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On this week’s episode of Chasing the West, Drew and Jonathan are helping two city couples ease into a whole new way of life as ranchers. They’ll help Brandon and Chelsey and Sherry and Nico find their perfect plots of land to start their new journey ahead, but the Bros are also there for a reality check: Ranch life isn’t all cowboy boots and mountain range views. It takes a lot of work to take care of your property, and all that comes with it, whether that’s horses; chickens; crops; or just maintaining the grounds themselves.
With big dreams to shift their lifestyles, these couples have one thing in common for sure: They’re ready to get out of the city. But they have some big risks involved and their careers on the line, so they’ll have to be certain that this is the right move for them. After all, they’ve never done this before! Luckily, with Drew and Jonathan’s help, they’re one step closer to making dreams a reality.
Brandon and Chelsey
Chelsey and Brandon are craving more open space. After leaving TV news and starting their own business, the couple is ready to leave Phoenix for good to officially move out to Cave Creek, Arizona. It’s closer to The Stamp Mill, the historic space they’re renovating with friends to turn into a venue, and it also has properties with plenty of space for horse stables for boarding. With a budget of $1.5M, Chelsey and Brandon are hoping to find their dream Western oasis.
Deep Pockets Ranch
3.97 acres | $1.75M | 3 bed/3 bath
This property has everything that Chelsey and Brandon are hoping for, and more. On top of all their checklist items (3 bedrooms, a pool, a horse stable, 4 acres, and just up the road from downtown Cave Creek). However, the price reflects that.
The Big Vista
3.23 acres | $1.1M | 3 bed/2 bath
Backed onto the Tonto National Forest, this property is far below their max budget—but it comes at the cost of proximity. It’s about a half hour from Cave Creek, but this one has lots of the amenities they’re looking for, including the horse stables.
Farmhouse Mile
3.2 acres | $1.4M | 3 bed/2 bath
Just 20 minutes outside of Cave Creek, this property isn’t as secluded as the other two. Neighbors’ houses are closer, but the property itself is stunning. There’s a wraparound porch, a newly-built barn, and modern finishes inside that make it totally move-in ready.
Chelsey and Brandon decided to go for the Farmhouse Mile. It offered them everything they need, it was the right price, and just close enough to Cave Creek—it was the Goldilocks of the properties they saw!
Sherry and Nico
Currently living in Dallas, Texas, Sherry and Nico are craving a slower life. Sherry is a hospice nurse while Nico is a chef, and their wishlist items are a bit different. Sherry needs to be close enough to Dallas since she’ll still be working in the city, while Nico needs to be close to her restaurant. And while Sherry wants more land and more animals, Nico wants less of both. To find that perfect balance between country life and commute time, the Bros are showing the couple properties in Terrell, Texas. They have a max budget of $575K, and they’re ready to find their dream ranch.
Orchard Paradise
3.81 acres | $565K | 3 bed/2 bath
This property is already set up as a pecan farm, which is super helpful for Nico’s business. However, it definitely needs some renovations done in order fit the needs of both Nico and Sherry. It’s a small structure, and even with the second property on site for Nico’s business, it would still be a squeeze.
Playin’ Chicken
5.2 acres | $537K | 3 bed/2 bath
With more acreage and a working ranch on site, this property is a stark contrast from their current way of life. The house is much larger, but the kitchen layout needs some renovating for Nico’s business. However, there’s plenty of room for animals and chickens, as well as an on-property apiary.
After going back and forth between their two options, they decided to go with ranch number two: Playin’ Chicken. “After visiting the other pecan orchard, it really made us want our own dream—and so here we are,” Nico says. After buying the property, Nico’s niece actually moved in with them too. Together, they’re building a beautiful ranch life and learning the ropes of being farmhands every day.
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