Dan Coates' Lightning C Ranch hits the market near Fort Worth

The 264±-acre Lightning C Ranch in Granbury, Texas, is for sale for the first time after the death of cowboy artist Dan Coates. The property combines Western art history, a custom home built with reclaimed materials and cattle-ready land about an hour from Fort Worth.

Why it matters: - The Lightning C Ranch is a rare legacy property that blends ranch land, Western art history and custom architecture. - The ranch sits about one hour from downtown Fort Worth, making it unusually close to a major metro for a 264±-acre ranch. - The property’s sale offers buyers a chance to own land shaped by Dan Coates, a prominent Granbury cowboy artist and rancher.

What happened: - The 264±-acre Lightning C Ranch near Granbury and Glen Rose is being offered for sale for the first time. - The Mock Ranches Group is representing the listing. - Kasey Mock, ALC, is the listing agent and CEO of The Mock Ranches Group. - The property is located between Granbury and Glen Rose and includes more than a mile of frontage on Neri Road. - The ranch was developed by Dan Coates, who died in 2005 while rounding up cattle in Palo Duro Canyon.

The details: - The main residence is approximately 3,450 square feet with two bedrooms and two baths. - An upstairs bunkhouse adds extra sleeping space and includes a half bath. - A pool house sits beside the main residence. - Dan Coates’ historic art studio stands behind the house. - The studio was designed to resemble an old Western saloon. - The home includes hand-hewn timbers from the 1800s sourced from Pennsylvania. - The home also uses historic stone from the original AddRan College building, where Texas Christian University traces its beginnings to 1873 in nearby Thorp Spring. - The ranch includes a private 1.8-acre lake. - A water well on the property produces approximately 100 gallons per minute. - Improved coastal Bermuda grass pastures support cattle use. - Cross-fencing is in place for grazing and rotation. - The property sits at an elevation of about 1,042 feet below Comanche Peak, Hood County’s highest point. - Views from the ranch extend toward downtown Fort Worth to the east, Squaw Creek to the south and Chalk Mountain to the west.

Between the lines: - Dan Coates came to ranching after a career in financial services, but his cowboy identity remained central to his life and work. - Coates was a longtime member and director of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association. - He also supported the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and once served as president of the Granbury Chamber of Commerce. - Coates’ influence on Granbury continues through the annual Dan Coates Western Art Exhibition and Sale. - Granbury recently honored Coates with the unveiling of “Ranch Repose,” a life-size bronze in the Shanley Sculpture Garden. - The city also recognized Coates this summer as one of the founding fathers of Granbury’s Fourth of July celebration. - The ranch’s materials, furnishings and layout reflect a deliberate mix of Western history, art and decoration chosen by Dan and Judy Coates.

What's next: - The Mock Ranches Group will host a Qualified Buyer and Broker Open on Oct. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. - RSVP is required, and interested parties can contact info@mockranches.com for more information. - The property is also available for private showings by appointment to qualified buyers. - More information is available through the company's announcement and the full listing details.

The bottom line: - The Lightning C Ranch pairs scarce acreage close to Fort Worth with preserved Western character, making it both a working ranch and a collectible piece of Texas history.