My Neighborhood

Home on the Ranch

A covered outdoor dining area allows owners to enjoy the fine weather—and the fine view.

Today luxury living means lots of land and room to roam.

LIVING ON a farm or ranch in Texas means different things to different folks. For longtimers, it’s a working way of life, born out of the land. For their extended families, it’s a summer visit. For some residents of Texan cities, it’s a vacation spot that’s just a drive away rather than a flight. And for many from other parts of the country, it’s a chance for more space and a slower way of life. No matter which group you’re in, living on a farm or ranch means ending the day with a jaw-dropping view of those fabled hot-pink Texas sunsets.

Real estate experts report that since the pandemic began, interest in farm and ranch living has grown exponentially, fed by a twin reality: the ability to work from just about anywhere, and the need for more room.

“Living an hour outside of town wasn’t feasible for a lot of people two or three years ago, and now it’s almost becoming the norm,” says Brian Bagwell, a sales agent with Douglas Elliman in Houston. “You have people from out of state who can sell their 900-square-foot condo for $1.5 million and come down to Texas and be able to afford more land and still be in close proximity to town.”

“Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city is no longer just a retirement dream, or relegated to weekend or summer fun,” says Jeanine Kaminski-Ditzel, a broker with Douglas Elliman in Houston.

“Texas farm and ranch is an idyllic lifestyle,” says Kaminski-Ditzel, who remembers driving out to her grandparents’ ranch as a kid and “seeing bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping panorama of the countryside.

buttercups along the way. It is pride of land ownership. A place to teach your kids about rural life. Fishing, swimming, and irrigating with your own lakes or ponds. Raising cattle, horses, chickens, or pigs, or just having space for your dogs to run and your cats to experience life on a farm. Mostly, you get to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl.”

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Adriana Banks, a sales agent with Douglas Elliman based in Houston, advises buyers contemplating a farm or ranch in Texas to consider—and answer—the following questions before getting serious about purchasing. “What are you going to use it for? Do you want to entertain and have big parties? Keep horses? Hunt? Fish? You can

Many buyers crave the connection with the land that comes with owning a farm. A ranch provides a venue to enjoy favorite pastimes with family and friends. find hunting ranches, fishing ranches with manmade or natural lakes, or horse ranches. Do you want your own equestrian center, or a community that does the maintenance for you?” If the property will be a second home, “What is too much drive time for you? Is four hours no big deal, or does an hour and a half mean you’re going to use it that much more often?”

Bagwell encourages all his clients to look at the land before buying. “Pictures can’t give you a real sense of the place. You have to feel it.” The more clarity buyers have about what they want, the sooner they can be ensconced in their home on the range.

The rewards of doing the legwork? “Being out in the country reduces anxiety and stress,” says Bagwell. “For many people, it’s a refuge.”

—Lisa Rosen

4100 RIVERCREST DRIVE | Austin | $8,995,000 Per fectly harmonizing with nature’s beaut y, this timeless retreat is only steps away from Lake Austin. Featuring 100 feet of water front, this home gives a sense of serenit y and adventure for the water enthusiast. Located at the end of a private drive with mature oak trees lining the street, there is no location that is closer to the water’s edge than this proper t y.

Stephanie Nick, Sales Associate | O: 512 . 8 6 6 . 3 7 9 5 | M: 512 . 4 2 6 . 9 18 3 | stephanie.nick@elliman.com

2319 WESTLAKE DRIVE, UNIT B | Austin | Price Upon Request Lake Austin waterfront living at its finest. This three-stor y condo, with an attached covered boat slip, is conveniently located in Westlake at The Peninsula on Lake Austin. Don’t miss out on the incredible views. The home has been partially remodeled and has beautiful new white oak wood floors installed throughout. Travertine flooring in the bathrooms and utility room. The HVAC and hot water heater have been replaced. Other amenities include an elevator, two fireplaces, a wine cellar and an attached two car garage. The primar y suite is well situated on the third floor with a private balcony overlooking the water. It also boasts its own fireplace, double closets and a full bathroom including two sinks, soaking tub and separate shower. A spacious living room with fireplace opens to a lake-view balcony. Newly installed floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors bring the lake view inside. The perfect condo for a homeowner who needs a lock and leave or prefers to live year-round and call Lake Austin home.

Diane Dillard, Sales Associate | O: 512 . 8 6 6 . 3 7 9 5 | M: 512 . 4 2 6 . 4 3 6 8 | diane.dillard@elliman.com Lindsay Dillard, Sales Associate | O: 512 . 8 6 6 . 3 7 9 5 | M: 512 . 6 3 6 .7 9 6 9 | lindsay.dillard@elliman.com

THE HAMPTONS ON LAKE AUSTIN | Austin | $17,900,000 The Hamptons on Lake Austin is an exquisite estate, that must be seen to believe. Originally built in 1986, the home under went a meticulous “to the stud” remodel in 2014. On over an acre of lakeside luxur y, there are six bedrooms, eight full baths, four half baths, three full kitchens and five living areas. A recently completed boathouse featuring two boat slips, a covered upper lounge deck and complete kitchen give you the perfect space to relax, or entertain on Lake Austin. Visit w w w.thehamptonsonlakeaustin.com.

