Charles Soechting of San Marcos, a partner in the John O'Quinn law firm, today confirmed rumors that have been circulating for some time that the fabled O'Quinn River Ranch on the Blanco River in Hays County is on the market for sale. Soechting declined to state the asking price for the ranch.
John O'Quinn
"I know a fair number of people and entities that have expressed an interest in (the ranch) and it is no secret that it will be sold," Soechting said. "A number of contracts have been presented but not accepted."Mr. O'Quinn died in an auto accident in Houston in October of 2009. He was known as one of the most talented trial lawyers of his time and for his generous donations to the University of Houston, Texas Medical Center institutions and other charitable organizations.
13 comments:
Just how Mr. Soechting can assure anyone that, “whoever buys this property will continue to own it and care for it in the same way John O'Quinn did during his life”, is a mystery to me. When you sell someone something they will own it and they can do anything legal that they want to with it. That is basic law and the promise is nothing more a feel good statement. Having said that, I hope they don’t turn it into a bunch of half-acre lots. I also hope they don’t donate it to “the people” as some have suggested. That would create a mad scramble by every non-profit in the state to run it.
can we at least get Little Arkansas back, please?
If there are deed restrictions prohibiting the subdivision of the land, a new owner CAN NOT do what they want with it.
I would seriously doubt that a, "5,000-plus acre ranch" would be subject to any deed restrictions. Even if it were, the buyer with that much money and land could push it aside in court.
HOA/POAs and their deed restrictions are set to lose a lot of their power in the next legislature. They have been given way too much power in Texas and the citizens are angry. Their power to foreclose on someone’s home (even a homestead) for non-payment of fines or dues is particularly onerous; let’s hope it goes away.
Sure would like to chat with anonymous #2 - send email to outlaw_97035@yahoo.com I hope you are right.
Regarding anonymous #1, if you own all the property that the deed restrictions are on, you certainly can unilaterally remove them. Restrictive covenants primarily serve to benefit the city, developer, and all the vendors that prey upon the property owners in one of these places.
If you own all the land that the restrictive covenants burden, you can certainly seek to have such restrictive covenants discharged.
Here is a thought, why doesn't the County spend some of its park bond money to buy Little Arkansas back for the people of north-central Hays County? Since that used to be a local treasure before the ambulance-chasing cigarette lawsuit winning attorney bought in scandalously from the family who used to own it, let's make a wrong right by buying it back from those who treasured it least and giving it back to those who treasured it most, the local people of Wimberley and points north.
“Soechting assured that the 5,000-plus acre ranch is not likely to be subdivided into small tracts.”
The key word here is “likely”. It is my understanding the John O’Quinn’s body is buried on the property. It would make sense that Mr. O’Quinn, being an attorney, would have a will and that is where the disposition of the property will be decided. Neither the former owners nor the local community would have any claim on the estate. Those feeling like the “Little Arkansas” belongs to the people of Wimberley should start a fund drive and see if the interest is real or just wishful thinking.
Ted Turner is the only person I would trust with this land. Tell Suchting to call him.
Lil Ark is full of natural and state history and education. Let's come together on this so we can ensure access for our children to learn from this beautiful piece of nature. I can't express in words what I gained socially and emotionally from such cherished visits to this gift from god.
There is a claim on 750 acres that includes Little ark
By his wife
Here we are about a year after the last comment on this blog concerning the sale of OQuinn River Ranch. It is now Needmore River Ranch. The owners are a mystery. One thing is for sure, they are NOT keeping it up as Mr. OQuinn did. The property is falling into disrepair and becoming overgrown. Shame on the new owners, whoever they may be.
Anon 4/15,2:08 PM, that is not the law on deed restrictions, they may be removed by the party who placed them, not the current landowner.
Anon 12/6/10, 1:33 PM, first, she wasn't his wife, second the claim was resolved.
Linda Smith, the parties behind the purchase are known, check with the Secretary of State, or see who executed the documents.
All matters of public record.
Greg Lamantia is new owner as per Sec. of State office. I hope he takes great care with the place--it is a true treasure. Greg is associated with several companies, including 210 Muy Buena Suerte, LLC, 456 Corp. and Alamo Racing, LLC. Greg Lamantia has 17 known relationships including Joseph V Lamantia, Anthony Lamantia and Steve Lamantia and is located in McAllen, TX. Source: Texas Secretary of State last refreshed 7/11/2012
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