finn's retreat

Texas bluebonnet country estate built by renowned architect blooms on market for $5.95 million

Off a Brenham highway and up a winding dirt road that meanders through wildflower fields sits The Citadel. This historic venue, once conceived as a golf course — and later reimagined as a private residence — sits on 48 acres and is currently on the market for $5.95 million.

The charming property is represented by Janet Dreyer with the Country Properties Group of Sotheby's International Realty.

While the living space is two-bedroom, two-bath, the home offers ample space across its more than 7,000 square feet for entertaining, living, or event hosting. Be it an investment piece, event venue, or weekend hideaway, The Citadel (3401 US Highway 290 East) offers an array of options for its next owner.

Originally built in 1924, the main residence has been meticulously refurbished while preserving its classic Art Deco style. Wide verandas on both of the home's levels provide picturesque views of the setting sun.

A sweeping staircase beckons arriving guests to explore the first floor's grand ballroom, warm bar spaces, and inviting fireplaces.

The Citadel's expansive grounds are equally impressive, with terraced land previously used as a vineyard, and sprawling lawns that can host family picnics, parties, and wedding receptions.

Designed and built by the famed renowned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, who crafted the iconic San Jacinto Monument and many other famous landmarks, the property was originally envisioned as a social club, complete with a nine-hole golf course. It offered opportunities for men to hit the links while ladies hosted card games and garden parties in the main house.

By 1926, The Citadel had evolved into a country club. Five years later, in the depths of the Great Depression, it would be auctioned off and transformed into a private residence. For a time, colorful Texas eccentric Johnnie Mae Hackworth called it home.

Now, The Citadel is ready for another owner to come in with the vision and imagination to transform it yet again. It could become a vineyard that provides a spot for weekend daytrippers and wine education, or a retreat from Dallas' hustle and bustle. The possibilities are as endless as its sweeping vistas.

The Citadel was designed and built by renowned Houston architect Albert C. Finn.

TK Images

The Citadel was designed and built by renowned Texas architect Albert C. Finn.

hottest zips

Surprising Dallas neighbor ranks among hottest ZIP codes in U.S.

City of Lavon/Facebook

Movers are loving Lavon for its small-town feel and proximity to the big city.

A recent analysis of American relocation trends has revealed the small city of Lavon outside Dallas was one of the top five hottest ZIP code for movers nationwide in October 2025.

Lavon's 75166 ZIP code ranked No. 5 on MovingPlace's new list ranking the U.S. cities with the highest number of new movers per 1,000 current residents during the month of October.

According to the study's data, 961,650 moves took place across the nation last month. Lavon (population: 13,800) saw 10.8 moves per 1,000 residents in October, the fifth highest moving rate out of all U.S. cities.

Lavon is located 32 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County. It was praised as a highly sought-after locale for movers who want to live somewhere affordable outside Dallas while still reaping the benefits from a community with a small-town feel.

The report also added that Lavon's 75166 ZIP was the No. 1 hottest ZIP code in September, but relocations dipped 7.7 percent from September to October.

"When looking at the top ZIP codes in each state, it’s clear that less populated ZIP codes often show dramatic month-over-month increases, sometimes exceeding 100 percent," the report said. "Larger cities, by contrast, maintain consistently high move volumes without extreme spikes, because their larger populations dampen the impact of individual moves."

These are the top 10 hottest U.S. ZIP codes based on moves per capita in October:

No. 1 – 78616 in Dale, Texas
No. 2 – 34987 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida
No. 3 – 37228 in Nashville, Tennessee
No. 4 – 80019 in Aurora, Colorado
No. 5 – 75166 in Lavon, Texas
No. 6 – 32461 in Inlet Beach, Florida
No. 7 – 10004 in New York, New York
No. 8 – 43137 in Lockbourne, Ohio
No. 9 – 30346 in Atlanta, Georgia
No. 10 – 78656 in Maxwell, Texas

The hottest U.S. ZIP codes by total move volume
Five Texas ZIPs ranked among MovingPlace's separate analysis of the top 10 hottest U.S. ZIP codes based on total move volume.

McKinney's ever-popular 75071 ZIP code ranked No. 5 on the list after gaining 298 new residents last month, only 72 residents shy from No. 1-ranking Washington, D.C.'s new resident count.

This North Dallas suburb also previously ranked as the No. 8 most popular ZIP for movers during the first five months of 2025.

The report said McKinney's most attractive qualities are its safety, its high-performing schools, and its proximity to outdoor recreational activities. it also helps that the suburb consistently ranks as the No. 1 hottest housing market in America, and it frequently tops lists comparing the best cities for renters or the most affordable cities in the U.S.

The top 10 hottest American ZIP codes in October based on total move volume were:

No. 1 – 20002 in Washington, D.C.
No. 2 – 78130 in New Braunfels, Texas
No. 3 – 78641 in Leander, Texas
No. 4 – 77433 in Cypress, Texas
No. 5 – 75071 in McKinney, Texas
No. 6 –32256 in Jacksonville, Florida
No. 7 –77493 in Katy, Texas
No. 8 – 85142 in Queen Creek, Arizona
No. 9 – 98052 in Redmond, Washington
No. 10 – 28269 in Charlotte, North Carolina

suburb real estate housing market moving mckinney dallas