Welcome to our Industry Expert and Broker Series, where we showcase the best Ranches for sale and Sold across the American West; curated by our professional Ranch Brokers at M4 Ranch Group who know the lay of the land, like the back of their hands.
In this Listing spotlight, we interview Dan Murphy who shares his thoughts on the sale of ‘The Bursch’ on Eagle Ridge Ranch. A true convergence of high-country beauty, Heritage Ranching, and a Community built around Conservation and Lifestyle… Sold by M4 Ranch Group.
“The Bursch property included private deeded acreage within a 5,000± acre conserved and managed working ranch, with shared access to premier fishing on Ohio Creek, incredible elk and mule deer hunting, and miles of equestrian and hiking trails. The ranch has a long history in the Gunnison Valley, and its thoughtful planning preserved both its production and recreation value…something increasingly rare in the West”
Read on to learn more…
The Seller:
How did M4 Ranch Group become involved in the sale of The Bursch?
We were ultimately selected for our vast experience with Luxury, Recreational and Conservation Properties.
When we were approached to represent the Bursch House, we understood immediately that this wasn’t just a listing it was a Legacy Stewardship opportunity.
The Bursch home stood out as one of the most refined residences within a working Colorado Ranch environment, and we knew our job was to find a Buyer who not only appreciated its comfort and quality but deeply respected the Land and the community it was part of.
How did M4 Seller Services align with the goals of the client selling their ranch?
Our client sought a professional and transparent team that brought both discretion and results. They wanted a Brokerage that could lead the transaction from pricing to closing, ensuring alignment with shared-ranch regulations and stewardship goals.
With over 20 years of high-value ranch transactions, our expertise in Colorado Ranches and Land, transparent fee structure, and our personalized service model directly aligned with their expectations.
- 20 years of experience working with similar ranch properties
- Conservation-focused marketing aligned with the seller’s vision of legacy and stewardship
- Transparent, premium service with well-established buyer networks
“Our nationally recognized success, validated their decision to list with M4 Ranch Group”
The Listing:
What made The Bursch stand out from all the other Ranches For Sale in Colorado?
From the first time I stepped onto Eagle Ridge Ranch, I knew this was a rare place a true convergence of high-country beauty, heritage ranching, and a community built around conservation and lifestyle.
- Deeded Private Acreage
- Paired with access to a Professionally Managed 5,000± Acre Working Ranch
- Access to Ohio Creek Fly Fishing, Trophy Elk and Deer Hunting
- Alongside a well-organized ranch owners’ association
- Luxury Infrastructure with high-resilience systems designed for Mountain Living
“What sets Eagle Ridge Ranch apart, is its unique shared-ranch model”
What drew you personally to the Ranch?
It represented everything M4 Ranch Group stands for:
- Land Legacy
- Access to Elite Recreation
- Thoughtful Stewardship
- Western Heritage
What was the most interesting or unexpected feature of the Ranch?
The full-scale infrastructure: power redundancy, water systems, and energy independence… all quietly built into the design. Alongside its historical significance!
“Eagle Ridge Ranch, maintains the legacy of one of the valley’s Historic Cattle Ranches and remains operational as such”
What value did you see in this Ranch?
Its a long-term legacy investment, ideal for families seeking stewardship and lifestyle. With huge recreational potential, conservation alignment, and an unmatched community structure.
- Long-Term Legacy Investment
- Recreational potential
- World-class fly fishing on Ohio Creek
- Elk and mule deer hunting in GMU 54
- Horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking
- Proximity to Blue Mesa Reservoir and Crested Butte skiing
- Conservation alignment
- Unmatched Community Structure
What kind of legacy could The potential New owner build on this Ranch?
Its a long list, from Conservation Stewardship, to Private Land Philanthropy, Wildlife Enhancement efforts or a Multi-Generational retreat.
- Conservation Stewardship
- Private Land Philanthropy
- Wildlife Enhancement
- Multi-Generational Retreat
What did you experience when visiting? What stuck in your mind – biggest takeaway?
From the exceptional off-grid capability and resilience of the home infrastructure, to the vibrant, functional shared-ranch community behind the scenes.
But, what really stuck in my mind was the breathtaking landscape and abundant wildlife. From rolling alpine meadows, cottonwood-lined creeks, spruce forests, and expansive views of the West Elk and Anthracite ranges.
Example:
- One morning during a showing, we walked down to the creek and watched a group of Elk feeding in the Cottonwoods. It was quiet, cool, and utterly still… the kind of moment that reminds you why land matters. It stuck with the buyers too, they weren’t just buying a home; they were stepping into a piece of Colorado’s living legacy.
The Marketing:
What marketing strategies were used to attract the right buyer for this ranch?
From a marketing standpoint, we pulled out all the stops… through our seller services:
We employed a targeted marketing campaign designed to reach ultra-qualified buyers. This included national print media, international digital placement, placements on high-end land and lifestyle platforms, proprietary buyer outreach, and private broker networks.
