Hot Tub. 140 acres. Exotics to feed. River on site. Summer haven.

Us in a nutshell:
1. We met in college, married when we were 21, and have rounded the corner on 50 years together.
2. We have two daughters, a son-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and a great grandchild--all exceptional, of course!
3. Careerwise, one or both of us have taught college for many years, run an extended-stay weight loss business in Park City, served as research director for a major regional hospital, and been an administrative assistant for CEOs and a college dean.
We saved the Great Adventure for last! In 2014, we bought Carpe Diem Ranch, intending to retire, ride horses, and immerse ourselves in the hill country's natural beauty. Instead, John continued online teaching, built a flock of sheep from half a dozen to 150, and expanded our herds of white tail, axis, and blackbuck to include ureals, fallow deer, and scimitar oryx. He also spent 3 years turning a dilapidated shed into Andi's Cabin and another 18 months giving the ranch's abandoned Fleetwood Festival caravan the makeover she deserved.
We thought ranching was fun--and it is--but when we started hosting guests for "do whatcha wanta do" weekends, our life satisfaction score skyrocketed. Nothing has been more gratifying than meeting the exceptional people who escape to the ranch, some to unwind, some to fish, some to be close to Bend, and some to heal. Whatever the reason for your getaway, the ranch has been a "more than you're hoping for" place for most of our guests.

Come for a weekend or a week at Andi's Cabin--find out what the ranch can do for you.

Note: Why "Andi's Cabin"?
Andi's Cabin is a special place with a unique story. Named in loving memory of our daughter Andi, an Austinite with a deep connection to the Texas Hill Country, this cabin is a tribute to her zest for life, compassion, and love for this beautiful region.
For those curious about Andi's remarkable story, do a quick Google search of "Andrea Sloan in Austin."

And borrowing her words, "We hope your spirits are light today."

We chose this ranch because its western boundary is the Colorado River. After moving here, we quickly learned how fortunate we are to live a mile from the nearest highway but only a short drive to the delightful community of San Saba.

We also discovered that a main artery of the Central Migration Corridor runs along the eastern edge of the ranch which, along with the river, provides a seemingly endless supply of birds from miniature hummingbirds to bald eagles.

We are secluded: a mile from the nearest highway and almost a half mile from the nearest neighbor.
🌳🌳We are immersed in nature, from the hills surrounding us to the Colorado River on our western boundary.
🦌Our land is dedicated to preserving wildlife. We have native white tail deer, raccoons, possums, red and gray foxes, armadillos, an occasional ringtail cat, and birds galore. We also have exotic animals that graze almost wherever they wish--I watch them 10 yards from my kitchen window. You'll see them almost that close from your lodging. Among the exotics on the ranch are axis deer, blackbuck antelope, fallow deer, and scimitar oryx.
Nothing gives us quite as much pleasure as sharing our little piece of heaven with guests who choose us for their getaway. We do our best to provide "discreet hospitality"--available whenever you need us, our of your way when you don't.