Kat Brooks, Sales Associate O: 512 . 8 6 6 . 3 7 9 5 | M: 512 . 6 5 6 . 2 7 2 2 | kat.brooks@elliman.com THE MOON CANYON | Dripping Springs | $25,000,000 In the Texas Hill Countr y town of Dripping Springs, The Moon Canyon is a beautifully curated estate, just 35 minutes from downtown Austin. On 22+ unrestricted acres, the main lodge and eight separate casitas, can be utilized as a private residence, retreat space, wedding venue, or boutique hotel. With breathtaking views that go on for miles, the opportunities are endless. Visit w w w.themooncanyon.com.

Artist’s Rendering

6622 LAKEHURT | Dallas | $4,350,000 New construction in Prestigious Preston Hollow. 7315 MORTON | Dallas | $1,875,000 New construction in the Bird Streets.

Harrison Polsky, Polsky|Messer Team | O: 4 6 9 . 2 7 3 .14 3 1 | M: 214 . 6 6 3 . 0 16 2 | harrison.polsky@elliman.com

Artist’s Rendering Artist’s Rendering

1203 VIRIDIAN PARK | Arlington | $1,625,000 This traditional Spanish home sits on the largest lot in Viridian Park. This 2014 build has had $200K in upgrades exuding modern luxur y. This home is the ultimate indoor-outdoor entertainer’s dream with an interior courtyard atrium in the entr y, covered patio with outdoor kitchen in the backyard, lush green massive yard with beautiful landscaping and veranda balcony off the second living room upstairs complete with a wet bar. Christina Hobbs, O: 469.273.1431, M: 469.343.5088 , christina.hobbs@elliman.com 749 STACKS ROAD | Ennis | $11,995,000 588 acres of breathtakingly beautiful land with undulating hills, and magical views, located in Ennis, T X. This one-of-a-kind ranch includes a quaint 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with several farm roads already in place. This property is an excellent piece of land for development due to its topography, convenient distance from Dallas and natural resources. Web # 20056600. Nadia Black, O: 469.273.1431, M: 214.554.0479, nadia.black@elliman.com

3600 LINDENWOOD AVENUE | Highland Park | $5,999,900 Newly remodeled in 2021, this modern jewel is nestled in one of Dallas‘s most prestigious zip codes. Approx. 5,067sf of modern luxur y on a coveted corner lot boasting a 3-car garage and a single feature glass galler y garage for your sweetest wheels. Web# 20163498. Andy Anand, O: 469.273.1431, M: 469.774.1209, andy.anand@elliman.com 4416 BETTY | Bellaire | $1,097,000 Southern traditional home in an exceptional neighborhood minutes from the medical center, galleria and downtown. Stephanie Aron Weiss, O: 281.652.5588, M: 713.828.6817, stephanie.weiss@elliman.com

11206 TYNE COURT | Houston | $5,495,000 Epitome of luxur y living. Exquisite masterpiece combines quality finishes, effortless elegance and sophisticated touches. Web # 17284718. Moni Bohnisch, O: 281.652.5588, M: 832.234.7048, moni.bohnisch@elliman.com

2 CONCORD CIRCLE | Houston | $1,799,000 This house sits on over a half-acre corner lot in Houston’s prime Bunker Hill Village. Eye-catching, nicely maintained backyard with a large grass area and a beautiful pool. Beautifully updated kitchen features a Sub-Zero refrigerator and an oversized island that seats 6. Kitchen opens to the spacious den which overlooks the back patio and has loads of natural light. Web # 3739581. Richard Ray, O: 281.652.5588, M: 713.416.3931, richard.ray@elliman.com 5812 PETTY STREET | Houston | $499,000 A 2-stor y home with no HOA, driveway that fits up to 4 cars, upgraded plush carpet upstairs and beautiful hardwood on the first floor. The patio space is perfect for pets, grilling or a private garden. The home boasts 3 bedrooms and an of fice space nook next to the primar y. Only one previous owner. Web # 17408690. James Kwon, O: 281.652.5588, M: 832.228.6206, james.kwon@elliman.com

9614 MEADOWGLEN LANE | Houston | $399,000 This property is located in the desirable Tanglewilde neighborhood. Come home to an oversized fully fenced backyard with upgraded hardware fixtures in the chef's kitchen. Enjoy spacious bedrooms with refinished hardwood floors throughout and ample storage. Web # 86474638. Lee Ewing, O: 281.652.5588, M: 832.523.1980, lee.ewing@elliman.com 16006 GARDEN HILL LANE | Houston | $350,000 Updated, 1-stor y with hardwood floors, Silestone countertops, stainless steel appliances, covered front and back porches. Web # 17284718. Nicholas Moncada, O: 281.652.5588, M: 713.829.5596, nicholas.moncada@elliman.com