Fax: (309) 674-8940
email:  cottenauctions@aol.com

REAL ESTATE AUCTION
The Ranch House
well known landmark bar, motel, and former restaurant
located on State Routes 26 and 29 in
Bureau, Illinois
Friday, January 26, 2006 at 11 a.m.
 at the property
 Doors open at 9am on sale day for previewing.
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notable landmark signage from the late 1940's

the view of the Ranch House from the east side of State Route 26

a view of the entrance to the bar

panorama view of the front of the Ranch House

This is a view the southwest corner of the Ranch House

view of the bar

another view of the bar

view of the hearth in the bar

this is the proposed new dining room

a view of the patio

the Ranch House property consists of 34 acres. This is the undeveloped land directly West of the Ranch House

view of the Ranch House from across the lake

a view of the lake. Much of the 34 acres is under water.

a typical motel room, room 1

a typical bath, Room 1

a typical room, Room 7

a typical bath, Room 7

the walkin keg cooler for the bar

two new electric panels, one serves the Bar, the other New panels serves the proposed restaurant with one panel and also the bar with the other panel

recent new furnace in addition to Ranch House

Out of State owner says SELL!  The Ranch House bar and restaurant and motel has been a landmark facility in Bureau Junction, Illinois, since 1948. The Ranch House sits on 34 acres and overlooks a large lake. The motel has 17 units. The bar is open daily from noon to midnight. The Ranch House was a very well-known destination restaurant drawing guests from fifty miles or more… then there was the fire. The original Ranch House Restaurant burned in 2003. The foundation is still visible.  After the fire, the Motel was added on to with new mechanicals to provide for a bar on the lower level and a new restaurant on the upper level, but the restaurant kitchen has never been completed. The upper level addition has a completed dining room with hearth fireplace and overlooks the lake, and it is roughed in for the kitchen. The lower level of the addition accommodates the new draught cooler for the bar and new mechanicals and electric services for the restaurant.  

Just 300 feet to the South, the State of Illinois has recently completed the Hennepin Canal Bikepath with a major parking area and facilities for bicycling enthusiasts to enjoy their recreational endeavor. The Hennepin Canal is visible in the lower left of the satellite photo. The bike path and a new Ranch House restaurant could make the Ranch House a destination lodge and restaurant again. Here is more information on the Hennepin Canal Bike Path http://oprt.org/maps/hennepin/  

Auctioneer's Note: The Hennepin Canal is 109 miles long. The completed bike path originates at Bureau, Illinois, and goes West. It is in an extremely wild and scenic and hilly area... with much of it seemingly wild except for Interstate 180 abruptly going through it just a few miles West of the Ranch House. I saw an eagle on the day I photographed the Ranch House. The Hennepin Canal was constructed in the 1830's as a waterway for trade between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi. It is a marvel of engineering. This bike path is going to be a magnet for those that want to get away from the big city and enjoy a day wearing Spandex in the wild bicycling next to a waterway and then going for supper and drinks at the Ranch House.

2006 Real Estate Taxes: $3,698.56    

Preview Schedule:  The property will be open for inspection at 9am on auction day; other times by appointment.

The Auction will be held on the property. 

Terms of Sale:  An earnest money deposit in the amount of $20,000 in the form of guaranteed funds will be required on day of sale, and the balance will be due in cash or guaranteed funds at closing on or before March 1, 2007.  Title will be conveyed by warranty deed subject to all restrictions, reservations, easements of record, and zoning laws, but free of encumbrance except for taxes for 2006 and subsequent.  Sellers will furnish a guaranty title policy in the amount of the purchase price. Taxes will be prorated to date of closing. Possession will 14 days after closing. The successful bidder will enter into a contract of sale at the auction sale. The contract will not be contingent upon financing. A copy of the sales contract will be posted for review before the auction along with detailed terms of sale. The sale is subject to the Seller's confirmation. The property is being sold in an "as is" condition. Any survey of the property will be at the expense of the purchaser. Any announcements made day of sale will take precedence over prior advertising and printed matter.

To Inspect the Property:  The property will be open for preview from 9 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2007.  Shown other times by appointment - call the Auctioneer.

Note: the bar and motel are open daily. The bar is open from noon to midnight.

If you have any questions, please call Joe Cotten at 309.686.0558 anytime.

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Fax: (309) 674-8940
email:  cottenauctions@aol.com

Cotten Commercial Auctioneers, Inc.
Illinois License #044000115

  Cotten Commercial Auctioneers, Inc.
Indiana License #AC30300095
Joe Cotten - Registered Illinois Auctioneer License #041000209 Joe Cotten
Registered Illinois Real Estate Broker
Cotten Real Estate Company
Established 1950 		Joe Cotten - Registered Indiana Auctioneer License #AU10300141