Introduction to Atarque Ranch
A massive 110,000-acre New Mexico ranch, bigger than the city of Denver, just galloped onto the market with a staggering $68.5 million price tag, making its grand debut after more than 45 years under one family’s reign.
History of the Ranch
Located near the remote hamlet of Fence Lake, this property — known as Atarque Ranch — has been a cherished retreat for the Yates family since 1978, a lineage tied to the oil and gas fortunes of Yates Petroleum Corp., which they sold to EOG Resources for $2.5 billion in 2016.
Reason for Sale
The decision to part with this rugged paradise stems from the passing of John Yates Sr., who, alongside his three brothers, acquired the land decades ago, according to Mansion Global. His death three years ago at age 93 has prompted the family to seek a new steward.
Features of the Ranch
The ranch, cherished by the family for hunting and recreation, features a modest 2,766-square-foot main home. The ranch has a wildlife habitat with elk, deer and antelope, and a working livestock operation. It occupies a colossal 110,000 acres and boasts early homesteader ruins. It also boasts Native American petroglyphs and early homesteader ruins. The ranch doubles as both a thriving wildlife sanctuary — home to bull elk, mule deer and pronghorn antelope — and a functioning livestock operation.
Terrain and Wildlife
It features diverse terrain — plateaus, canyons and grasslands. Native American petroglyphs can be seen throughout the ranch. The ranch’s remote headquarters, accessible via Highway 36 and roughly 160 miles from Albuquerque, features a four-bedroom, two-bathroom main residence, a three-bedroom manager’s home — and an array of outbuildings including a metal barn, a log barn and equipment sheds.
Water Rights and Additional Features
With 26 wells, a spring and 105 stock ponds, the property also holds a rare water rights decree covering nearly 60 acres — a scarce asset in the region. The family seeks a new steward to preserve its natural beauty and heritage. With a remote location 160 miles from Albuquerque, the ranch includes additional residences, barns and significant water rights, making it a rare find.
Market and Sale
Real estate broker Jeff Buerger of Hall and Hall, who listed the property on Sunday, highlights its unique appeal. “It’s extremely well blocked out — it does not have a lot of public access,” he told Mansion Global, emphasizing its status as a premier hunting ground for elk. He added that finding a comparable property at this price in New Mexico, or even in Montana’s high-end ranch market, would be a challenge.
Family Background
The Yates family’s roots in resource development trace back to 1924, when Martin Yates Jr. and his wife, Mary, struck oil with their Illinois No. 3 well in Eddy County, the first commercial success on state lands. Their four sons — Harvey, Martin II, St. Clair Peyton (S.P.) and John — carried the legacy forward, shaping Artesia and the broader region.
Conclusion
The sale of Atarque Ranch marks the end of an era for the Yates family, who have cherished the property for over 45 years. The ranch’s unique features, including its vast terrain, wildlife habitat, and water rights, make it a rare find in the market. As the family seeks a new steward to preserve the ranch’s natural beauty and heritage, they hope to find a buyer who will appreciate the property’s significance and continue to protect it for generations to come.
FAQs
- Q: How big is the Atarque Ranch?
- A: The Atarque Ranch spans 110,000 acres, making it larger than the city of Denver.
- Q: Why is the ranch being sold?
- A: The ranch is being sold due to the passing of John Yates Sr., who, alongside his brothers, acquired the land decades ago.
- Q: What features does the ranch have?
- A: The ranch features a modest main home, a wildlife habitat with elk, deer, and antelope, and a working livestock operation. It also has early homesteader ruins, Native American petroglyphs, and a diverse terrain including plateaus, canyons, and grasslands.
- Q: What is the asking price for the ranch?
- A: The asking price for the Atarque Ranch is $68.5 million.
- Q: How long has the ranch been owned by the Yates family?
- A: The ranch has been owned by the Yates family since 1978.