We also created a detailed custom brochure, professional photography and videography, drone coverage, alongside high level storytelling to convey the ranch’s rarity and outstanding value.
- We highlighted what you can’t see from just photos:
- The quality of infrastructure
- The depth of the wildlife present
- The soul of the place
- The home wasn’t just built to be beautiful, it was built to be reliable in a mountain setting, with redundant systems for water, power, and fire safety
Alongside leveraging our extensive conservation and recreation minded networks for or qualified buyers to experience a personalized field tour, during peak wildlife and access windows.
The rest is a secret…
The Buyer:
Who did you think would make an ideal buyer for this Ranch?
A Conservation minded family looking for privacy, recreation, and lasting land legacy within a like minded community.
Can you describe the process of matching the right buyer with a Ranch like The Bursch?
We tailored and targeted our marketing, focusing on relationship-based selling within our national and international network.
The Sale:
What were the key factors that made this sale successful for both the seller and the buyer?
Transparency, trust, and shared values.
Clear expectations, a strong legal and ownership structure, and shared values between buyer and seller.
“Shared values between Buyer and Seller”
Did you encounter any specific challenges, During the Sale?
Navigating the Shared-Ranch legal framework and ensuring transparency around Shared Resources were the biggest challenges. Alongside the following:
- Navigating the unique shared-ranch ownership structure
- Seasonal access and showcasing full property value across conditions
- Ensuring buyers understood both privileges and responsibilities of shared ownership
How does your local/global connections help facilitate a ranch sale like this?
My background in wildlife, land management, and broker leadership ensured a trusted, informed process.
Combined with our wider national recognition over the last 20 years, and relationships across the country and globe… it allowed us reach out to our network of legacy buyers who understand land, value, and responsibility.
Describe your experience working with the buyers and facilitating the purchase?
It was a collaborative process, the buyers were seeking land that aligned with their values, and we guided them through every detail, from HOA rules to land stewardship planning.
“We Guided them through every detail, from HOA Rules to Land Stewardship Planning”
Reflection:
What was your biggest takeaway?
It reaffirmed the importance of placing land with people, who will honor its history and future. This wasn’t a quick transaction, it was the beginning of a relationship between the land and its new stewards…and that’s exactly the kind of work M4 Ranch Group was built to do.
And, as often happens in these ranch deals, we made lasting friendships.
“Placing Land with People, who will Honor its History and Future”
What kind of improvements, if any, would take this ranch to the next level?
Possibly developing an on-site caretaker’s quarters or enhancing habitat corridors with land partners.
The Bursch – Eagle Ridge Ranch – Highlights
- State/Town: Gunnison, Colorado
- Price: $3,495,000 (*2018)
- Deeded Acres: 35 Acres
- Key Features:
- Acreage:
- Private deeded acreage within a 5,000± acre conserved and managed working ranch
- Infrastructure:
- Exceptional off-grid capability and resilience of the home infrastructure
- Recreational Features:
- Shared access to premier fishing on Ohio Creek, incredible elk and mule deer hunting, and miles of equestrian and hiking trails
- Acreage:
- Sold Listing Details:
- Contact Us Directly: contact us today
Similar Listings
M4 Ranch Group continues to represent multiple Homesteads within Eagle Ridge Ranch and other Shared-Ranch Communities across Colorado.
These listings offer similar access to high-end Recreation, Conservation protections, and Legacy Land Ownership.
View our Shared Ranches For Sale in Colorado, also highlighted below:
M4 Ranch Group
At M4 Ranch Group, selling or finding you the perfect Colorado ranch is our top priority, alongside securing you a lasting legacy. Our dedicated brokers are ready to assist you in realizing your dream ranch and/or finding you the perfect buyer.
View our Seller Services or View our Colorado Ranches For Sale, New Mexico Ranches For Sale and Wyoming Ranches For Sale
A Sample of Ranches For Sale
Brown Trout Ranch
$485,000
Welcome to Brown Trout Ranch at Cebolla River Ranches, the ultimate destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Colorado, this 35-acre lot offers exclusive access to 6 miles of prime trout waters on Cebolla Creek. With a full family membership, you’ll enjoy unrivaled fishing experiences in a stunningly beautiful and remote setting.
Cebolla Creek Ranch
$440,000
Two – one third memberships available at the famous Cebolla River Ranches fishing club along with a 1/3 ($220,000) or 2/3 interest ($440,000) in 35.02 ± acre parcel in Ranch R-5. This shared ranch community is one of the first to set some of the highest standards for fishing clubs in Colorado.
Cebolla River Fishing Membership
$395,000
This is a rare opportunity for fly fishing enthusiasts to own a piece of Colorado’s most exclusive water. Nestled within the secluded beauty of Cebolla River Ranches, this remarkable 35-acre property includes a full family membership with access to 6 miles of private, trophy-class waters on Cebolla Creek.
