An historic ranch in the Alberta foothills has sold for $6.3 million.
The King Ranches, owned by Harrold and Maurice King, were sold at Highwood Auction at High River as two complete blocks. The west ranch site, consisting of 3,988 acres, went to Cochrane cattle producer Bill Bateman. The Bateman family bid $5.725 million for the ranch, which will be managed by Cody Bateman.
The second piece of the east ranch of 1,106 acres went for $600,000 to Calgary rancher Dave McNalley.
These are the highest prices paid for land in that area and both will continue as working ranches.
The ranches are located between Highways 22 and 2 west of Claresholm.
The two King brothers, both bachelors, amassed the land over a period of 70 years. They lived together in a homestead cabin without the modern amenities and were tight-lipped about their business affairs.
Proceeds of the sale go to two nieces, two nephews and Russell and Eva Hoffman who worked on the ranch.
