While on a business trip to BC’s Cariboo region (about 450 km northeast of Vancouver) a Canadian mining executive took a liking to the area, so much, he thought about buying some land..“He was staying at a B&B and asked the innkeeper if there was any land for sale. The innkeeper happened to be a realtor, and the executive bought his first parcel,” says Faith Wilson, of Faith Wilson/Christie’s International Real Estate..On that parcel, the new owner commissioned a custom-designed 10,000-sq.-ft. log home — most folks would call it a mansion — and as neighbouring parcels of land became available, he bought them, eventually assembling the 5,925 acres into what is now known as Four Hearts Ranch. .“There’s a uniqueness in how the owner put together all of these parcels,” said Wilson..“There’s so much diversity just within the property. You’ve got ranch country, cowboy country, lake country.”.The ‘ranch’ includes eight homes, four private lakes, an equestrian facility and stable, cattle farm, airplane hangar and helicopter landing pad.. Four Hearts Ranch dining roomFour Hearts Ranch dining room .And it’s now on the market for CAD$23.8 million..About one-third of the land is in an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), a provincial designation that encourages farming, with non-agricultural uses restricted. Land within an ALR receives a 50% value exemption for school and hospital taxes, according to the BC Government website..With so many separate residences, it’s the perfect getaway with family and friends, or as a corporate staff retreat..“The owner used the ranch’s seven smaller houses as rentals, guest houses, or family homes,” says Wilson..“There are so many experiences you can have on this property throughout the year.”. Four Hearts Ranch living roomFour Hearts Ranch living room .“Summer activities include wildlife-viewing trails, camping, fishing, swimming and canoeing. In winter, the property accommodates cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing.” .“In spring and fall, the ranch becomes a temporary home for wildlife, including moose, cougars, bears, ducks, geese and migratory birds.”.The main home, with seven bedrooms, was built on a levelled hillside, with forest as background and a vast grassland and wetlands area and Straight Lake in front.. Four Hearts Ranch kitchenFour Hearts Ranch kitchen .“Working with the environment, the main house has geothermal heating in place that uses the earth’s renewable energy to heat or cool the home while hot water is provided by a gas boiler,” says Wilson..“In fact, most of the buildings are already hooked to gas, but it's currently only used for the gas boiler in the main house. Geothermal heating is an extremely efficient system that offers lower maintenance costs and higher levels of comfort, in addition to the environmentally responsible aspect.”.“The heart of the home is the great room, with a formal dining area, breakfast room and a living space with a large wood-burning fireplace. .“The custom kitchen features black cabinets and fixtures, a large island and bar, plus Thermador and Kenmore Elite appliances,” says Wilson..“Upstairs, a galleried landing overlooks the great room with corridors that lead to the bedrooms and family bathrooms.”. Four Hearts Ranch bedroomFour Hearts Ranch bedroom .Attached to the home are two over-sized, two-vehicle garages, one on the upper floor and one on the lower floor, allowing for ample parking and storage space. There is an additional toy garage for the ATVs. .“The ranch’s equestrian centre is state of the art,” says Wilson. “There is a custom-built riding arena, a round pen, a hay barn, carpenter and mechanical shops and stables for ten horses.”.“The centre could host retreats for individuals or companies year-round. At one point, the ranch had the largest Morgan horse herd in North America, and they still have four Morgan horses.”.The listing agent is Faith Wilson of Faith Wilson/Christie’s International Real Estate.
