Engel & Völkers is currently brokering a ranch that is also home to the fictitious Western town of “Big Whiskey,” featured in the Western classic “Unforgiven” (1992). It is located in the Canadian province of Alberta on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, and has an asking price of approx. 25.5 million Canadian dollars (around 18.9 million euros). The 480-acre property comprises a majestic main lodge, several guest cabins, an indoor equestrian arena, an 11-acre lake with a boathouse, and the original film set of the Wild West town featured in “Unforgiven.” “The movie was filmed in the region directly next to the ranch. Clint Eastwood stayed on the ranch during filming, and his co-stars Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman and Richard Harris also spent a lot of time here. The current owners purchased the fictional Western town of ‘Big Whiskey’ featured in the film and reconstructed it on the ranch. The property is sensational and a real slice of the Wild West right in the heart of Canada,” says Chris Burns, Real Estate Agent at Engel & Völkers Vancouver. The property is being co-listed with Chris Burns and Greg Carros and supported by both Engel & Völkers Vancouver and Engel & Völkers Calgary.
The “Ranch at the Fisher Creek” lies nestled in idyllic surroundings in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, around an hour’s drive from the western Canadian city of Calgary. Pine trees line the driveway that leads from the main gates of the property, past an old fort to the main residence – a majestic lodge that blends massive logs with steel and rugged stone to form a magnificent Rocky Mountain home. Clint Eastwood also lived here during filming in 1992. The living interiors span more than 1,142 square metres – with five bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, seven fireplaces and a grand dining room. A network of elevated walkways wind through the trees, connecting the lodge to six beautiful guest cabins. Each convey a western flair and are divided into 17 fully appointed private suites and lofts.
The main drive leads from the lodge through a gateway to the heart of the ranch, the Western-style town of “Big Whiskey.” This ensemble of buildings is the actual film set for the hit Western film “Unforgiven,” rebuilt on the ranch according to original film set plans, and fully intact and ready for use. The Wild West town consists of a sheriff’s office with two jail cells and an antique armoury cabinet, a saloon with a full-service bar and gambling hall, a blacksmith shop, livery and stables with three indoor stalls, a bank and a carpentry shop. There is also a fully stocked mercantile and a small white church with antique pews and a bell tower. “Inspired by the towns featured in popular Western films, the ranch’s owners built it out of a sheer sense of fun. The unusual thing is that each of the buildings are fully functional and habitable, rather than being just a movie set façade. There is nothing quite like it on a private ranch,” says Chris Burns.
Just next to the frontier-era town is an 11-acre lake featuring crystal-clear waters, a waterfall and private boathouse. Thanks to the excellent water quality, the lake can be used both for recreational sports and for breeding rainbow trout. Another highlight are the expansive equestrian facilities: A complex spanning approx. 1,850 square metres with a five-stall stable, an indoor equestrian arena, a riding hall and viewing lounge, and a veterinarian office. The ranch also boasts a helipad. “Entertainment and luxury can be experienced on a completely new level on this estate. It is the ultimate retreat and adventure resort for hosting family and friends, and for those seeking a life at one with beautiful nature and imbued with sophistication and the rugged soul of the Old West,” Chris Burns adds.
“Unforgiven” is a 1992 American Western film produced, directed and starring U.S. film legend Clint Eastwood. Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman and Richard Harris also appear as supporting actors. In this late Western, Clint Eastwood took a critical look both at the genre and at his earlier movie roles. The film won four Oscars in 1993, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing.
