Ruf Creek Ranch . . .
Once one of the largest plantations in the area (almost 12,000 acres), it is named after its original owner, Rufus Creech, a former Mayor of Smithfield. Ava Gardner grew up on a farm less than ¼ mile away, and one of Rufus’ descendants, James Creech, was the original Marlboro Man.
Many area residents have ties to the property, and we are often visited by people who tell us that they used to play on the front lawn while their parents worked in the fields or in the house. We feel that this property is an important part of Johnston County ’s heritage, and we would like to see it remain a part of that heritage for generations to come.
The entire facility consists of approximately 9 acres of land, and was built in 1893. The home property is approximately 2 acres, with a fenced-in back yard for our dogs. The house has approximately 2700 sq. ft., and is the centerpiece of the facility.
The farm property is approximately 7 acres and is fully enclosed by field fencing and locked gates. There are several buildings on the farm property including two large barns (approximately 36’ –x- 50’ each, with full lofts and storage areas) and several smaller outbuildings. There are two entrances to the property: a horseshoe driveway to the house, and a separate, gated entry to the farm property.
The barns contain oversized stalls, fully matted, with individual lights and fans. The larger barn has 10 oversized stalls with a separate feed room and office space. Since we are no longer showing our horses, this barn has been converted to house our Ranch Residents. The smaller barn has 7 stalls measuring approximately 10’ –x- 11’ each.
Both barns have huge lofts that could easily be upfitted as a classrooms/lecture halls.
A covered shed has been built off the back of the smaller barn, over a concrete slab, and this houses the wash-rack and hay storage. Attached to this barn is a separate structure made entirely of concrete block which can be fitted up as aveterinary clinic.
The property also has 8 turnout lots, fully fenced with field fencing and three rails. 5 lots measure approximately 80’ –x- 100’; one measures 80’ –x- 200’, and the remaining two are approximately 80’ –x- 150’. There are shelters in each turnout lot, as well as running water.
There is a riding track which currently measures 250’ –x- 400’. We plan on using 25% of this to construct a dog area – exercise pens and runs, while retaining the rest for use as a riding area. There is a screened-in gazebo adjacent to the riding track, with a refrigerator and ceiling fan. There are lights on the gazebo which illuminate the track for night-time riding.
Finally, there is also a huge flat field (approximately 200’ –x- 200’) where the dogs can be trained off-leash.
