Candy's House of the Week

Get out of town (sort of) at this his-and-hers contemporary ranch on 115 lush green acres

It’s time for a real estate getaway, don’t you think? How about to the Red River Valley one hour north of Dallas, give or take a few for LBJ traffic?

This 115-acre quarterhorse ranch and wildlife preserve holds the secret to the happiest of marriages: two residences. Both contemporary, each has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a great room, and a gourmet kitchen, which you are really going to use out there. Ain’t no Starbucks down FM 678.

The interiors are all gussied up with Kohler, Baldwin and those tall, energy-efficient Isokern fireplaces. With shaded patios and fabulously landscaped gardens, it’s like a Park Cities home away from Park Cities.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Sounds like a great place to find your own free-range turkey next Thanksgiving, right?

There are critters galore: deer, turkey, waterfowl. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Sounds like a great place to find your own free-range turkey next Thanksgiving, right?

The surrounding acres comprise lush pastures, rolling greenlands, groomed trails for hiking and walking, fishing ponds, and nearly 3,000 feet of frontage on Sandy Creek. Inside a landscaped stone entry is the pristine equine facility with five pastures, five-stall barn, hay barn and manager’s residence.

When you need to poke out in civilization and wear some mascara, the Rock Creek Resort and Lake Texoma are 10 miles north. Or, of course, just come home.

Now, I thought this would be the perfect getaway for a married couple. Talk about getting away from each other! I live here, he lives there, and we meet for “visits.” What if he’s messy? His quarters could look like Hoarders! Does he love to leave towels on the bathroom floor! Pick-up days are over!

Complicated marriages aside, this is a ranch that could also be shared by two couples with maximum privacy. What a great way to get out of Dodge. Asking price is $1,800,000 for 115 acres or $2,600,000 for 165 acres. In the country, you can have it your way.

This ranch just south of Lake Texoma has two contemporary abodes — perfect for him and her.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Moden Ebby Halliday

This ranch just south of Lake Texoma has two contemporary abodes — perfect for him and her.

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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