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Hey there, Texas dreamers! 🌟

Some weeks, Texas feels less like a state and more like a main character. Celebrities are sneaking into the Hill Country hideaways, photographers are listing desert art pieces disguised as homes, and somewhere between Marfa and Matagorda, the map keeps quietly changing.

In this edition, we’re peeking behind the gates and beyond the headlines: who’s moving here (and why), who’s cashing out, which slice of Texas is about to become the next great park—and what it all means if you’re dreaming about your own acreage, ranch, or retreat.

Top off your coffee (or your Shiner). Let’s see what Texas is up to this week.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Why So Many Celebrities Are Moving to Texas—And Who Already Has 🌟

• Photographer Douglas Friedman Slashes Price on His Ultra-Modern Marfa Retreat 🖼️

• Beck Quietly Exits His Texas Mansion 💼

• Glen Powell’s Secret Talent? Crushing Pork Ribs at a Legendary Texas BBQ Spot 🍖

• Texas Is Adding Thousands of Acres of Public Land—Here’s What’s Coming 🏕️

📈 Trending news

• Houston Home Sales Are Up—And Buyers Suddenly Have More Choices

• Viera Breaks Ground Near San Antonio

• Why 5 of America’s Healthiest Housing Markets Are in Texas

• Texas Best’s Latest Monitor-Style Barndo Frame Tour

• Amazon Is Now Selling a $44K Two-Story Tiny House With a Terrace

Why So Many Celebrities Are Moving to Texas—And Who Already Has 🌟 read the full article here

Article published: November 10, 2025

I read Celebrities That Live in Texas – Lone Star State Residents from Ghost Outlet, and it’s honestly no surprise anymore when a Hollywood name trades coasts for cowboy boots.

Texas isn’t just attracting celebrities — it’s keeping them. Whether it’s the no-income-tax appeal, wide-open ranch land, or a deeply rooted creative culture, the Lone Star State has become the unofficial retreat of actors, musicians, and moguls alike.

Big names like George Strait, Sandra Bullock, and Matthew McConaughey don’t just pass through — they build lives here. Some open local businesses (Bullock), others teach at universities (McConaughey), and more than one is raising donkeys on a ranch (looking at you, Kyle Chandler).

Texas isn’t just welcoming celebrities — it’s shaping how they live, work, and give back.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎬 Matthew McConaughey splits time between Texas and California, teaches at UT Austin, and remains one of the state’s most vocal advocates.

• 🎶 Erykah Badu, based in Dallas, blends her artistic influence with activism and community support, deeply rooted in Texan identity.

• 🐴 Kyle Chandler lives full-time on a 33-acre Dripping Springs ranch with his family — and yes, miniature donkeys.

• 🛠️ Sandra Bullock owns and operates a boutique deli in Austin, proving her investment in local culture is more than symbolic.

Photographer Douglas Friedman Slashes Price on His Ultra-Modern Marfa Retreat 🖼️ read the full 532-word article here

Article published: November 17, 2025

I read Renowned photographer lists custom Texas estate after price cut from Elite Agent, and one thing's clear:

Douglas Friedman knows how to craft a desert fantasy—and sell it, too.

After showcasing luxury homes for decades, the New York-born photographer is now making headlines with his own.

His Marfa, Texas estate—a minimalist-meets-modernist marvel—is back on the market with a $700,000 price cut, now listed at $2.99M.

Built in 2016, the 2,304-square-foot home rests on 10 acres and is packed with bespoke design choices: glass walls, Jeannerett chairs, brass fittings, and even a shipping-container lap pool with spa.

The house blends artistry with independence, thanks to solar panels, a private well, and sweeping mountain views that look like they were framed by a photographer’s eye—which, of course, they were.

And the vibe? Donald Judd meets Danish minimalism, all under a Texas sky.

Key Takeaways:

• 📸 Bold pricing move: Friedman slashed his ask by $700K, re-listing at $2.99M to attract design-savvy buyers in Marfa’s artful market.

