The Grace

Property Description

Welcome to 8857 SE 80th Street, also known as “The Grace”. Available for the first time since the late 1960s, this awe-inspiring setting is worth knowing, and you must step foot on it to understand. This area east of Leon, Kansas, is known for its abundant wildlife and trophy whitetail deer. This particular farm and its owner were responsible for the reintroduction of wild turkeys into Kansas, and that population continues to thrive to this day. Regenerative farm practices, soil conservation, and habitat management took place on this land long before the internet trends. The legacy of this landowner’s stewardship and passion for wildlife management will continue perpetually at the nearby Jackman Demonstration Forest, operated for research by the Kansas Forest Service.

“The Grace”, 306 +/- acres, is situated on either side of the Little Walnut River. A historic ecosystem twisting through the Flint Hills, springing life into nearby communities. These river bottoms are the topic of fable and mystery. Scenic would be an understatement. The Little Walnut sinuously traverses the subject tract, flowing east to west. There are 65 +/- acres of bottomland forest. This timber stand has incredible diversity, but it is dominated by quality species such as Burr Oak, Black Walnut, Hickory, Cottonwoods, and Pawpaws. The hardwoods are separated by productive tillable fields, currently fallow or planted to soybeans. There are six small fields; most of this cropland has been on a soybean, wheat, and corn rotation, providing an abundant food source for deer and turkey. The six fields average about 13 acres in size each, the perfect size for a variety of food sources or hunt setups. You couldn’t draw up this aerial map any better. With almost 5 miles of field-edge habitat, this layout is sure to catch the eye of any discerning sportsman. The farmland is fertile and generates excellent yields and income. There is a total of 80 acres of Class II, mostly Verdigris Silt Loam, with a weighted average NCCPI score of 75. These bottoms are screened by timber along the south road for ultimate seclusion of your target whitetail. Accessible from two primary wind directions but hidden from any outside view. There is a history of record-book deer being harvested on the property and throughout the neighborhood.

Up the hill from the bottoms is roughly 160 +/- acres of rolling terrain, premium grassland, and interspersed trees in sloped draws. This hilltop area of the farm is breathtaking. The upland acres have been grazed in the past with two nice watering ponds, but most recently have been used for hay production. Effective management of the landscape has led to a clean and nutrient-dense forage source for cattle. The tallgrass prairie consists of head-high big bluestem, little bluestem, switchgrass, and indiangrass. The views of the undulating hills and river bottom are excellent, with over 80 feet of elevation change. There are steep cherty limestone outcroppings overlooking the river and a historic rock dugout from a simpler time. At the center of the farm is a 2019 steel Morton Building. This stylish post-frame building measures 60'x40', with a turkey tail gable peak roof, covered porch, a 12-foot overhead garage door, and a concrete foundation. Rural water and electricity were buried and brought all the way to the building, including an outdoor frost-free hydrant. A new septic system also services the site. There are architectural plans for a 2-bed, 2-bath home with an open concept living room/kitchen. Plumbing stub-outs and wiring are already in place. Keep utilizing this for storage, or finish it out to your specifications and turn this space into your dream home or hunting retreat.

Opportunities at such a well put-together farm are rare, especially just 30 minutes from Wichita. Make this property your everyday home with a reasonable commute to the city or develop this farm into your family’s own special recreation getaway! To schedule a viewing of this exceptional property, contact the Listing Agent Sean Thomas at (620) 712-2775.