Welcome to Hidden Lake Ranch, a rare 21.72-acre retreat in Athens, Texas, that combines the beauty of East Texas land with exceptional recreational opportunities. Just over an hour from Dallas, this property features a breathtaking 5-acre spring-fed lake, a charming rustic log home, and peaceful privacy, making it the perfect weekend escape or full-time residence. The lake, fed year-round by two natural springs, has been meticulously managed and stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass and baitfish, producing trophy bass with a record catch over 12 pounds. With four fishing docks and mature tree cover concealing it from the road, the lake offers unmatched seclusion and recreation, while thousands of ducks flock to the water each winter, creating a waterfowl hunter’s paradise. Perched above the lake is a 3,012 sq ft log cabin with expansive windows showcasing stunning views. The home includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms in a spacious two-story layout, with the primary suite downstairs offering a sitting area, massive bathroom, and private deck with a hot tub. Inside, a wood-burning fireplace creates a cozy focal point, while a breakfast nook, large pantry, and laundry room add convenience, and a generous front porch provides the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee or relax at sunset. Additional improvements include a log cabin barn with equipment storage and an office above, ideal for working remotely. Trails wind throughout the property for horseback riding, hiking, or ATV adventures, with peaceful sitting areas to enjoy nature. Wildlife is abundant, from trophy bass and ducks to whitetail deer and native birds. Despite its secluded feel, Hidden Lake Ranch offers paved road access, a winding private driveway, and is only 10 miles from Athens for dining and shopping, making it a true blend of rustic charm, modern comfort, and natural beauty.
Property Details
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
WaterfrontLake ViewPrivate Dock10+ AcresAcreage
Quick Details
Price$1,150,000
StatusComing Soon
Bedrooms4
Bathrooms2
Square Feet3,012 Sq Ft
Lot Size21.72 acres
Year Built1990
Price / Sq Ft$382 / Sq Ft
MLS #21045941
Overview
Property TypeResidential
Property SubtypeFarm
CountyHenderson
SubdivisionA0250
Days on Market231
Home Details
Full Baths2
Half Baths0
FoundationSlab
RoofAsphalt
FlooringCarpet, Tile
Kitchen & Interior
AppliancesDishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator
Interior FeaturesDouble Vanity, Eat In Kitchen, Kitchen Island, Loft, Vaulted Ceilings, Natural Woodwork
Fireplaces1
Fireplace FeaturesDen, Wood Burning
Lot & Exterior
Lot FeaturesAcreage, Back Yard, Hardwood Trees, Lawn, Landscaped, Pond On Lot, Many Trees
Brokerage:Mossy Oak Properties Lone Star Farm & Ranch
MLS Board:NTREIS
## Buyer Match
Buyer Match
The questions this property is already built to answer.
11 matches
## Buyer MatchCONFIRMED
What should I know about 6344 FM 2709, Athens, TX 75752?
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Match strength: Confirmed
**Answer:**This is a 21.72-acre East Texas ranch property listed at $1,150,000, anchored by a 5-acre spring-fed lake and a 3,012 sq ft log cabin built in 1990. The property is marketed as Hidden Lake Ranch and sits approximately 10 miles from Athens with paved road access and a gated private driveway. The lake is fed by two natural springs, has been managed for trophy bass fishing, and includes four fishing docks. A detached workshop with an upper-level office adds functional square footage beyond the main house. Trails wind throughout the acreage for hiking, horseback riding, or ATV use. The property functions as both a recreational retreat and a full-time residence.
**Facts supporting this answer:**
List price: $1,150,000
4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 3,012 sq ft, built 1990
21.72 acres with a 5-acre spring-fed lake
Four fishing docks; lake stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass
Detached workshop with upper-level office
Paved road access, gated private driveway, approximately 10 miles from Athens
## Buyer MatchCONFIRMED
East Texas acreage with a private spring-fed lake and log cabin
>
Match strength: Confirmed
**Why it matches:**The defining feature here is the lake — a 5-acre body of water fed year-round by two natural springs, which means it does not depend on rainfall to stay full. That is a meaningful distinction for buyers who have looked at stock ponds or seasonal water features on other properties. The lake has been actively managed: stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass and baitfish, with a documented record catch over 12 pounds. Four docks are already in place. The log cabin sits above the water with lake-facing windows. Aerial photos confirm the lake is fully enclosed within the tree canopy and not visible from the road.
