The Rodriguez Family

My family and I come from the suburbs of Mexico City, which reflects a rural, residential concept that is very ecological and peaceful. However, the prevailing insecurity in our country, even in these guarded areas as well as the more beautiful tourist areas, has caused that our investment objectives for retirement or vacationing to be focused in the United States and specifically in a geographical area totally PEACEFUL, SECURE, LESS TRAVELED, and with a mild climate (we lived in Mexico in an elevated geographical area and cold almost year round). For these reasons we decided to visit SIERRA LA RANA in Alpine, Texas. Ever since I made contact via the internet, GIL BARTEE has assisted us and I must say that his personalized, detailed, and VERY PROFESSIONAL attention was astounding. In Mexico it is common to think that a real estate agent would only render such special attention in order to achieve a sale; however, GIL was the first face of SIERRA LA RANA and he was very courteous and understanding about the risky issues of our investment. After meeting this precious area, its people, and hospitality, I discovered that naturally that they have all these details and precautions when initiating relationships with foreigners, and this MAKES A PERSON FEEL AT HOME. I was fascinated when I first met the property and it truly gave me a taste of the North American West with its grasslands, mountainous and rocky regions, wandering deer, ancient trees that make you think of the cowboys playing their harmonicas and guitars surrounding a fire and at their feet is SILENCE and how it brings out the noise of the soft breeze over the pastures. My family and I like to observe and enjoy the natural fauna and it is so varied and typical here at SIERRA LA RANA; we think the same about the flora. The opportunity to have our own horses and see them freely trotting across the meadows – WOW – is great!!! We are so excited about building our SECOND HOME in this precious place; we are really convinced that we have made the BEST INVESTMENT OF OUR LIVES. They say “LIFE IS TO BE ENJOYED” and this place guarantees it. Again I thank Gil. We really are GREAT FRIENDS which is almost like being BROTHERS. We also thank nature for gifting us with places such as SIERRA LA RANA. Thank you.

Rick, Amy and Hannah Vandiver

Upon visiting the CF Ranch and Alpine recently, Amy and I had no intention of purchasing property, even though we were beginning to formulate plans for our retirement in a few years. We are quite familiar with the Davis Mountains and the Big Bend Area, as we have traveled and stayed in places from Lajitas to Ft. Davis during the past several years.

Sierra la Rana was exactly what we had in mind for our future life: a well-conceived and formulated ranch development backed by people with local ties, who have a real stake in SLR's success. As we say in Texas, "This ain't their first rodeo," and that is quite important to fellow Texans. When Amy and I retire we will remain under Texas skies, and we are very appreciative that Mr. Micallef, ably represented by Gil Bartee, is committed to a first class operation in the Big Bend Area.

Marty and Hilda Stango

When my wife and I first came to Big Bend country we fell in love with it. We looked around the area for a home, but did not find any development that was of interest until we found Sierra La Rana. Here were sites with magnificent views, with tracts large enough to give you elbow room, as much as you want, and yet retain a community perspective.

The amenities along with the covenants provide for a growing community oriented toward country living with an equestrian flavor. Our independent research supported and reinforced the values and benefits of living in the Alpine area. The cultural advantages of a near by university, the vistas offered by one of the largest national parks, great sunrises and sunsets, wonderful bird watching, nature camping, hiking and relaxing combined with multiple hunting opportunities make this an ideal place for a vacation or retirement home or the evolution from one to the other as we are planning on doing.

The Sierra La Rana personnel could not be more helpful and supportive. Gil Bartee has been wonderful to work with and goes more than the extra mile. This place and these people have more than earned our highest recommendation.

Mr. David and Anita Sholdra

I first set eye's on the big bend region and city of Alpine in 2003 while on a cross country train trip to Miami Florida. This is a very scenic route that parallels interstate 10 from the pacific to the Atlantic ocean. Of all the scenery I had the pleasure to take in on that trip, the west Texas region of the big bend and Alpine area were the most beautiful I had seen from one coast to the other. I asked the conductor exactly where we were and he told me we were just outside of Alpine Texas, I promised myself that I would return to the region in the future and take a closer look. After becoming engaged to my wife Annie in 2005 we began to plan our future together, Annie and I agreed it would be wise to look for a good place to retire to. We both agreed that wherever we settled it would have to meet some very specific criteria. As we talked I was reminded of that small west Texas town that had captured my interest a couple of years before. I went on the Internet and researched the area and compared it to all the criteria we had discussed and there was one place specifically that had it all. That place was Sierra La Rana, Actually to be honest it sounded a little to good to be true to me. This place just hit on all cylinders, It met every single criteria we had. I contacted The folks at Sierra La Rana and arranged a visit. The treatment and hospitality we were met with were simply outstanding, We enjoyed a complimentary stay at the beautiful CF ranch and enjoyed ourselves immensely. When it came time to tour Sierra La Rana I was impressed with the diversity of topography of the land. There were so many good options available to suit your fancy, We found exactly what we were looking for and staked our claim the next day. I would recommend this beautiful place to anyone who is serious about a great quality of life that they give Sierra La Rana a very good look. Annie and I are extremely happy with our choice and have secured a wonderful future.

Roger and Ellen Cayer

Everyone is always looking for what will be the ultimate retirement place. We had certain criteria that had to be met:

1. No danger of coastal storms and hurricanes.
2. Warm climate.
3. Mountains in the area.
4. A college town nearby.
5. A decent bookstore within walking distance of good coffee shops.
6. A really good supermarket with lots of fresh produce.
7. A few interesting restaurants.
8. Affordable land that is not too isolated.

If we could find all of these somewhere, then, that would be the spot for us. The South of France and Prescott, Arizona both came very close to being ideal. Then, on a whim, we took a trip to the Alpine area this past February and realized that we had serendipitously found the place that met all of our needs. It has all of the above and more. We then decided to look at Sierra La Rana. Gil Bartee met us in Alpine on a Saturday morning and by that evening, we were putting a deposit down on Tract 95.

We have moved quite a bit over the years and have gone through many real estate transactions that, at times, were a real ordeal. Dealing with Gil was never less than a pleasure. This was the easiest and least painful transaction we have ever had. Gil was always available to answer our questions and to guide us along. There were no glitches on our way from being Okies to becoming Texans.

John and Evonna Wilke

My wife, Evonna, and I had a very demanding list of priorities and specifications when we started looking for a property. Sierra la Rana filled the bill on all counts. Living in Colorado, we are very familiar with beautiful scenery, but we don't feel like we are giving up anything with SLR! Every time we've been out on the property we are struck with its beauty; the abundance of wildlife on the ranch is absolutely staggering. Gil Bartee was very attentive to every detail, and our buying experience was very enjoyable!

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