Idyllwylde Ranch

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Idyllwylde Ranch An urban IT guy, working on my dream of a small cabin, nestled in idyllic wild woods on a small lake. For me, my family, my dogs, and a few friends.

Far away from crowds. With kayaks and boardgames. :)

Another work weekend, getting the Automatic Transfer Switch and 50 amp input boxes wired and mounted...The wires from th...
06/08/2026

Another work weekend, getting the Automatic Transfer Switch and 50 amp input boxes wired and mounted...
The wires from the ATS to the main breaker box are not in yet, but I was able to get a few of the appliances mounted and holes cut for the pipe conduit to feed several outlets and light switches.

I've had a Generac 7171 (10kW, 120/240volt, 50amp) Generator on-site for a long time... I've finally decided on the conf...
05/23/2026

I've had a Generac 7171 (10kW, 120/240volt, 50amp) Generator on-site for a long time... I've finally decided on the config and ordered the rest of the parts (solar panels and battery for backup, transfer switch, input boxes, etc.), and starting to run all the connections...

The bees have been successfully re-homed to the ranch...
05/18/2026

The bees have been successfully re-homed to the ranch...

I've had a Wildlife Management exemption (essentially an exemption for hunting land) to keep the taxes low for the first...
05/17/2026

I've had a Wildlife Management exemption (essentially an exemption for hunting land) to keep the taxes low for the first 8 years.
Last year, Stephens County decided to raise the minimum requirement to 20 acres (I have 18.89 acres), and put in a huge valuation increase based on the cabin.
They have now started taxing the ranch land essentially as a residential property. The ranch is 2 miles down a dirt road with no... zero... zip... nada... services available.
I started talking with neighbors about buying 10 acres, then the county went and raised it again, to 30 acres. :(
So... I'm getting into beekeeping (tax exemption requiring only 5 acres).
I found a sweet deal on 7 used, complete 10 frame hives, with a full set of tools. Spent most of yesterday cleaning them out (bleach-water rinse, scorching the insides, etc.) at the house and let them dry overnight, so I could transport them to the ranch this morning.
I came out this morning to find a swarm already moving in... and I still need to transport it all 3+ hours to the ranch... good thing I rented an enclosed trailer!

It feels like it's getting longer and longer between these posts... :)Went up to the cabin last week... Was able to to d...
02/21/2026

It feels like it's getting longer and longer between these posts... :)
Went up to the cabin last week... Was able to to do some general cleaning, put up some storage shelves in the bathroom, arranged the cupboards, hung a mirror, cleaned out the water tanks, started planning where to drill for the gas pipes and electric wiring.

Took a long weekend to get some mowing done around the cabin. After a few hours, my legs called it quits from the consta...
06/24/2025

Took a long weekend to get some mowing done around the cabin.
After a few hours, my legs called it quits from the constant barrage of small stones. So I installed new curtain rods inside, and finished the trim and caulking around the windows.
Did a morning run into town for breakfast and to collect business cards for different contractors… Higginbotham’s was having their annual 25% off sale, so I bought 250’ of electric cable (it was actually cheaper than buying 2x 50’ reels).
Talked with 12 different contractors, 3 of whom were able to visit the site to give me quotes on next projects (propane, electric, plumbing, road clearing and general clean-up).

It's been a while since I've posted, but we've been doing a lot of painting and moving furniture and tools in and around...
11/11/2024

It's been a while since I've posted, but we've been doing a lot of painting and moving furniture and tools in and around the inside.

The roof is still not complete, and there is no plumbing, electricity nor gas yet. But we do have several beds and a workable kitchen setup. :)

Was able to get out and clear a bunch of weeds around the foundation, paint more of the trim, and frame in the front door interior.

Found vaccines for the dogs at the Breckenridge TSC (no longer available around Austin), so the dogs hated me for a bit on the ride home... until they got pizza for a treat. LOL

Oh yeah.... and we got a sh***er! :)

I wasn't onsite today, but Alexis and crew were able to get the decking, ridge, and tar paper installed. Just in time fo...
11/06/2023

I wasn't onsite today, but Alexis and crew were able to get the decking, ridge, and tar paper installed.

Just in time for more rain on Wed/Thu. :)

This weekend we were able to move a number of items from storage to the cabin… felt like Jed Clampett. 🙂We installed the...
11/05/2023

This weekend we were able to move a number of items from storage to the cabin… felt like Jed Clampett. 🙂
We installed the rafters and insulation for the roof, but ran out of daylight, so we have to wait until next trip to install the decking, tarp, and shingles. 
I also took advantage of having the SkyTrak to move the security lights higher on the tower. 

Started installing the rafters for the roof today…
11/04/2023

Started installing the rafters for the roof today…

Address

CR 146
Breckenridge, TX
76424

Telephone

+15126599206

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