**Facts supporting this match:**
5-acre spring-fed lake, fed by two natural springs year-round
Stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass; record catch over 12 pounds
Four fishing docks confirmed in listing description
Log cabin positioned above the lake with lake-facing windows
21.72 acres of wooded acreage
Aerial photo confirms natural shoreline curvature and full tree canopy enclosure
## Buyer MatchCONFIRMED
Texas property with trophy bass fishing and waterfowl hunting on private water
>
Match strength: Confirmed
**Why it matches:**This property is set up for two distinct recreational pursuits on the same water. The lake has been managed for trophy bass — stocked with Florida-strain fish and baitfish, with a record catch exceeding 12 pounds documented in the listing. Separately, the listing notes that thousands of ducks use the lake each winter, making it a waterfowl destination during season. Both uses are supported by the same 5-acre spring-fed lake, which provides consistent water levels year-round. Whitetail deer and native birds are also noted on the property.
**Facts supporting this match:**
5-acre spring-fed lake stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass and baitfish
Record bass catch documented at over 12 pounds
Waterfowl habitat noted; thousands of ducks reported on the lake each winter
Whitetail deer and native birds also noted in listing description
## Buyer MatchCONFIRMED
Log cabin home with stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and covered porch
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Match strength: Confirmed
**Why it matches:**The log cabin character here is structural, not decorative. Photos confirm log exterior siding, log wall construction throughout the interior, and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace as the central living room focal point. The great room features vaulted wood ceilings and multi-pane windows. A full-width covered front porch with post supports runs the length of the facade, and the primary suite includes a private deck with a hot tub. Interior features include double vanity, kitchen island, eat-in kitchen, loft, and natural woodwork. The fireplace is wood-burning, confirmed in the feature digest.
**Facts supporting this match:**
Log exterior siding and log wall interior construction confirmed in photos
Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with wood mantel, photo-confirmed
Vaulted wood ceilings and multi-pane windows in great room
Full-width covered front porch with post supports, photo-confirmed
6344 FM 2709 — what does the CAD record show, and how does it compare to the list price?
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Match strength: Strong Fit
**Value context:**The Henderson County CAD record for this property shows a 2026 appraised market value of $983,499 — roughly $166,500 below the $1,150,000 list price. CAD appraisals are public-record assessments, not market valuations, and they often lag behind actual sale prices on distinctive rural properties where comparable sales are limited. The CAD confirms active exemptions that reduce the taxable value to approximately $612,135, resulting in an estimated annual tax bill of around $7,265 with current exemptions — compared to roughly $15,215 without them. Buyers should verify which exemptions apply to their situation, since exemption eligibility changes at sale. One notable discrepancy: the CAD living area is recorded at 1,959 sq ft, while the MLS lists 3,012 sq ft. The difference likely reflects the second story and loft counted differently between sources, but buyers should clarify with an agent and appraiser.
**Facts supporting this context:**
CAD 2026 market value: $983,499; list price: $1,150,000
Estimated taxes with current exemptions: approximately $7,265/year
Estimated taxes without exemptions: approximately $15,215/year
CAD living area: 1,959 sq ft; MLS listed square footage: 3,012 sq ft — buyers should verify
CAD identifies workshop improvement at 792 sq ft, separately assessed
Buyers should confirm exemption eligibility with Henderson CAD and a tax advisor
## Buyer MatchSTRONG FIT
How does 6344 FM 2709 compare to the Athens, TX market?
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Match strength: Strong Fit
**Value context:**Hidden Lake Ranch is priced well above the Athens area median, and the gap is intentional — this is not a typical Athens residential listing. The Athens market median sale price over the last 12 months is approximately $274,750, with a median single-family sale price near $299,999. The average home in the area is roughly 2,390 sq ft, and the median lot size is about 24,393 sq ft — under 0.6 acres. This property offers 21.72 acres, a 3,012 sq ft log cabin, a 5-acre spring-fed lake, four fishing docks, and a detached workshop. The premium over area medians reflects the land, the managed water feature, and the recreational infrastructure — not just the house. The more relevant comparison is to other managed recreational properties in East Texas, which buyers should research with an agent familiar with rural and ranch transactions in Henderson County.
