40 minutes from Houston, 30 minutes from Francois Lake, and 1.5 hours from both Burns Lake and Smithers. It is a rare opportunity to combine a legitimate cattle operation with the setting and amenities of a private Western ranch estate. Cattle and equipment are available separately.
GST is applicable on the price.
15012 Morice Owen Forestry Road - Houston, BC
Please contact the listing agent for detailed access instructions.
The ranch is situated in west-central British Columbia, southeast of Nadina Mountain and southwest of Houston, within the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. This is classic northern BC ranch country, characterized by broad forested valleys, extensive Crown land, productive forage country, lakes, wetlands and the transition from the Nechako Plateau toward the mountains of the Bulkley Valley. Agriculture and cattle ranching have a long history in the region, with Crown grazing particularly important to ranch operations south of Houston and through the Nadina River and François Lake country. The area experiences a Sub-Boreal climate, with warm summers, long daylight hours and cold, snowy winters; the concentrated growing season supports productive grasses and forage well suited to cattle production. Recreation is a major attraction, with exceptional fishing on the Morice and Bulkley Rivers, hundreds of surrounding lakes, and extensive opportunities for hunting, boating, paddling, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and backcountry exploration. Nearby Nadina Mountain Park, François Lake and the Morice River corridor add to the area's wilderness appeal, while Houston provides the closest commercial and service centre and Smithers serves as the larger regional hub. The result is a location that feels genuinely remote and wild while remaining connected to established ranching communities, services and some of northwest BC's finest outdoor recreation.
During the warmer months, the broader Bulkley-Nechako region offers an exceptional range of outdoor recreation. The Morice and Bulkley Rivers are internationally renowned for steelhead and salmon fishing, while François Lake and the many surrounding lakes provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, paddling and swimming. Vast areas of Crown land and mountain country support hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, ATVing, camping and hunting, with the Houston, Burns Lake and Smithers areas each providing access to extensive trail systems and backcountry terrain.
Winter transforms the region into a major snow recreation destination. Around Houston, the Morice Mountain trail network offers groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while the Telkwa and Sibola ranges provide extensive backcountry snowmobiling. Farther afield, Smithers offers downhill skiing and snowboarding at Hudson Bay Mountain, Nordic skiing and backcountry touring, while the Burns Lake area provides additional snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. Ice fishing is also popular throughout the region, making the surrounding country a true four-season recreational playground.
54° 4'59.12"N and 126°41'45.65"W
The ranch offers a compelling combination of 2,820 deeded acres, significant Crown grazing tenure, proven cattle and hay production, abundant water and established infrastructure. Approximately 400 acres are currently hayed with another 200 acres offering expansion potential, while Woodlot Licence WL 1761 and merchantable timber provide additional resource value. Near-complete perimeter fencing, cattle-handling facilities, multiple residences and substantial improvements reduce future capital requirements, while the property’s lakes, wilderness setting and recreational appeal add long-term value beyond its agricultural production.
The ranch is fully off-grid, with power supplied by a substantial solar and battery system, supported by both propane and diesel generators for redundancy. Livestock water is provided through abundant natural sources and a gravity-fed watering system supplying troughs throughout the ranch. Drinking water is supplied by a spring-fed pond and percolates through a gravel-packed spring box before entering the property's water line. Once it reaches the residence, the water passes through a filtration system, UV treatment, and a reverse osmosis (RO) system before use. Sewage disposal is via private septic, propane is used for applicable household systems, and communications are supported by Starlink satellite Internet.
$3,180.08 (2026)
Rural Resource 1 (RR1)
Multiple Legals, contact agent for the list.
+8 maps
Our property descriptions and geographical information are taken from the BC Assessment Authority, Land Titles Office, government maps and other sources. While LandQuest® does not guarantee the information, we believe it to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.
Houston
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