The legendary Y.O. Ranch Headquarters encompasses 11,200± acres of the Texas Hill Country, while its history spans over 140 years. The story of the Y.O. parallels the history of Texas: Founded in 1880 by a French immigrant turned Texas Ranger, known as Captain Charles Schreiner, this enterprising businessman purchased over 500,000 acres for his cattle venture, and the Y.O. brand was part of that transaction, since most of the cattle on the land already featured the brand on their hides. Since then, the Y.O. brand has become part of the Schreiner family legacy, and today has become a tradition in its own right — a part of Texas lore and culture.
The founding of the Y.O. took place during a time of cattle drives and hard living. Captain Schreiner made his fortune with a diverse set of businesses, including a mercantile, a bank, and then cattle. Wild herds of longhorn were rounded up in the post-Civil War period and driven up the Western Trail to Dodge City, Kansas, helping the Captain fund his ranching enterprise. The Y.O. survived World War I, the Great Depression, screw-worm infestations, and severe drought, and was passed down through two generations to Charles the third, affectionately known as “Charlie Three”. Three modernized the ranching operations and demonstrated tremendous foresight by introducing exotic animal species to the ranch in the 1950s and kick-starting the hunting and tourism operations that made the ranch famous.
Many of those exotic breeds still roam the land today, including Axis, Sika, Fallow, and Blackbuck Antelope. Other African species have their own home in a large pasture that is explored on guided tours. These species include Wildebeest, Pere David’s Deer, and the famous Y.O. giraffes, which are partial to hand-fed cookies. These exotic species that were introduced by the Schreiner family live alongside native game such as Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkeys, and Javelina. Today, hunting operations and wildlife tourism make up a large portion of the Y.O.’s trade.
The land holds a special place in the hearts of all who visit. History is witnessed first-hand when touring the pastures, with classic windmills and hundred-year-old fences and pens marking the way. Rolling hills, wet-weather creek beds, steep ravines, and lush pastures are some of the topographical features found on this magnificent hill country terrain. Sunrises and sunsets are often captivating, especially when viewed from Gobbler’s Knob — a favorite spot for generations of ranchers and guests.
Accommodations for hunters and tourists are located throughout the headquarters compound, and beautiful amenities offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, and relaxation. The main lodge with its huge windmill and brand chandelier is centered around a massive stone fireplace and is flanked by an antique western bar. This saloon atmosphere welcomes guests and provides a place to warm up by the fire and tell stories about the day’s activities.
Surrounding the lodge are the guest accommodations, which are numerous. From quaint antique cabins to modern hotel-type spaces set within an old west street facade, the lodgings can host dozens of overnight guests. At mealtime, hosts and guests alike make their way to the Chuckwagon for old fashioned meals prepared three times each day.
The Y.O.’s trade in exotic animals eventually evolved into hosting an annual wild game auction, which continues to this day under a huge arena built for this purpose, surrounded by working pens and chutes. Dozens of support buildings and barns have been erected around the headquarters over the years to help maintain operations.
Several homes are present on the ranch to house the workforce. But the most significant residence on the Y.O. is the place where Charlie Three called home. His rock residence, which he built for himself, occupies a perch overlooking a beautiful pasture of exotic game, and is an architectural achievement for a ranch home, featuring historic artifacts incorporated into the floor plan, and beautiful design elements throughout. Light pours into the living and dining spaces, and an antique bar was incorporated into this room. In the library, a towering clear-story sparkles with light from floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the spiral staircase that acts as a second entrance to the upstairs master suite. But the most surprising room in this home is guarded by the original vault door that secured the treasures at the Schreiner Bank in Kerrville. Within this space, several vintage built-ins were constructed to showcase Mr. Schreiner’s collection of rare books, antiques, historical artifacts, and historic firearms. Flanked by a fireplace, this room is sure to have been a witness to history in the making as Charlie Three planned his ranching enterprises.
The history and tradition of the Y.O. continues today — a story of transformation and diversification. From a mercantile to the cattle business to hunting to tourism, the ranch and its owners have consistently found ways to reinvent the land and to pay tribute to the history of this place. A place that must be experienced to be truly appreciated, the Y.O. Ranch Headquarters stands ready to embrace the next chapter in its long and fascinating journey. Contact Texas Ranch Sales, LLC, for your opportunity to embrace the legacy of the Y.O..
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Shown by appointment only with Texas Ranch Sales, LLC. Buyers brokers must be identified on first contact and must accompany buying prospect on first showing to be allowed full fee participation. If this condition is not met, fee participation will be at the sole discretion of Texas Ranch Sales, LLC.
Shown by appointment only with Texas Ranch Sales, LLC. Buyers brokers must be identified on first contact and must accompany buying prospect on first showing to be allowed full fee participation. If this condition is not met, fee participation will be at the sole discretion of Texas Ranch Sales, LLC.
