Eating like a Roosevelt has long been second nature to Fort Worthians. For decades, The Original Mexican Eats Cafe, which opened in 1926, has served up the “Roosevelt Special” in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s frequent visits to see his son, Elliott.

Recent news that Elliott’s now 90-year-old son, Tony Roosevelt, placed the family’s 1,303-acre ranch in Cooke County on the market (for a whopping $21.5 million) is a reminder of our city’s connection to the dynastic family tied to two presidencies that helped shape much of the modern world. The Rolling R Ranch is located roughly 75 minutes north of Fort Worth and set among rolling terrain, hardwood forests, and native grasslands. 

Tony Roosevelt’s appreciation for ranching began at his family’s original Rolling R Ranch in Colorado. Decades later, he carried that legacy to North Texas, assembling adjoining acreage in Cooke County to create his own Rolling R Ranch. Whoever purchases the 3,716-square-foot main residence and surrounding land inherits a decades-long legacy with ties to one of the most prominent American families. 

Inside Tony Roosevelt’s Rolling R Ranch

Built in 2014, the ranch’s main residence features four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. An open-concept great room centers around a stone fireplace, while the kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, a large center island, and a butler’s pantry. A screened-in porch overlooks the landscaped grounds, swimming pool, and hot tub.

The property also includes a 2,800-square-foot “barndominium,” built in 2001, that combines guest accommodations with working ranch facilities. Its upper level offers 1,724 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, open living area, and screened balcony overlooking a wildlife sanctuary. 

Downstairs, a climate-controlled workshop sits alongside a four-stall horse barn and dedicated tack room. Three additional barns provide space for hay, equipment, and ranch operations. The buildings were intentionally positioned to preserve the ranch’s sweeping views while encouraging the Roosevelt family to spend time outdoors.

Exploring the 1,303-Acre North Texas Property

The surrounding ranch features a blend of native prairie, hardwood forests, and pastureland. A patchwork of red oak, live oak, post oak, and other stately trees provides habitat for native wildlife, including deer and turkeys. More than 2.5 miles of Clear Creek runs through the sprawling property, which is well-suited for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. The ranch is currently stocked with 110 head of cattle.

The ranch also sits amid significant North Texas history: It overlooks Clear Creek and Cove Hollow, where outlaw Sam Bass reportedly hid in 1878, and remnants of early pioneer trails remain visible on the property.

If the mention of a Roosevelt Special piqued your interest, Franklin’s go-to order was a cheese enchilada topped with chile con carne and a beef taco. Even a sitting president couldn’t pass up a classic Tex-Mex dish. 

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Blake Hortenstine, Cash McWhorter, or Jonathan James with Hortenstine Ranch Company.