Real Estate / Mansions

The Real Reason Billionaire T. Boone Pickens is Selling His Texas Dream Ranch for $250 Million: Most Expensive Property in the U.S. Raises More than Eyebrows

BY // 12.06.17

Reading the details of billionaire legend T. Boone Pickens’ listing of his $250 million Mesa Vista Ranch ranch in the Texas Panhandle feels a lot like an episode of MTV’s Cribs on steroids. Featuring a private runway and hangar, a wedding chapel, and even an 11,000 square foot kennel for man’s best friend, the 65,000 acre ranch is now the single most expensive property on the market in the United States.

Let’s take a quick refresher course on the life of the legendary oil tycoon.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Pickens got his start in business through a paper route that he grew from 28 papers to 156, a practice he has mentioned introduced him to “expanding quickly by acquisition.” His family moved to Amarillo in the 1930s after the oil boom in Oklahoma ended. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Pickens went on to be employed by Philips Petroleum, until he founded the company that would become Mesa Petroleum, which by 1981 would grow to be one of the largest oil companies in the world.

After a series of corporate acquisitions, a Time magazine cover, and giving brief consideration to making a run at presidency, Forbes estimated Pickens’ net worth to be $1.2 billion by 2013. He’s given away more than a billion dollars — and his current net worth is in some question. Still, he’s long been one of the most famous billionaires in America. But he’s also getting older.

According to a personal note posted on his LinkedIn, Pickens decision to sell his 65,000 acre property “is the prudent thing for an 89-year-old man to do.” He goes on to mention his intention to get his life and affairs in order, to ensure that the property winds up with owners that share his conservation ethics. He notes that while his overall health is adequate, his fading vision and hearing have forced him to give up many things he loves dearly.

While Mesa Vista’s beauty is awe-inspiring, Pickens notes the ranch roads are now blurred for him. He finishes his letter by stating that much of the proceeds of the sale of Mesa Vista will be directed to The T. Boone Pickens Foundation in order to fulfill a variety of philanthropic charitable commitments.

Set your Easter Table with Bering's

Swipe
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024
  • Bering's Gift's Easter 2024

Pickens’ philanthropic blood runs deep, with his charitable giving exceeding $1 billion, and his foundation supports a number of organizations such as American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Park Cities Quail, USO Dallas/Fort Worth and the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women.

No Small Prize

The Mesa Vista Ranch — located in Roberts County, just 80 miles northeast of Amarillo — is an impressive feat. It boasts miles of creeks and 20 lakes, complete with six different structures, ranging from the 1,700 square foot Gate House all the way up to 33,000 square feet Lodge. The property also features a separate building solely for firearms, a tennis court and golf course, housing for a staff, and some of the best quail hunting around.

“The Mesa Vista has been a labor of love that has occupied the better part of my life”, writes Pickens. Now, one lucky owner (with very deep pockets) will have the chance to experience all that owning Mesa Vista offers.

Hop into Bering's this Easter for Egg-citing Finds!
Shop Berings
SHOP NOW

Featured Properties

Swipe
X
X