Nestled in the heart of the Apache National Forest, 9 miles south of Alpine, AZ lies +/- 45 acres of secluded paradise at the Blue River Ranch. Tranquility can be easily found in the tall pines, river-fed private pond, and stunning views of the Arizona White Mountains. The Blue River arises in the mountain country between Alpine, AZ, and Luna, NM, and zigzags south through the rugged canyons of the Blue Mountain Range, keeping mostly on the Arizona side of the border. The tributaries of the upper Blue begin in green forests of Ponderosa pine, spruce, and fir at about 8000 ft, while the lower Blue descends to just below 4000 ft in drier country dominated by juniper, cedar, and pinyon. The tranquil mountain oasis of the Blue River Ranch falls somewhere in between, with an elevation of approximately 6,500 ft. You'll find a beautiful river/riparian habitat, tall pines, juniper woodland, abundant wild sunflowers, wide-open blue skies, and incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Enjoy peace of mind and serenity in the seclusion of the Ranch, which features 12,500 finished sq. ft, a private live pond, and a massive solar backup. Use solar energy to create your own online business from paradise. Host destination weddings. Create a wellness retreat. Operate a hunting and fishing lodge. Grow hydroponic food in the warehouse. Offer a resort getaway. Move your family up here - the kids will love the built-in trampoline, multiple treehouses, and swings. The possibilities are endless! -Address: 14609 Blue River Rd FR-281, Blue, AZ 85922 -County: Greenlee County, Arizona Parcel #100-12-001A -Elevation: 6500 ft. -Locality: 9 miles south of Alpine, AZ, on the Blue River Road. After the 9-mile marker, enter the first driveway on the right. -Total Acres: +/- 45 -Deeded Acres: +/- 45 -Leased Acres: 0, surrounded 100% by the Apache National Forest -Estimated Taxes: $1,852 -Barnyard: Enclosed 8 cemented game fence around buildings -Orchard: Trees and vines planted (2012) -Raised Garden: Irrigation system for 11 4'x12 raised vegetable beds; 4 raised small beds (4'x4); 2 4'x8 hot boxes (used for seedlings); 3 irrigation rows for ground planting. Underground water shutoff and above-ground water timing box; all boxes are made of cedar and metal. -Pasture: non-cultivated land near river -Live pond with water feed from Blue River via canal; water gate control on exit side of pond. Approximately 1 acre. Building Details House -Approximate size: 4200 sq ft. -Remodeled: 2003 to 2017 Consists of a South side and a North side, divided & connected by a breezeway of approximately 102 sq. ft. South Side: -Approximately 2734 sq ft. -3 bedroom -2 bath North Side: -Approximately 1464 sq ft. -1 bedroom -2 bath Cabin -renovated 2008 -1 bedroom -1 bath - Open loft overlooking first floor Barn -several stalls on each side - open ended on the north side and is big enough for several large tractors, machinery, and/or RVs. It has a very high ceiling. 220 receptacles inside. -water spigot on outside -metal roof Warehouse -3850 sq ft -built 2009 -2 exit doors, 2-car garage door -bathroom w/shower -utility sink -own septic system -outdoor water spigot Shop -built 2014 -3850 sq ft -security doors, extra-large garage door -bathroom w/shower -utility sink -own septic system -2 outdoor water spigots Heating systems throughout the property. There are 5 electric heaters in the main house & propane furnace in the main house, cabin, warehouse and shop. History In the early history of the area, many different Indian tribes, including that of the famous Geronimo, once roamed the Blue Area and at one time known bandits and rustlers also hid out along the Blue because of its rugged terrain. In 1886, William Milligan homesteaded this property and constructed the canal/ditch and dam for purposes of irrigation. In 1897, he constructed a reservoir. This information was filed in the county of record. Mr. Milligan had a grits mill powered by the water force from the reservoir. He served the area grain growers. In the 1930's - 1940's, the property was a dude ranch named Whispering Pines. For several years the owners have put a great deal of effort into updating and restoring the property. Besides new construction of both buildings and projects, they have renovated existing structures. Some of those updates include the following: new kitchen countertops for the house (one granite and the other sandstone); electric, plumbing, septic, and heating updates; addition of 2 new 3850 sq ft buildings; solar systems (2); creating a fire barrier for the buildings and a water diversion ditch for flooding from the mountain melt offs; and restoration of the cabin and house. Location The Blue River Ranch is located in Greenlee County, about 9 miles south of Alpine, AZ. The most isolated (and exclusive!) hot spring in the state of Arizona is not far.