Homes on the Range
In Western Locales

Plenty of acreage, beautiful scenery and opportunities for hiking, hunting and other outdoor pursuits have made ranches popular second-home options. Among baby boomers who purchased luxury homes, 22% said they wanted homes near hiking spots, while 12% were interested in fishing, according to a recent "Coldwell Banker Baby Boomer Real Estate Survey."

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PROPERTY TAX*: $4,695 per year

THE PROPERTY:  3,342 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, on 10.9 wooded acres with a barn, two horse stalls and three pastures.

DESCRIPTION: Mountain views can be enjoyed from the deck and every room of this country home, which is filled with top-of-the-line amenities like granite countertops and cherry-wood floors.

NOTABLE:  One of Jackson Hole's best-known residents is Harrison Ford, who owns an 800-acre ranch on the Snake River. The valley is only 3% privately owned and is a natural paradise -- Grand Teton National Park occupies 310,000 acres. Yellowstone National Park is just 60 miles north.

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PROPERTY TAX*: $2,348 per year

THE PROPERTY: 4,480 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, on 10.19 acres with Gallatin River frontage for the fly fisherman.

DESCRIPTION: This custom-built log home has wraparound decks and grand windows to take in views of the meadow and area wildlife. Currently used as a vacation rental, the residence has vaulted ceilings, wood-plank floors and an outdoor deck with hot tub.

NOTABLE: The Bozeman area has counted Ted Turner and Peter Fonda among its celebrity ranchers. The town's Gallatin Valley location is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and is perfect for angling, hunting and camping. More than 40% of the county is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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PROPERTY TAX*: $4,120 per year

THE PROPERTY: 2,815 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, on 224 acres that adjoin large-acre neighbors.

DESCRIPTION: This 6-year-old home presents long-range views from gentle plateaus and hilltops, plus a large barn with tenant quarters.

NOTABLE: The Texas Hill Country has long been a favorite among high-profile ranchers. President Bush's ranch is a short drive away, and former president Lyndon Johnson had a ranch close by.

Notes: *Current owner's payment.

Sources: Sotheby's International Realty-Jackson Hole, Keller Williams Montana Realty, Larry Lester Realty Co.

-- Ms. Kim is a senior editor at RealEstateJournal.com. Email your comments to Lauren.Kim@dowjones.com.

Email your comments to rjeditor@dowjones.com.