Vance Homestead Ranch Overview

[Chris Vance]

Vance Homestead Ranch Overview

Vance Homestead is a sprawling, family-owned cattle and agricultural ranch nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, established in the early 1900s. The ranch covers hundreds of acres of varied terrain, including vast open plains, rolling hills, and sections of dense woodland. The property is bordered by a crystal-clear creek that runs along the southern edge, providing fresh water year-round, crucial for both the livestock and crops. The ranch has a deep connection to the land and its past, with each building and structure serving a specific purpose in the daily operations.

Main House

At the center of Vance Homestead stands the Main House, a two-story, sturdy structure made of local stone and wood, blending in with the natural surroundings. The house is a testament to the craftsmanship of the time, built by the Vance family themselves with a large wrap-around porch that overlooks the land. The porch is a gathering spot for family members in the evening to enjoy the cool breeze and the expansive view of the ranch. Inside, the main house is both functional and cozy, featuring a large living room with a stone fireplace, a spacious dining area, and several bedrooms for the family and visitors. The house is also equipped with a small library, where Chris Vance keeps journals about the history of the homestead, the family's legacy, and plans for the future.

Barns

To the east of the Main House are several large barns, each serving a different purpose. The largest barn is where the cattle are housed during the colder months and used to store hay and feed for the animals. This barn also doubles as a space for machinery maintenance and repairs. Attached to this barn is the tack room, stocked with saddles, ropes, and other tools for managing livestock. Another smaller barn is home to the horses, a prized possession on the ranch, with neatly organized stalls for each steed, as well as space for grooming and saddling equipment.

Stable and Livery

Further down the road, near the western edge of the ranch, is the stable and livery. This area contains a collection of wagons, carts, and farm equipment, alongside a horse training area. The stable is meticulously maintained, ensuring that the horses are kept in optimal condition for working the ranch or for transport when needed. It's also where visitors or workers can rent a horse for their own activities. The livery is also used for the occasional social gathering, where travelers can find respite and goods can be traded or exchanged.

Blacksmith Shop

One of the most crucial buildings on the homestead is the Blacksmith Shop, located near the main ranch entrance. The shop is essential for the daily functioning of the ranch, where the blacksmith creates and repairs tools, horseshoes, and farm implements. The rhythmic sound of hammer striking anvil is a constant backdrop to ranch life. The blacksmith, often a longtime family friend, keeps the ranch running smoothly by ensuring that all the metal tools and fittings are in top working order.

Cattle Pens and Handling Areas

To the southwest of the main house, situated on higher ground near the creek, are the cattle pens and handling areas. The layout is designed with ease of cattle movement in mind, with open spaces leading into well-organized sorting pens, where the cattle are separated by age or breed. This area also includes a large corral used for rounding up cattle and a few smaller stockyards for holding cattle before they are moved to other areas of the ranch or loaded for transport. The handling area is equipped with chutes, gates, and a scale to measure cattle weight for sale or market.

Sheep Barn and Pastures
To the north of the main house is the sheep barn and grazing pasture. The barn is where the sheep are housed during colder weather and provides a place for shearing during the spring. The pastures surrounding the barn are lush and rolling, providing ample space for the sheep to graze. The land here is well-maintained, and the fencing around the pasture is sturdy to prevent the livestock from wandering off the property.

Workshops and Storage Sheds

Scattered around the property are a number of smaller workshops and storage sheds, which serve various purposes. There is a separate woodworking shop for creating or repairing furniture and building structures. A large storage shed is used to keep farming equipment such as plows, harvesters, and wagons, which are essential for maintaining the crops and orchards. Another shed holds a collection of seed and grain for planting, ensuring that the ranch remains self-sustaining.

Gardens and Orchard

On the eastern side of the homestead, near the main house, lies the extensive garden and orchard. The garden is filled with seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and beans, which provide the family with fresh produce throughout the year. Adjacent to the garden is a small orchard with fruit trees—apples, pears, peaches, and plums—adding both beauty and sustenance to the ranch. The orchard provides fresh fruit for both personal consumption and for sale in the nearby towns.

Windmill and Water Tanks

One of the most distinctive features of the Vance Homestead is the windmill, located near the creek. The windmill pumps fresh water from the creek into large storage tanks that provide water to the ranch, ensuring the animals and crops are well hydrated, even during dry spells. The windmill also powers a system that carries water to the gardens, orchards, and outlying pastures, a critical infrastructure for the ranch's success in the often arid Texas climate.

Outbuildings and Staff Quarters

Nearby to the main ranch complex are several outbuildings that house ranch hands and workers. These quarters are modest but functional, providing living spaces for the staff who help with the day-to-day operations of the ranch. These staff members range from farmhands to specialized roles like the cook, housekeeper, or stable master. The quarters are arranged in a small village-like area, allowing easy access to the main house and other work areas.

Conclusion

Vance Homestead is a well-established and meticulously managed ranch that blends practicality with comfort. Each building and structure on the property serves a purpose, contributing to the smooth operation of the ranch. From the grand main house to the more utilitarian barns, every inch of the ranch is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Vance family. It is a place where generations have worked the land, raised livestock, and made their living, with a deep respect for both tradition and innovation.