Legendary TV journalist Tom Brokaw's fishing ranch located in Smithers, British Columbia, Canada, has sold for $1.7 million. He had listed the estate for sale sometime back in September 2012, asking for $1.8 million. The place has now sold for a slight discount.
According to The Huffington Post, Brokaw purchased the property with two friends and decided to sell it away as it was lying unused by either of the three. The ranch has been purchased by Texas-based buyers who now plan to set up base there.
Apparently, foreign buyers showed a lot of interest in the estate.
"There was a lot of overseas interest from buyers in Europe. They seem to like British Columbia for some reason, more than the U.S.," Tim Murphy, Broker and Partner with Hall and Hall real estate, said to The Huffington Post.
The Hat Rack Ranch is spread across an area of 275 acres of crown government leased lands. Located on the Telkwa High Road, the fishing estate lies parallel to the Bulkley River. The ranch offers cross-valley views of the glacier mounts in Hudson Bay and the Evelyn Mountains.
The Broker's Comment section on the listing website reads:
"The Hat Rack Ranch is a top-shelf executive Canadian retreat immaculately appointed and maintained and located on one of the world's premiere cold-water fisheries, the Bulkley River. The ranch offers timeless views of many towering snow-capped peaks and has direct access into the Babine Wilderness. The town of Smithers is an outstanding and attractive rural community offering a host of events, services, schools and entertainment all within a short drive of the ranch. For a buyer with a palate for steelhead this is a can't-miss opportunity."
The ranch has a main house that spans an area of 3,600 square feet across three stories. The first floor of the residence has a formal living room, a dining room and a modern kitchen. The second floor is home to the master suite, with a large balcony and an elaborate library. The third story comprises of another bedroom and an attached bathroom.
The main residence also has an attached greenhouse and internal rot and wine cellar. A separate 800 square feet duplex guest house, a 7,200 square feet three-story barn, and a two-story shop that has been converted into an office also exist on the estate.
The ranch is gated as it is used for grazing purposes. A small herd of cattle or horse could easily graze on the vast greens. Apart from grazing, the place is perfect for fishing. Steelhead, salmon and rainbow trout are the most available breeds in the area.
Check out photos of the ranch here.
Just before the listing became public, Brokaw was admitted to hospital. He had complained of feeling light-headed and later stated that it was nothing serious, but just an extra blooper-dosage of Ambien that resulted in the giddiness. He later Tweeted saying "All is well."