Photography by Dave Hedge and Laura Seaton.
You don’t have to go far from Abilene to find houses located on sprawling plots of land with horses, livestock, wildlife and unending views of the horizon. Take a peek at the unique homes, architecture, decor and surroundings of three ranches around Abilene and in the Big Country area.
The McCullar 4M ranch
Home of Meredith “Bubba” and Boni Lee McCullar
Designer: Boni Lee McCullar
General Contractor: Boni Lee McCullar
Decorator: Boni Lee McCullar
Constructed in 1998
The McCullars initially spotted this property from the air as they were looking for a central location from which they could compete on the cutting horse circuit while maintaining their full time home in Memphis, Tenn. With axe in hand, Bubba and Boni literally hacked their way through mesquite trees and across rock outcroppings to find the perfect location for a home that would give a commanding view of a field of wildflowers and a well-stocked tank.
After 12 years the McCullars decided to make West Texas their full-time home. Boni, who is a professional interior decorator by trade, began blending the unique design styles of their Victorian home with their new ranch in Callahan County. The process took nearly two years.
“During that time I would tell Meredith, ‘I’m finished, done…won’t change a thing,’” Boni recalls. “Well, that never happened.”
A large serving area, polished concrete floors and floor to ceiling windows provides space to entertain family, ranch hands and more. Two large guest suites are completely separate from the living space and are located across a shaded courtyard for maximum privacy.
Though it’s taken several years for the McCullars to become full time Texans, Boni says, “I’m very happy now. As my cowboy has told me all along…the 4M ranch with its seven cats, Sunny the golden retriever and other ranch critters is now a little slice of heaven that we can share with friends and family.”
Home of David and Michele Ratliff, daughter Raven, and son Ryder
General Contractor: David Ratliff
Decorator: Michele Ratliff
Constructed in 2004
The Ratliffs live on a mountain top in what David’s grandfather, Jack Flores, called the prettiest spot in Callahan County.
“This land has been in my family since 1899. He always wanted to build a home here. It seemed fitting that we chose this spot,” David said.
Michelle Ratliff designed the home around a very large open concept kitchen. “You ever notice how whatever party or event you go to the crowd always gathers in the kitchen? It’s true, no matter what. We host all the family gatherings and wanted the perfect kitchen for them.”
Like most ranch homes, the view is the real show stopper. Located outside the back door is an outdoor kitchen and an infinity edged pool complete with waterfall and lazy river. Just beyond the pool is a well-appointed mother-in-law cottage.
“There are not too many places out there where you have absolutely no eye-pollution,” David said. “That’s what I love most about this home. You can see for miles and miles and you see no homes or buildings.”
The home overlooks the community of Bell Plain with the remains of Bell Plain College in the distance to the east.
The Nelson 2N Ranch
Home of Butch and Dwalah Nelson
Designer: Bob Roadcap
General Contractor: Dudley Mason
Decorator: Boni Lee McCullar
Constructed in 2004
The ranch home of Butch and Dwalah Nelson is named the 2N or Dos Ninos ranch for the couple’s adult children Lauren and Mathew. The land was purchased by the family in 1969.
Fast forward many years when Butch and Dwalah would bring folding chairs out their land and dream of the best location for their home.
“Our house was inspired by Frank Puckett’s house on Iberis Road. Our number one priority is that we didn’t want shadows on the back porch during any part of the day,” Dwalah said.
Dwalah’s favorite part of the home is the den and great room. It’s big and tall but has a warm feel with very few blinds and a lot of natural light.
The home sits on a hilltop and overlooks 500 acres and a tank. Wildlife is abundant on the Nelson ranch.
“We’ve seen roadurnners, quail, pheasant, coyotes, turkeys and wild hogs right here from the back porch.” said Butch.
Just off the front porch sits the remnants of the large neon sign that used to grace the front of Butch’s dad’s business in Abilene.
The Casa en la Cresta on Flores Ranch.
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