In the American consciousness, a Texas ranch has always been the pinnacle of pastoral living. Bordered by rivers and opening onto the sea, Texas offers unparalleled breathtaking expanses, spanning plains, steppes, hills, forests, and finally, the coast. All of this is enhanced by the presence and proximity of some of the nation’s most beloved cultural capitals.
For homeowners who have set their sights on a property with ample space to breathe and room to roam, Texas might be on the horizon, presenting choices that are as ideal as they are idyllic. If a rural retreat is your next adventure, discover the ranches that await you in the lone-star state.
A World-Class Recreational Ranch in Cleburne
Cleburne, Texas | David Burgher & Harlan Ray, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
When your property encompasses more than 67 acres, you can’t help but enjoy and explore the outdoors. This is precisely the lifestyle that the C7 Ranch offers, with its wooded thickets of oak and elm, its enormous ponds, and its sprawling, elegantly fenced-in fields. And for ranchers who still like a taste of the city, Dallas and Fort Worth are less than an hour’s drive away.
Alongside barns, horse stalls, a riding arena, a swimming pool, and a five stand skeet shooting range, the 5,000-square-foot main home is a contemporary masterpiece with nods to tradition in its rustic wood beams and central stone hearth. If you’re only staying for the weekend, arrive by plane on your own airstrip, complete with a private hangar.
Wide-Open Spaces in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, Texas | Bridget Ramey, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
From its authentically rustic pole barn overlooking the Pedernales River to its majestic main house comprising nearly 8,600 square feet, the Sky West Ranch provides guests with the best of both nature and architecture. The home is aptly named, both for its beautiful azure façades, and its 73 acres with plenty of open space to take in the fresh air from sunrise to sunset.
The home’s nearest neighbors are the chital and white-tailed deer that wander the oak and pecan groves, as well as the trophy-sized bass that swim in the granite-lined pond. The property is also excellent for equestrians, thanks to its six turnout paddocks and brand new riding arena.
Water, Wind, and Earth in Kingsland
Kingsland, Texas | Bridget Ramey, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
There are many properties lining the wide, wild Colorado River, but only a tiny portion of them promise the luxury, privacy, and tranquility of the Serene Getaway on Lake LBJ.
From the outside, an onlooker will only see the home’s ample fields, trees, and wildflowers, spread over more than 20 acres. But within the grounds, homesteaders are surrounded by greenery and free to discover the property’s lush pond, meandering creek, and of course, the beautifully appointed country house. With the river in such close proximity, guests can add boating to the long list of outdoor activities to fill their days.
A Bold Statement Home in Helotes
Helotes, Texas | Sean Gillispie, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
The popularity of the barndominium has been on the rise among design aficionados, blending spacious settings and natural materials with modern, industrial finishes. Few homes showcase this as masterfully as this luxury, 1,950-square-foot cabin in the Texan countryside.
With six and a half acres of outdoor space, a 60-person indoor capacity in the main building, and a custom tiny home onsite, this property can function as either a comfortable home or an exceptional multipurpose space for hosting parties, art shows, or musical acts. Why travel all the way to the city when your own rural ranch can double as a chic, stylish hub of culture and design?
Spectacular Hilltop Vistas in Boerne
Boerne, Texas | Theodora Kaufmann, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
This gated property in Boerne is picturesque in more ways than one. Not only is it located on nearly 17 acres of bucolic hills and dales, but every room, corridor, and window in this stately modern ranch is framed to enhance the views.
Because of its interior and exterior grandeur, you might never guess that this 6,100-square-foot home was built as a modest cabin in the early 20th century. Since then, it has been expanded and remodeled, embracing bespoke luxury in every thoughtful detail while retaining its genuine rustic character. It truly is a rare gem.
Today, peace, quiet, and wide open spaces come at a premium—and for homeowners seeking the pastoral life, a Texas ranch is an eternally iconic option.
Find the best of Texas from among these incomparable luxury listings.