**Facts supporting this context:**
List price: $1,150,000 vs. Athens area median sale price of approximately $274,750
Athens average single-family home size: approximately 2,390 sq ft; this home: 3,012 sq ft
Athens median lot size: approximately 24,393 sq ft (under 0.6 acres); this property: 21.72 acres
Property includes 5-acre spring-fed lake, four docks, and detached workshop
Athens market average price per sq ft: approximately $191
Rural acreage with managed water is a distinct sub-market from standard Athens residential inventory
## Buyer MatchSTRONG FIT
Acreage property near Dallas with trails, wildlife, and room for horses or ATVs
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Match strength: Strong Fit
**Why it matches:**For buyers who want land-based recreation within reasonable distance of the Dallas metro, this property sits roughly 70 miles southeast of Dallas in Henderson County — a drive that puts it in weekend-retreat range for many DFW buyers. The 21.72 acres include established trails used for horseback riding, hiking, and ATV riding, with multiple sitting areas positioned throughout the property. Wildlife is active: whitetail deer, waterfowl, native birds, and trophy bass are all documented in the listing. The fencing includes barbed wire, pipe, and metal gate infrastructure consistent with a working rural property. The detached workshop with equipment storage adds practical support for land management or hobby use. This is a short-drive lifestyle property — not a commuter home, but a place where the land itself is the primary draw.
**Facts supporting this match:**
21.72 acres with established trails for horseback riding, hiking, and ATV use
Fencing: barbed wire, pipe, metal, and gated entry
Detached workshop with equipment storage confirmed in listing and CAD record
Approximately 70 miles southeast of Dallas via US-175
Paved road access with private winding driveway
## Buyer MatchSTRONG FIT
What is it like to live in the Athens, TX area?
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Match strength: Strong Fit
**Lifestyle fit:**Athens is a small East Texas city with a strong outdoor and lake culture at its center. Lake Athens, about 8 miles from the city, is the local recreational anchor — popular for fishing and boating. Cedar Creek Reservoir and Lake Palestine are both within about 25 miles, expanding the lake and fishing options considerably. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is nearby and directly relevant for anyone drawn to this property's fishing focus. The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society offers 104 acres of trails and gardens. For day-to-day life, Athens has grocery stores, local dining concentrated along Corsicana and Palestine Streets, a farmers market downtown, and the Athens Country Club for golf. The pace is deliberately slower than suburban DFW — a community that values its rural roots, its lakes, and its land. For buyers considering this property, the surrounding area reinforces rather than contradicts the property's character.
**Facts supporting this context:**
Athens located about 70 miles southeast of Dallas
Lake Athens approximately 8 miles from the city; Cedar Creek Reservoir and Lake Palestine within about 25 miles
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in the area — relevant to the property's fishing focus
East Texas Arboretum: 104-acre trails and gardens site
Local dining concentrated along Corsicana and Palestine Streets
Athens Country Club offers golf, tennis, and pickleball
## Buyer MatchCONFIRMED
Detached workshop and barn with office space on rural Texas acreage
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Match strength: Confirmed
**Why it matches:**Beyond the main house, this property includes a detached log-sided outbuilding that functions as both a workshop and a barn, with an office above — confirmed in both the listing description and the CAD improvement record. The CAD identifies the workshop at 792 sq ft with a second-story component also recorded at 792 sq ft. Photos confirm the barn roof profile, log siding exterior, carriage-style double doors, and an upper loft window. A separate interior photo shows built-in workbenches, overhead joist storage, and lighting. The listing describes the upper-level office as suitable for remote work — a practical consideration for buyers who want rural acreage without sacrificing a functional work environment.
**Facts supporting this match:**
Detached workshop confirmed in listing description and CAD improvement record
CAD workshop improvement: 792 sq ft; second-story component also recorded at 792 sq ft
Interior photo confirms workbenches, overhead joist storage, and lighting
Listing describes upper-level office suitable for remote work
Positioned apart from the main house on the 21.72-acre parcel
## Buyer MatchCONFIRMED
What schools serve 6344 FM 2709, Athens, TX?
