Got $117 million? 3,300-acre ranch near Fresno for sale. ‘Priceless piece of land’

Thousands of acres of lush, green land nestled north of the city of Fresno are for sale, offering boundless opportunities to establish a thriving community according to the real estate agent marketing this property.

It’s the most expensive real estate currently on the market in the Fresno area: 3,344 acres of undeveloped land featuring rolling hills located south of Millerton Lake for $117 million.

“It’s an exciting piece of property,” veteran realtor Rod Aluisi said. “The location is superior to all those in the Valley. It’s just beautiful out there.”

What’s to become of the land?

Aluisi said that’ll be up to the buyer(s).

But Aluisi said he could envision a mixed-use development that would include a collection of houses — from extravagant mansions with pristine views to more affordable homes — along with schools and businesses all built for a community that would stretch toward Millerton Lake and the Table Mountain Casino area.

All of this land that’s for sale, which is equivalent to about 5 square miles, is more than eight times the size of the popular Clovis community of Harlan Ranch and twice the size of the Tesora Viejo community in Madera.

The land also could be sold in sections with 11 parcels already devised, ranging from 66 acres (most southern) to 628.55 acres (most northern).

But the preference for the sellers, Aluisi said, is to find one buyer who has the innovative vision “to serve as a catalyst for holistic community development.”

“Even though we can piece it off, we are looking for someone to come in and do it right,” Aluisi said. “Someone who can do a master plan and put in the infrastructure needed so families can enjoy this beautiful area.”

Historical ties

Ownership of the land dates to the 1800s under the Blasingame family, one of the early families of Fresno County who’ve been longtime ranchers and cattlemen.

So for centuries, this land that’s located to the east of Friant Road and the west of Auberry Road, has been used for cattle grazing.

From the highest points of the property, folks can see Millerton Lake, the newer Table Mountain West casino and the Sierra Nevada.

There’s also a picturesque creek that’s filled with water seasonally, as well as plenty of undisturbed natural vegetation and wildlife.

“This land has been lovingly cared for and preserved by a single-family since the 1800s, earning it the endearing nickname God’s Country from generations who have marveled at its tranquility and stunning vistas,” according to the real estate listing’s description.

The Blasingame ranch property has been on the market under Aluisi’s representation since July.

“The family hasn’t really wanted to sell it,” Aluisi said. “But they also understand that maybe it’s time.”

Challenges for property’s future

Should the property ever become developed and used beyond cattle grazing, there could be challenges ahead for the next owner.

Most notably, the land’s access to water.

“Water in that area is a challenge,” said Nathan Magsig, a Fresno County Board of Supervisor who represents District 5. “And it becomes more challenging for dense development.”

Aluisi admits that despite the season creek that gets filled with water, the property does not currently sell with any type of water rights at the moment.

But Aluisi added: “We can always establish some water rights at some point.”

The stretch of land also has not been zoned for anything other than rural usage — both currently and as forecasted in the future — based on the latest Fresno County General plan that was finalized in February.

A city or county general plan is long-term documentation of planning on the horizon over the next 15 to 25 years.

“The thing about general plans is they’re sometimes done years ago,” Aluisi said. “They might be looking at the land as a piece of property that has never been developed and thought it would never change and develop.

“But plans can always change. A general plan can always change.”

Magsig said it is possible for a land owner to do some type of development then ask for a general re-zone.

“But there’s no guarantee zoning could be approved,” the supervisor added.

Asides from developing and building the land, the Blasingame ranch area also could be sold simply to be preserved as is.

Like what regional conservatories do in their efforts to honor natural and cultural heritage by buying and protecting and preserving undeveloped lands.

“People need to open their eyes, see what this property could become,” Aluisi said. “See how beautiful it is now.

“It is a priceless piece of land and we’re selling it very reasonably.”