For anyone looking to get away from city life, or to reenact scenes from City Slickers, the Meadow Lake Ranch might be an option.
Especially if one owns a house in Vancouver.
Currently on the market for $3.5 million (dropping from $4.2 million last year), the historic ranch has a history that runs back to the 1860s when a Mexican family decided the spot would make for a good roadhouse as people rushed to the Cariboo seeking gold.
The house Rafael Valenzuela built in 1865 still stands (though it was thoroughly restored in 2000) and is part of the property. These days it's rented out as part of the Meadow Lake Guest Ranch. In all, there are five homes there now (four of which are used as accommodation), along with a workshop, a helipad and more.
"(It's the) ultimate gentleman's ranch on the South Cariboo's historic Gold Rush Trail," reads the REW listing. "Outdoor enthusiast's dream surrounded by Crown land, lakes, streams and mountains."
There are also natural features, given that it's almost 700 acres and in the middle of B.C. It has access to several lakes and has views of the small Marble Mountain Range. Fishing, bird watching and other wildlife encounters are common in the area.
While the stunning views and peaceful location are appealing, if anyone in Vancouver goes for it, they'll have to adjust to the remoteness. The nearest community is 70 Mile House, but it may not be the easiest to get to and Clinton might be a better destination.
In Vancouver, there are several houses that are selling for the same price, including a bunch in Dunbar, though a few are being advertised as tear-down opportunities.
