PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

McNab Crag Ranch: A Sanctuary for Conservation, Recreation, and Sustainable Living

The 480-acre McNab Crag Ranch offers a rare opportunity to steward a legacy property that seamlessly blends rugged natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and cutting-edge sustainable infrastructure. Rising from the vineyard-draped Sanel Valley to the commanding heights of McNab’s Crag, this ranch is a haven for conservationists, hunters, and those seeking a resilient, self-sufficient lifestyle. Whether your vision is to preserve a wildlife sanctuary, pursue sustainable living, or embrace outdoor recreation, McNab Crag Ranch is the canvas for your legacy.

A Storied Past, A Visionary Future

In 1866, Alexander McNab homesteaded this land, drawn to the crag’s gnarled rock outcroppings that echoed his native Scottish Highlands. For over a century, the ranch was a cornerstone of Northern California’s sheep industry and the birthplace of the renowned McNab sheepdog breed. Today, it has been meticulously transformed into a recreational and conservation destination, designed for those who value environmental stewardship and self-reliance.

A Wildlife Sanctuary

McNab Crag Ranch is a thriving refuge for native wildlife, teeming with blacktail deer, wild hogs, black bears, blue grouse, wild turkeys, and countless other species. The ranch’s spring-laden hills and mountain meadows form a vital lifeline for this ecosystem, ensuring a sustainable habitat for generations to come. For hunters and conservationists alike, the ranch offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with and protect this vibrant biodiversity.

Sustainable Infrastructure for Resilient Living

Purpose-built for self-sufficiency, McNab Crag Ranch is a model of sustainable design, equipped to support its stewards through any challenge. The centerpiece is the 3,600 sq ft Ranch Lodge, perched on a high knoll with sweeping views of the Sanel Valley. This multipurpose lodge features:

• Open living space with high cathedral ceilings, ideal for customization.
• Commercial kitchen, perfect for farm-to-table living.
• Two bedrooms, one bathroom, with flexibility to adapt to your needs.
• Workshop for hands-on projects.
• Stone blockhouse housing a solar array, battery storage, and backup generator to meet all electrical demands.
• EV charger for sustainable transportation.
• Gravity-fed water system sourced from abundant mountain springs.

Separate from the lodge, the Caretaker’s House (2 bedrooms, 1 bath) operates on its own off-grid system, ensuring privacy and operational independence. The caretaker’s compound includes a metal workshop, equipment sheds, parking, and a firewood processing yard to support the ranch’s daily operations.

The ranch’s self-sustaining ecosystem is further enhanced by:

• Two mature orchards and vegetable gardens for fresh produce.
• Greenhouse and chicken coop for year-round food security.
• Livestock, including dairy cows and goats, for milk and land management.
• Numerous developed and undeveloped springs with storage and delivery systems, ensuring a reliable water supply.

Accessibility and Exploration

Located just 10 minutes from South Highway 101, between Hopland and Ukiah (15-20 minutes away), McNab Crag Ranch is easily accessible yet feels worlds apart. A rocked, all-season road winds from the valley floor to the lodge and caretaker’s compound, while miles of jeep and ATV trails crisscross the property, inviting exploration of its diverse terrain. Key natural wonders include:

• McNab’s Crag, a breathtaking vantage point offering panoramic views.
• A cave at the crag’s base, a humbling reminder of the land’s ancient history.

A Canvas for Your Vision

Spanning 480 acres in a single legal parcel, McNab Crag Ranch is a rare gem that combines conservation, recreation, and sustainable living. Whether you’re drawn to preserving its wildlife, cultivating its agricultural potential, or creating a resilient retreat, this property offers unmatched flexibility. The lodge’s open design and the ranch’s robust infrastructure provide a foundation to tailor the space to your unique needs.

Key Features:

• 480 acres of diverse terrain, from valley floor to mountain crag.
• Abundant wildlife, ideal for conservation and hunting.
• Numerous springs with developed storage and delivery systems, plus undeveloped springs for future expansion. Also 2 creeks
• 3,600 sq ft Ranch Lodge with solar power, battery storage, backup generator, and EV charger.
• Caretaker’s House with independent off-grid system.
• Agricultural assets, including orchards, gardens, greenhouse, chicken coop, dairy cows, and goats.
• All-season road and extensive interior trails for easy access and exploration.
• Proximity to Highway 101, with Ukiah and Hopland nearby.
• Natural wonders, including McNab’s Crag and a historic cave.

Your Legacy Awaits

McNab Crag Ranch is more than a property—it’s a calling for those who seek to live in harmony with nature, protect its resources, and build a sustainable future. Whether you envision a private sanctuary, a conservation legacy, or a recreational paradise, this ranch offers the tools and inspiration to make it a reality. Step into the footsteps of Alexander McNab and claim your place in the Sanel Valley’s storied history.

For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact us today. Your sustainable legacy begins at McNab Crag Ranch.