Wyoming ranch where acclaimed writer penned the great American novel goes for sale at $29 million

Daily Mail​

5 hours ago

Set against the stunning backdrop of Wyoming 's Bighorn Mountains, a storied ranch where Ernest Hemingway penned one of the cornerstones of American literature has been listed for $29 million.
The historic Spear Ranch, which dates back to the 1800s, is celebrated for its tranquil seclusion, breathtaking vistas and deep ties to both literary and Western heritage.
'The Spear Ranch isn't just land; it's a direct link to the titans of the West, from the pioneering Spear family to literary giants like Hemingway,' Peter Widener, a partner at Hall and Hall, the firm behind the multimillion-dollar listing, told Mansion Global.
'It's where history was made and where new legacies will be forged. To find a property with this level of historical significance, combined with such impeccable modern amenities and natural beauty, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'
Spanning over 300 acres of pristine landscape, the estate includes a 7,500-square-foot New England–style main residence, multiple guest cabins and a collection of rustic outbuildings.
The architecture blends classic Western charm with modern luxury, showcasing the ranch's illustrious past.
Just a short distance away lies the Spear-O-Wigwam Ranch, a well-known guest retreat where Hemingway sought solitude to complete his work.
In the summer of 1928, he escaped the distractions of city life and settled into a modest log cabin beside a rushing stream to focus on his writing.
'He went there for the Western experience - to write in peace and quiet,' Widener said.
It was in that peaceful setting that Hemingway completed the first draft of A Farewell to Arms, his semi-autobiographical novel set during World War I.
Serialized in Scribner's the following year, the book brought Hemingway international acclaim and helped solidify his legacy in American literary history.
Today, the Spear Ranch reflects its rich history while offering a luxurious lifestyle.
The centerpiece of the property is the eight-bedroom main residence, outfitted with natural oak flooring.
A formal dining room with a gas fireplace sits just off the kitchen, which features granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances, according to the listing.
Many of the bedrooms include their own fireplaces, private baths, and spacious closets. A screened gazebo overlooks Little Goose Creek, an outstanding trout fishery which meanders through the property.
'That pond was the Spear family's swimming pool,' Widener noted. 'The current owners spent three or four years restoring the cabin. You don't sleep there - it's just an open room with a big deck over the water.'
Next to the main house is a two-bedroom caretaker's residence, while two additional guest homes sit farther out.
Each guest house features at least two bedrooms and includes a four-car garage.
Other highlights include an equestrian barn, a large event barn and a 3,200-square-foot shop with a bathroom for storing ranch equipment.
Beyond its Hemingway connection, the ranch offers a lifestyle steeped in natural beauty and tradition. Miles of trails throughout the ranch have been covered in wood chips and a small gauge target range provides a unique recreational amenity, according to Cowboy State Daily.
Located just 1.5 miles from the town of Big Horn and 15 miles from the larger city of Sheridan, the ranch is close to other luxury properties and cultural landmarks like the Brinton Museum, known for its impressive Native American art collection.
According to Widener, the property had previously been split into parcels and sold separately over the years, but the current owners made it their mission to reunite the original ranch.
They began by acquiring the historic main house, which came with 56 acres, and gradually purchased adjacent parcels until they restored the full 300-acre estate - plus an additional 70-acre field.
'It's so rare. In our business, we love working with buyers who are putting ranches back together,' Widener said. 'It's really fun to be a part of making history come back to life, as opposed to splitting ranches up, which we try not to partake in.'
For those seeking to own a truly one-of-a-kind piece of American literary and Western history, the Spear Ranch offers a rare blend of natural splendor, historical importance and country living.
As the listing notes, it's 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of literary and Western heritage.'