1791 County 2710 rd
Mount Pleasant, TX 75455
Lake Monticello · Land For Sale · 5,700.00 AC

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: Discover an unparalleled opportunity awaiting at Lake Monticello, one of Texas’ largest privately owned lakes. Envision owning a recreational paradise that surpasses all of your dreams, nestled amidst pristine pine and hardwood forest. This property offers a rare opportunity for those looking to dream big. This is not just a lake or a ranch, but a canvas upon which dreams are transformed into reality. At the heart of these unique 5,700+/- acres lies Lake Monticello - an expansive 2,001+/-acre body of water enveloped by 17+/- miles of idyllic lake frontage. Adding to the uniqueness, is an additional 1.9 miles of lake frontage on Lake Bob Sandlin, providing the one and only piece of property with access to both iconic lakes. Property includes water rights authorizing the impoundment and diversion of water for multiple uses. With a sprawling 36+/- square-mile drainage basin, Lake Monticello is a picturesque retreat creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and developers alike. Imagine the potential of 5,700+/- acres of prime real estate waiting to be sculpted into your vision of perfection. Whether you dream of creating a private recreational haven, a luxurious waterfront resort, a commercial business use, or an exclusive residential enclave, this property offers the canvas on which to craft your masterpiece. Joining the variety this property has to offer, progressing north away from the lake edge, one will find a dramatic array of additional lakes, manicured pastures and handpicked timber corridors. This land was once mined for lignite coal and has since been reclaimed by the current owner, who has won a national award for their reclamation efforts. The land boasts an impressive 18 additional lakes ranging in size from 1 to 43+/- acres. This accounts for almost 222+/- acres of additional surface water, opening an expanse of recreational opportunities. The property is located within 3 miles from Interstate 30 and a railroad runs adjacent to it. PROPERTY ACREAGE BREAKDOWN: Lake Monticello 2,001± Acres Trophy Bass Lake 66± Acres Development Acreage 1,043± Acres Award-Winning Reclamation Land (including 222± acres of additional surface water in 18 ponds and lakes) 2,590± Acres TOTAL 5,700± Acres In an area known to locals as the Tri-Lakes area, adjacent and downstream from Lake Monticello, is Lake Bob Sandlin, spanning 9,000 surface acres, while Lake Cypress Springs sits approximately six miles southwest of Lake Monticello. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is nestled between Lake Monticello and Lake Cypress Springs, further enhancing the region’s recreational appeal. LOCATION: Lake Monticello is located just under two hours east of downtown Dallas and one hour west of Texarkana by way of Interstate 30. Spanning two counties within the Piney Woods Region of Texas, Lake Monticello is conveniently located just ~7 miles southwest of Mount Pleasant, a thriving East Texas community with a population over 16,000. At the southern border of the property, Monticello Dam is located south of the convergence of Blundell Creek and Smith Creek in the Cypress River Basin. Lake Bob Sandlin is located immediately downstream of Monticello Dam. But it's not just the location that sets Lake Monticello apart—it's the history and the potential it holds. From its origins as a cooling reservoir for the Monticello power plant to its transformation into a beloved fishing hotspot, this lake has a rich legacy waiting to be continued. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL: The lake boasts 17+/- miles of undeveloped shoreline including 7.69+/- miles that could potentially be developed. The property serves as a blank canvas for diverse opportunities. Ownership uses can range from a private recreational area, hunting or fishing club, a variety of commercial uses, a corporate facility, individual family residences, a leisure getaway, or even a resort-style development. There is also 1.24 miles of Lake Bob Sandlin frontage that could be developed. ACCESS & ROAD FRONTAGE: Lake Monticello is easily accessible from both the northeast and the southwest by way of FM-127, which crosses the lake for through traffic. There is paved FM or county road access to most sides of the property on 6 different roadways with 18+ entry points. A potentially active feeder rail line is running along the eastern side of the lake, opening opportunistic commercial uses. DIRECTIONS: Traveling east from Dallas on Interstate 30, take exit #156, turn south onto CR 2500/SW 19th Street, then turn right onto FM-127 until you arrive at the lake. Traveling west from Texarkana on Interstate 30, turn south onto Highway 271, then turn right onto FM-127 until you reach the lake. FM-127 crosses Lake Monticello for easy access from multiple locations. PROPERTY HISTORY: In 1971, the Texas Utilities Electric Company initiated the construction of the Lake Monticello dam, impounding waters from Blundell Creek and Smith Creek in the Cypress River Basin to form Lake Monticello as a cooling reservoir for the former Monticello power plant. The plant was closed in 2018 and demolition is near completion. The lake opened to the public in 1973 and swiftly became a fishing hotspot due to its warm waters, courtesy of the power plant, fostering a highly productive fishery. With the closure of the power plant in 2018, the lake’s warm water source ceased, yet its popularity for fishing, swimming, and recreation continued. Public access to boat ramps ceased in 2019. Privately owned, Lake Monticello stands poised for diverse utilization. LAKE MONTICELLO: Boasting an estimated depth of 38-40 feet at its deepest point, Lake Monticello is fed by Blundell Creek and Smith Creek in the Cypress River Basin. Renowned for its exceptional fishing, the lake also caters well to swimming, water skiing, kayaking, and other aquatic activities. Presently, the lake features a single functional boat ramp with paved turnaround access, a large parking area, and two floating docks. The construction of a private lake and dam of similar proportions today would prove prohibitively challenging and exorbitantly expensive.