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Match strength: Confirmed
**Answer:**Property records identify this address as being served by Athens Independent School District. The assigned school path listed is Bel Air Elementary School, Athens Middle School, and Athens High School. Athens ISD operates on a Monday through Thursday four-day instructional week, which the district adopted after a pilot program and has maintained based on community feedback. Buyers with school-age children should verify current school assignments directly with Athens ISD, as boundaries can change and assignment depends on the specific address.
**Facts supporting this answer:**
School district: Athens ISD, confirmed in property facts and approved pill
Elementary: Bel Air Elementary, Pre-K to 5th grade, public
Middle: Athens Middle School, 6th to 9th grade, public
High school: Athens High School, 9th to 12th grade, public
Athens ISD operates on a Monday through Thursday four-day instructional week
Buyers should verify current assignments directly with Athens ISD
## Buyer MatchPARTIAL VERIFY
What should buyers verify before making an offer on 6344 FM 2709?
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Match strength: Partial Verify
**What to verify:**This is a rural acreage property with a private lake, a 35-year-old log cabin, a detached workshop, and no confirmed HOA — which means buyers carry more due-diligence responsibility than on a standard residential listing. Square footage discrepancy: the MLS lists 3,012 sq ft, but the CAD living area is recorded at 1,959 sq ft. Buyers should clarify how the total is calculated and confirm finished versus unfinished space with an agent and appraiser. Tax and exemption status: current estimated taxes with exemptions are approximately $7,265/year; without exemptions, the estimated figure rises to approximately $15,215/year. Buyers should confirm which exemptions currently apply and whether they will transfer or need to be re-applied for after purchase. Water and utilities: the listing does not specify water source or sewer type. For a rural property of this nature, buyers should confirm whether the home uses a well, municipal water, septic, or other systems — and have all systems inspected. Lake and spring condition: the spring-fed lake is a central value driver. Buyers should verify current spring output, water quality, dam or berm condition if applicable, and the status of the fish stocking program. Roof, HVAC, and systems: the home was built in 1990. Buyers should request information on roof age, HVAC age and condition, electrical, and plumbing as part of the inspection process.
**Facts supporting this context:**
MLS sq ft: 3,012; CAD living area: 1,959 sq ft — discrepancy should be resolved
Estimated taxes with current exemptions: approximately $7,265/year; without: approximately $15,215/year
HOA fee not confirmed in listing data
Water source and sewer type not specified in listing data
Year built: 1990 — roof, HVAC, and systems age should be verified
5-acre spring-fed lake is a primary value driver; spring condition and water quality should be independently assessed
1. CAD Big Picture: Land + Improvements = Market Value
This shows what the CAD market value is made of. Appraisal districts usually separate value between the land and the improvements. Improvements may include the home, garages, shops, patios, pools, decks, storage, and other structures.
Land Value$268,472
+
Improvement Value$715,027
=
CAD Market Value$983,499
2. Improvement Details: Size, Type & Assessed Value
This is a breakdown of the improvements CAD has listed for the property and the square footage or area connected to those records. CAD improvement records may include the main living area, garages, shops, decks, patios, pools, storage, or other site improvements when available.
LIVING AREA
Value:$263,792
Total Area:1959 Sqft
Living Area:1959 Sqft
Detail
CAD Code
Area
LIVING AREA
LA
1,959 Sqft
2ND STORY
Value:$141,793
Total Area:1053 Sqft
Living Area:1053 Sqft
Detail
CAD Code
Area
2ND STORY
L2
1,053 Sqft
PORCH/COV
Value:$88,873
Total Area:660 Sqft
Detail
CAD Code
Area
PORCH/COV
PO
660 Sqft
PORCH/COV
Value:$7,271
Total Area:54 Sqft
Detail
CAD Code
Area
PORCH/COV
PO
54 Sqft
WORKSHOP
Value:$106,648
Total Area:792 Sqft
Detail
CAD Code
Area
WORKSHOP
SW
792 Sqft
2ND STORY
Value:$106,648
Total Area:792 Sqft
Living Area:792 Sqft
Detail
CAD Code
Area
2ND STORY
L2
792 Sqft
3. Exemptions That Lower Taxable Value
Exemptions and CAD reductions can lower the taxable value used to estimate property taxes. A common example is a homestead exemption for an owner-occupied home. Some properties may also have agricultural or special-use valuation, where part of the land is taxed differently than land valued for development. Not every taxing entity applies the same exemption or reduction.
