Moon River Ranch Review
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Moon River Ranch Review

Wow! Wow! Wow! The "Wows" could go on and on and they seem to be the only way we can describe this magnificent Ranch Resort. "Wows" and 'hey, look at this" is all that was said as we explored the property when we first arrived. The following pictures, our description, or the videos on the  cannot begin to represent the serenity, beauty, and elegance of Moon River Ranch. You'll also note that our pictures were taken on a cold and overcast day in February - which means we now have an excuse to go back again to enjoy this outstanding ranch and take some pictures when everything is green and the sun is out further enhancing the beauty of Moon River Ranch. In this review, we will do our best to represent Moon River Ranch, but you really need to experience it first hand, so get on the phone now and book a wedding, corporate or executive retreat, family reunion, special occasion, or just a relaxing weekend.

Front EntranceSide view View from the pond

Ok, here comes our humble description of this great ranch. Moon River Ranch is located on 550 beautiful acres along the Brazos River about 15 minutes east of Waco. As you enter the property the look and feel of where you just drove from changes immediately - from barren flat ranch land to stately trees, waterfalls, fountains, ponds, and a majestic 18,000 square foot house with a huge pool and spa. That's when you get your first "Wow"! On your short drive from the gate to the ranch house you will pass the party barn, the 100 year old chapel, the onsite manager's house, a small one bedroom rustic bunkhouse, one of the stone patios with a fire pit surrounded by lounge chairs, the tee-pee, and finally arrive at the awesome (second Wow!) entrance to the ranch house.

PondPool & waterfallParty barn entrance

As I mentioned earlier, it is impossible to describe the grandeur and sheer elegance of the decor and furnishing of this rambling ranch house. The house is three stories and stone patios or decks with a variety of very nice outdoor furniture around three quarters of the house. Enter the front door and you'll get a couple more "Wows" as you take in the living room on your right and the first of four kitchens on your left. Let's take a brief tour of the first floor:

  • a huge (30'x36') fully equipped commercial kitchen (my dream kitchen) which is extremely well done with stained cement counter tops andOne of the dinning rooms floors, cedar cabinets, two wood dining tables, 2 dishwashers, 2 triple stainless steel sinks, 2 large griddles, 2 gas stoves and ranges, coffee and espresso makers, toasters, all of the utensils to feed an army, and two margarita machines (how good is that!) - you won't have a problem with someone volunteering to cook in this kitchen or to keep you company as you prepare a gourmet meal
  • an impressive living area with a variety of leather couches, two stone fire places, ornate and rustic decor, a piano, and of course, a fully equipped bar
  • a formal dining room
  • a media room with very comfortable leather couches and a balcony with couches
  • up a couple stairs and you'll find a part of the original house with a fully equipped kitchen, dinning room, and sitting room with a view of the property and pool
  • a well appointed bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room
Deck by the pond

DeckAll of that may not sound that impressive, but when you see it you will be amazed. All of the appointments, furniture, and decorations are first class. The other two floors have a variety of well furnished oversized bedrooms with open tile and stone showers, bathroom, TV, and balcony. You'll also find as you wonder through the ranch house two more full kitchens, dining area, and sitting rooms - again all very tastefully and elegantly appointed. The elegance of the rooms and all of the rustic Texas motif coupled with the down home style and comfortableness of the ranch will generate multiple "Wows" as you explore this rambling ranch house. Two decks with very comfortable patio furniture provide views of the pool, waterfalls, and pastures. A huge deck with a wood burning fireplace, bar, and patio furniture is an excellent place to relax, socialize, conduct team meetings, or star gaze as you listen to the waterfalls. Be careful, don't let the peacefulness and lulling sound of the waterfalls, stream, or night animals put you to sleep - you just may find that you're still in that comfortable lounge chair when the sun comes up, which is not a bad thing, you get to experience a beautiful sunrise and get an early start on a fun day at the ranch.

Some of the other accommodations include: a boathouse on the bank of the Brazos River with very rustic sleeping accommodations, a huge deck, and a kitchen; a screened in porch for dinning, games, or small meetings; a cute redone trailer that sleeps 6; a small bunkhouse; and the original house. Moon River Ranch can comfortably accommodate up to 50 overnight guests and up to 200 day guests. You'll hear a few "Wows" as you explore each of these, but most likely you'll hear more "isn't that unique and cool!"

The house is surrounded with stone or wood patios, rustic outdoor furniture and chaise lounges, multiple fire pits and chairs, cascading water falls, and a magnificent pool and hot tub. A pond adjoins the swimming pool and is good for fishing or you for use of the paddle boat. Lots of "Wows" here.

For larger meetings, weddings, or get togethers, there is a very well done and furnished dance and party barn. Moon River Ranch is perfect for a wedding and has multiple ceremony sites, one of which is a 100 year old chapel. There are also a variety of excellent settings for the reception - stone patios, pool and pond area, upper deck, or the party barn which is a perfect indoor venue for a wedding of up to 200 guests.

Moon River Ranch is also ideal for corporate or executive retreats, special occasions, reunions, or family gatherings. There are several small rooms that could be used for planning sessions or team meetings and the party barn is ideal for larger events. The fire pits, sitting rooms, and small outdoor tables are perfect for socializing or getting reacquainted with a long lost college bud. Moon River Ranch can meet any of your requirements for catering or special events (hay rides, canoe races, zip lines, paintball, etc.). If you're up to it, you can bring and prepare your own food in any of the four well equipped kitchens.

Here are a few of the activities and things to do during your stay at Moon River RanchPool view from the top deck

  • enjoy a relaxing few hours at the beautiful pool and hot tub
  • spend some time getting to know the Brazos River - head over to the sandy beach and enjoy the water; fish from the bank and try to land dinner; canoe around the bend (if you're competitive, have a canoe race); have lunch, play games, and enjoy the deck at the boat house
  • around any of the 3 fire pits you can get to know your new son-in-law and his parents; roast s'mores with the kids and all the chocolate fans; gossip, socialize or talk strategies with your corporate team
  • star gaze from the top deck - find the planets and man-in-the-moon, or ponder the creation of the universe don't let the peacefulness and lulling sound of the waterfalls, stream, or night animals put you to sleep
  • spend some time talking to the very helpful, entertaining, and colorful Mike (the onsite ranch manger, cook, wrangler, construction chief, cattle manager, story teller, and more) and listening to his tales from his cowboy and rodeo days
  • get a good book or a good friend, find a cozy spot on one of the decks, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the pool and surrounding property
  • visit Waco and take in some of the sights and things to do - click here to learn more about Waco

"Wow" that was fun.

To start to appreciate Moon River ranch, check out some additional pictures and visit their website. Call now and book a corporate event, wedding, or reunion. Moon River Ranch will make your stay memorable and let me know how may "Wows" you hear.

Live.Play.Enjoy.....Visit Moon River Ranch

 

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