On the Market

Dramatic touches spring up all over this elegant Fairview home

Looking to add a little drama to your dinner parties? At 231 Latham Dr., you can slide open the rustic barn doors for a big reveal of the dining room, with its wall of windows and timelessly elegant light fixture.

There are several glamorous touches to be found through the American Legend home, which has only had one owner since its 2012 construction. It is located in the Fairview Downs neighborhood, right above The Village at Allen, Fairview Town Center, and Allen Premium Outlets, so superior shopping, dining, and entertainment are all just a stone's throw away. A greenbelt and hike and bike trails are also nearby.

But you may not feel the need to go out often, thanks to a media room that comes with built-in speakers and an oversized game room with a Juliet balcony and a wall of windows that allows copious amounts of natural light.

Downstairs, the open gourmet kitchen is outfitted with such entertaining must-haves as a built-in wine rack and large island with extra seating. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a five-burner gas range, walk-in pantry, and plenty of cabinet and drawer storage complete the setup, along with a large window overlooking the expansive yard with its stained concrete patio and TV area with CFA lights, lush landscaping, lots of trees, and a sprinkler system.

The main living room is crowned by a corner stone fireplace that extends up to the two-story ceiling, which nicely complements the hand-scraped hardwood floors and yet more windows. A first-floor study with plantation shutters is a great front-of-home bonus space.

There are four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and one partial bath in the 3,533-square-foot home. The master suite has more of those sophisticated plantation shutters, as well as a roomy walk-in closet, granite countertops, dual vanities, and a sparkly chandelier over the soaking tub.

Don't overlook the home's eco-conscious aspects, either: a 13-15 SEER air conditioning unit; low-e, double-pane windows; two gas water heaters; and a programmable thermostat all help to keep costs low and the ecological imprint small.

The O'Gorman Group with Ebby Halliday Realtors has the listing, which is priced at $470,000.

A gourmet kitchen is outfitted with all the stainless steel and granite you could want.

Photo courtesy of Ebby Halliday Realtors

A gourmet kitchen is outfitted with all the stainless steel and granite you could want.

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HAUTE PROPERTIES

Texas Hill Country ranch tied to George Strait lists for $19.5 million

Lone Woman Ranch, the Hill Country estate where country stars like George Strait, George Jones, and the Ace in the Hole Band rehearsed, is up for sale for $19.5 million.

Located on 675 acres in Hays County, just south of Austin, the secluded ranch once served as an artistic getaway for emerging Texas artists. The property, listed by Republic Ranches, is named after the nearby Lone Woman Mountain, and its elevation provides an incredible view of the county. On a clear day, you can see all the way to downtown Austin.

The land comes with two residences, both built near the entrance gate. The primary stone house has original hardwood floors, a recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system. The secondary residence was used as a rehearsal space. Both have had long-term residents who made improvements, and both have their own septic systems, wells, and electric meters.

The real appeal of Lone Woman Ranch, however, is the extensive woods, creeks, and natural setting. It is situated next to 6,000 acres of conservation land, including Storm Ranch.

Two fully stocked ponds — a 4-acre and a 1-acre — are located onsite. Runoff from the larger pond creates picturesque seasonal limestone waterfalls. The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, doves, and more, and the property is under wildlife exemption.

The entire mountain is included in the property, making it a veritable mini-kingdom for the owner, with unobstructed privacy on three sides. A network of ranch roads provides access throughout the property, including most of the way up Lone Woman Mountain, giving views around every corner.

It's little wonder the ranch was a muse to so many country musicians. But only Strait can tell you whether his 1996 hit "King of the Mountain" was inspired by the ranch.

Photo courtesy of Republic Ranches

Lone Woman Ranch has ties to country music stars.

ranches hill country hays county celebrities george strait george jones listings