5 Luxe Texas Ranches and Spanish Revival Estates Near Austin

Along the water’s edge in Lampasas, Miller Creek Ranch pairs big-country scale with a rare concentration of water features, all just minutes from Hwy 183 and under an hour from Austin. More than a mile of Miller Branch Creek threads through the property, complemented by a stocked lake and multiple ponds that bring both beauty and function to the landscape. Mixed fencing adds flexibility for working livestock while also supporting wildlife, making the setting as practical as it is serene. Days here can unfold at the pace of the water—following the creek line, checking the ponds, and watching the land shift from pasture to habitat in a single view. It’s a ranch designed for many uses, with the kind of natural infrastructure that shapes a lasting way of life.

Size: 643± acres

Set on 387.35 acres in Lampasas County, this ranch balances wide-open Texas landscape with a thoughtfully finished homestead. The 2,524-square-foot Santa Fe–inspired residence is professionally designed with Southwest flair, featuring high ceilings, open-concept living, and large windows that frame panoramic views. For work and day-to-day operations, a shop with office and an equipment shed keep projects, tractors, ATVs, and gear organized, while a charming guest house offers space for friends, family, or potential income. Outdoors, 40 acres of improved pasture support hay production or grazing, and three ponds plus a wet-weather creek add year-round water and a natural focal point. Days unfold with hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching—then ease back into the quiet, within driving distance to Austin.

Set along North U.S. Highway 281 in Lampasas, Race Ranch reads as a highly improved Hill Country estate with premier frontage and exceptional infrastructure. Completed in 2020, the Santa Fe–style home leans into regional character through tactile finishes: Saltillo tile underfoot, wood-beam ceilings overhead, and a custom adobe fireplace that anchors the interior with quiet warmth. Outside, a resort-style pool extends the sense of retreat, offering an easy rhythm for long afternoons and unhurried weekends. The combination of a thoughtfully finished residence and the property’s strong infrastructure makes daily life feel both comfortable and capable—equally suited to arriving in style from the highway or staying in to enjoy the setting at your own pace.

Beyond the gates of the Villas of Spanish Oaks, this custom-built 2025 home is composed for both everyday rhythm and easy entertaining. An open floor plan sets the tone, anchored by multiple living areas that invite everything from quiet mornings to lively evenings. A private office creates a focused retreat, while a dedicated gym supports at-home routines. For more flexible living, a bunk room and a hidden flex space add welcome adaptability without disrupting the flow. Outdoors, the experience expands with a pool and spa, complemented by an outdoor shower, fire pit, and pizza oven for long, unhurried gatherings. An orchard and peaceful Hill Country sunset views bring a sense of calm to the setting. All of it sits within the highly regarded Lake Travis ISD, shaping a lifestyle that feels both elevated and grounded.

Originally built in 1939 for the developer of Terrell Hills, this Atlee B. Ayres–designed Spanish Revival estate is a rare piece of San Antonio history. Perched on a hilltop in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, it unfolds across nearly an acre (.9 acres) of open, spacious grounds with gated courtyards. Inside, wrap-around interior porches with intricate wood designs frame the informal living areas, while a formal living room supports both grand entertaining and everyday ease. A dramatic entryway sets the tone with high, detailed ceilings, crown moldings, and a solid wood staircase. Authentic craftsmanship continues in a domed plaster ceiling, original concrete tile flooring, and Malou Flato hand-painted tiles, with arched doorways and windows drawing in abundant natural light. Three bedrooms and 5.5 baths include an upstairs primary suite, plus a three-car garage with a walk-in refrigerator and freezer for effortless hosting.