Tax Limitation / Cap-$371,364
CAD value history shows a tax limitation or capped adjustment in the current year.
A buyer’s future exemptions, taxable value, and tax bill may differ.
4. Value After CAD Reductions
This is where CAD reductions, exemptions, limitations, or special-use valuation may affect the value used for tax calculations.
CAD Market Value$983,499
-
All Current CAD Reductions-$371,364
=
Current Taxed Starting Point$612,135
This reflects the CAD net appraised value after current CAD reductions. Individual taxing units may use different taxable values when exemptions apply.
5. Who Taxes It?
These are the local entities included in the current CAD/tax estimate. A property tax bill can include a city, county, school district, municipal utility district, public improvement district, or other special district. Each entity may use its own taxable value, rate, and exemption treatment.
Entity
Taxable
Rate
Before
Savings
Est. Tax
Independent School District (ISD):ATHENS ISD
Independent School District (ISD) ATHENS ISD
$412,135
1.0569
$10,395
-$6,039
$4,356
Other Entity:HENDERSON CAD
Other Entity HENDERSON CAD
$612,135
—
—
—
—
Other Entity:EMERGENCY SVS DIST #7
Other Entity EMERGENCY SVS DIST #7
$612,135
0.0450
$443
-$167
$275
County:HENDERSON CO R&B
County HENDERSON CO R&B
$587,135
0.0172
$169
-$68
$101
County:HENDERSON COUNTY
County HENDERSON COUNTY
$587,135
0.2743
$2,698
-$1,087
$1,610
County:HENDERSON CO FM-FC
County HENDERSON CO FM-FC
$609,135
0.0400
$393
-$150
$244
Other Entity:TRINITY VALLEY COMM
Other Entity TRINITY VALLEY COMM
$597,135
0.1137
$1,118
-$439
$679
Special District Context
Other Entity: A local taxing entity.
6. Estimated Tax Bottom Line
Est. Taxes Before Exemptions$15,215
-
Current Exemption Impact-$7,950
=
Est. Taxes With Current Exemptions$7,265
The current CAD tax estimate shows exemptions reduce the estimated annual taxes by about $7,950. A buyer’s future tax bill may differ.
7. CAD Values Over Time
YOY Change reflects the change in CAD Market Value from the prior appraisal year. Taxed Value reflects the CAD net appraised value after CAD reductions in the value history. Individual taxing units may use different taxable values when exemptions apply.
Year
Land
Impr.
Market
Taxed
YOY Change
2021
$108,600
$408,936
$517,536
$445,486
+$29,986 / +6.15%
2022
$198,868
$575,905
$774,773
$419,323
+$257,237 / +49.70%
2023
$198,868
$645,714
$844,582
$459,681
+$69,809 / +9.01%
2024
$268,472
$697,319
$965,791
$509,586
+$121,209 / +14.35%
2025
$268,472
$715,027
$983,499
$558,419
+$17,708 / +1.83%
2026
$268,472
$715,027
$983,499
$612,135
—
Average Annual Market Value Change: +16.21%
(Over the last 5 available years)
8. List Price vs CAD Value
The current list price and the county’s CAD market value are not the same thing. CAD market value is used for property-tax context and may lag the open market, reflect prior protests, exemptions, caps, agricultural or special-use treatment, or other appraisal district methods.
Current CAD Market Value$983,499
→
Current List Price$1,150,000
=
Over CAD Value+$166,501
A sale price can become part of the appraisal district’s future evidence. A buyer’s future taxable value and tax bill may change after purchase, especially if exemptions, caps, or special-use valuation change.
For tax planning, buyers should confirm future taxable value, exemptions, and special-use treatment with the appraisal district, tax office, lender, CPA, or other qualified advisor.
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