$1,800,000

Welcome to the Benton Family Ranch Located in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley, 701 Messinger Road features 112.7 acres of level, usable land with open pastures, mature trees, and nearly half a mile of Williams Creek frontage, including 42 acres of 1858 water rights. The ranch supports grazing, hay production, and a range of ag uses. Set in a private valley, pastures stretch out across the gently rolling terrain, offering views to the distant mountains and a peaceful open setting. Natural buffers of mature trees enhance the property's privacy and beauty. The main home is a 3,771 sq ft ranch-style residence that is very well maintained and spacious, ready for updates. A second home is ideal for guests, rental income, or a ranch hand. Outbuildings include a historic main barn, horse barn, hay barn, and utility sheds, offering functional support for livestock and land management. This is a place where you can work the land, enjoy the outdoors, and live free in a private valley with views, wildlife, and room to roam Land Overview The property has a long history of agricultural use, including cattle grazing, and hay production, with rotational planting of grass, oat, and alfalfa. It previously supported 10–15 cow/calf pairs, and a number of horses. A wrought iron automatic gate welcomes visitors at the property's main entry, offering both security and a touch of formality. The land totals approximately 112.7 acres and offers a rare combination of beauty, function, and privacy. About 48 acres are established pasture—ideal for grazing or hay production—with gentle terrain that allows for efficient use and easy access. Another 61.7 acres are forested and riparian zones, creating natural buffers, wildlife habitat, and recreational appeal. The remaining 3 acres are developed with the homesites and structural improvements. The EFU zoning supports a wide range of uses, from livestock to vineyards. A great mix of recreation for those who enjoy the outdoors. The land itself is ideal for horseback riding, hiking, and trail riding, with open pastures, trails, and access roads that wind through the property (some redevelopment is needed). There’s room to explore on foot, by ATV, or on horseback, all without leaving your land. The property is located in Oregon’s Applegate Hunting Unit (Unit 28), which allows for over-the-counter tags for: Blacktail deer (archery and rifle seasons), black bear, turkey and more. The mix of timber, pasture, and riparian zones creates excellent habitat for game, and the property’s privacy makes it a solid location for hunting close to home. Live Water Features The property enjoys approximately 2,500 feet of year-round frontage on Williams Creek, a major feature both for its natural beauty. The creek borders the southeastern border of the property and runs through a mature riparian corridor, offering shade, wildlife, and recreational potential. In addition to the creek, the property includes three ponds—all for irrigation storage. Water Rights and Irrigation A major asset to the ranch is its 42 acres of irrigation water rights from Williams Creek, with a priority date of 1858. Water is diverted through the shared Watt and Topping Ditch into two main storage ponds, then pumped via above-ground lines to wheel lines and hand lines across the pastures. A third pond near the homesite offers an additional diversion near the homes and buildings. Residential Improvements The ranch includes two residential dwellings. The main home is a spacious single-level ranch-style residence with an attached guest quarters, offering a comfortable layout and solid structure ready for updates. A second home—a 2-bedroom manufactured residence—provides flexible living options for extended family, a caretaker, or rental use. Both homes are privately sited with ample separation and access. MAIN HOUSE: The main residence is a single-level ranch-style home offering 3,771 square feet of living space. The main entry opens into the living areas, including a formal living room with wood-burning fireplace, woodstove and great views. The kitchen is spacious and functional, featuring extensive cabinet storage, dual cooktops and ovens, a walk-in pantry, and ample counter space—well-suited for both daily use and larger gatherings. A breakfast nook, a formal dining room and a large outdoor patio provide ample space for eating and entertaining. The bedroom wing is located at the south end of the home and includes three oversized bedrooms. The master suite offers a private bathroom, a sitting room, and an attached office that together create a generous and flexible personal space. The two guest bedrooms are also spacious and are served by two full guest bathrooms located off the hallway. At the north end of the home, you'll find a large office, a separate utility/laundry space, and a half bath. A 668 square foot guest quarters with a full bathroom is connected via a breezeway and offers additional living space for guests, extended family, or a variety of uses. The studio includes a full bath, and enclosed patio. Though dated cosmetically, the home is solidly built and has been well maintained over the years. Major system upgrades include a Lennox zoned HVAC system (electric heat pump and all metal ducts) and a new roof—both installed in 2014. The exterior is finished in a combination of stone and stucco, offering both durability and classic ranch-style character. The grounds surrounding the home are clean, organized, and thoughtfully maintained, with mature landscaping that includes lawn areas, shrubs, and large evergreen trees that add shade, and a sense of elegance to the setting. This level of care extends throughout the homesite area, reflecting pride of ownership and providing a strong foundation for future updates or improvements. 2ND HOUSE: The second residence on the property is a 2002 Golden West manufactured home, offering 868 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The home is in good condition and provides a functional and comfortable space well-suited for a ranch hand, extended family, or long-term rental use. Its location, separate from the primary residence, offers privacy and flexibility without compromising convenience. Ranch Improvements The ranch features over 13,000 square feet of agricultural and utility buildings, offering a well-equipped setup for livestock, hay storage, equipment, and general ranch operations. The horse barn is approximately 2,850 square feet and purpose-built, featuring four stalls, two tack rooms, a wash rack, storage room and a wide central aisle that allows for easy movement. The historic main barn spans roughly 5,456 square feet and includes two large lean-to wings, providing ample space for hay storage, equipment, or feed handling. With a well-preserved original structure, it reflects the property's working heritage while remaining highly functional. A newer 2,000 square foot hay barn adds additional covered storage and is well suited for hay, machinery, or large equipment storage. In addition to the primary barns, the property includes a former milk barn repurposed for general storage and workshop use, multiple turnout shelters, outdoor riding arena and several smaller sheds that offer added utility for equipment, tools, or ranch supplies. Locational Attributes Applegate Valley: The Applegate Valley is one of Southern Oregon’s most sought-after rural regions, known for its scenic beauty, mild climate, and strong agricultural heritage. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and forested mountains, the valley offers a unique mix of lifestyle and productivity. It’s home to a growing number of boutique farms, ranches, and wineries, as well as a vibrant outdoor community drawn to the area's rivers, lakes, and public lands. Despite its rural feel, the Applegate Valley provides convenient access to nearby towns like Grants Pass, Jacksonville, and Medford—making it an ideal location for those seeking privacy and space without sacrificing accessibility. Southern Oregon Region: Southern Oregon is strategically located midway between Portland and San Francisco on Interstate 5, with convenient connections to the Oregon coast via Highway 199 and to eastern Oregon via Highways 62 and 140. This good transportation network helps link the most populated cities in the region of Medford, Ashland, Jacksonville, and Grants Pass. Southern Oregon is an outdoor lifestyle paradise – if there is something related to the outdoors that you love doing, you can do it here! Recreation in the area is vast and there is no shortage of hiking trails, fishing holes, or live water activities due to the abundance of rivers and lakes. The region is home to a wide array of natural amenities like Crater Lake, the Oregon Caves National Monument, and the Rogue River. The area enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons and mild winters. Timber, pears, and cattle have historically been the leading agricultural economic drivers in Southern Oregon. In recent years the region has seen a rise in other types of agriculture including row crops (hemp) as well as permanent plantings (wine grapes). In more recent years, the area has begun to see increase in notoriety within the wine industry for the region’s ability to grow many different varietals at a high quality.