5 Texas Retreats from Hill Country Ranches to Lake Austin Living

Set in the Texas Hill Country, this property offers a rare chance to acquire an exceptional stretch of real estate that pairs natural beauty with thoughtfully designed ranch amenities. The setting feels both open and intentional, with a land-first sensibility that prioritizes the everyday pleasures of space, quiet, and the surrounding landscape. Its unrestricted location between Burnet and Bertram adds a practical layer of flexibility, whether your vision leans toward a working ranch, a weekend retreat, or a long-term hold in a highly desirable corridor. Here, the appeal is in the balance: a place where Hill Country character and considered planning meet, leaving room for you to shape the experience on your own terms.

Size: 80.54± acres

Along the water’s edge in Westlake’s hill country, this lock-and-leave townhome sits within the private, gated St Tropez enclave of just eight residences—only 10 minutes from downtown Austin. Lake life is built in, with a boat slip and a Malibu Wakesetter boat included, plus community paddle boards for easy afternoons on the water. Inside, an open floor plan is anchored by two living areas with built-ins, while the kitchen pairs stainless steel appliances with quartz countertops and a wine/bar fridge. Two bedrooms are located downstairs with a separate entry, and the upstairs primary suite adds a sitting area and views. Two large, separate patios extend living outdoors. Resort-style amenities include a community pool, pickleball/basketball court, and a cabana party deck with fireplace, TV, and fire pit for lakeside evenings.

Set on 10 AG-exempt acres with sweeping Hill Country views, this single-story ranch balances privacy with timeless Texas charm. A scenic drive leads to a well-designed residence anchored by abundant outdoor living spaces, plus a heated pool and hot tub for long, unhurried afternoons. Indoors, the spacious kitchen with custom finishes opens to a vaulted living area framed by wood-beam ceilings and a fireplace. The owner’s suite is thoughtfully set apart from additional bedrooms and flex rooms, creating a sense of retreat without sacrificing flow. Practical comforts include a whole house generator, a large climate-controlled storage room, a mudroom, and an attached two-car garage. A substantial barn adds utility and flexibility, with guest quarters featuring a full bath and kitchenette, along with covered RV parking under the attached lean-to. Close to Johnson City, Austin, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg wine country, days here feel both connected and quietly expansive.

From its elevated hilltop setting in Dripping Springs, this fully fenced, ag-exempt acreage unfolds in divided pastures dotted with tall oaks. A gated entry and tree-lined drive leads in between green fenced fields—arrive to horses or livestock at the fence line. Inside, the remodeled custom home balances a tranquil retreat with modern luxury: three bedrooms plus a study that can serve as a fourth, three full baths, two dining rooms, and two generous living areas anchored by white limestone fireplaces. The country kitchen pairs soft white cabinetry with windows that pull the landscape into everyday life. Vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace, and expansive walls of glass fill the family room with natural light before opening to a spacious deck for sunset views. Multiple outdoor living areas invite stargazing long after dusk.

Size: 14.47 acres

On a residential street in McAllen, this thoughtfully designed home places space, proportion, and livability at the center of daily life. Soaring ceilings with wood beams set an immediate sense of scale, while a flowing layout makes moving from room to room feel effortless—equally suited to quiet routines and easy entertaining. In the kitchen, custom Italian-crafted cabinetry pairs with imported granite countertops and a timeless material palette chosen for function and style. Underfoot, Kashmir marble tile, marble and wood flooring, and layered textures bring depth and calm sophistication without excess. Bedrooms are well-sized and private, offering comfort and flexibility. Outside, three generous gathering spaces and lush, meticulously maintained grounds create a serene, resort-like atmosphere that deliberately blurs the line between indoors and out.