• 🏡 Designer DNA: With Gaggenau appliances, Vipp steel kitchen, and Judd-inspired features, the home’s layout echoes Friedman’s high-end photography roots.

• 🌿 Off-grid luxury: Solar panels and a deep private well enable elegant, eco-conscious living—no need to trade style for sustainability.

• 🎨 Artistic setting: Located in Marfa, the home sits near Haystack Mountain and channels the minimalist legacy of Donald Judd.

Beck Quietly Exits His Texas Mansion 💼 watch the full article here

Article published: November 13, 2025

I just read the Southlake Style article “Beck Bows Out Of Vaquero Estate,” and wow — this wasn’t just a sale, it was a statement.

Glenn Beck, the media mogul and founder of Blaze Media, sold his 8,900-square-foot Westlake estate for a whopping $11.75 million.

The home, nestled beside the exclusive Vaquero Country Club, was originally listed at $12.5 million and came with a four-car garage, a full gym, and even a private casita.

But this wasn’t just a Texas goodbye — it’s a pivot. Beck is reportedly heading for the shores of Jupiter Island, Florida, showing how even high-profile real estate moves are carefully orchestrated.

The buyer remains anonymous, but the deal ranks among the highest in Tarrant County this year.

This one isn’t just about square footage — it’s about strategy.

Key Takeaways

• 🏡 Record-breaking sale: Glenn Beck’s Vaquero estate sold for $11.75M, making it one of 2025’s top Tarrant County real estate deals.

• 🧱 Celebrity pedigree: Built for golfer Brandt Jobe, the 8,900-sq-ft estate includes six bedrooms, private gym, casita, and four-car garage.

• 🌴 Strategic relocation: Beck reportedly bought beachfront property on Florida’s Jupiter Island via a trust, signaling a lifestyle shift.

• 📉 Price adjustment: Originally listed for $12.5M, the final sale price was reduced — underscoring luxury market dynamics in North Texas.

Glen Powell’s Secret Talent? Crushing Pork Ribs at a Legendary Texas BBQ Spot 🍖 read the full article here

Article published: November 16, 2025

I read Glen Powell says he holds an impressive Texas barbecue record from Chron, and it's official: Glen Powell is peak Texas.

While promoting The Running Man, the Austin-born actor sat down with British YouTube duo Jolly and dropped a meaty revelation—he may hold the record for most pork ribs eaten in a single sitting at the Salt Lick BBQ. Allegedly? Over 50 ribs.

Between bites of brisket and a bag of Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets, Powell shared BBQ memories, his dog's name (Brisket), and even praised Buc-ee’s as the “coolest gas station on the planet.”

It’s all very on-brand for Texas’ current golden boy—down-home, food-obsessed, and effortlessly charming.

Key Takeaways:

• 🍖 Barbecue bragging rights: Powell claims he devoured 50+ pork ribs in one go at the iconic Salt Lick BBQ—possibly a house record.

• 🐾 Dog named Brisket: The actor revealed his beloved pup is named after his favorite smoked meat. Yes, really.

• 🎬 Press tour, Texas-style: During his promo stop for The Running Man, Powell also reminisced about Franklin Barbecue visits and Austin date nights.

• 🇬🇧 Cross-cultural cookout: Interview took place with British YouTubers over a Texan vs. British BBQ taste test—spoiler: Texas won.

Texas Is Adding Thousands of Acres of Public Land—Here’s What’s Coming 🏕️ read the full article here

Article published: November 16, 2025

I read New Texas state parks coming soon—here's where and what to know from Chron, and it’s a dream come true for hikers, campers, and anyone who’s ever tried to snag a state park reservation on a spring weekend.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is adding tens of thousands of acres of new parkland, expanding access to pristine wilderness across the state—from the deserts near Marfa to the coastal plains east of Houston. While some parks like Palo Pinto Mountains are already under construction, others like Silver Lake Ranch and Chinati Mountains will take years to fully open.

Beyond just recreation, many of these areas protect rare ecosystems, endangered species, and newly discovered wildlife. From kayaking in Matagorda Bay to birdwatching in the Hill Country, the upcoming wave of parks reflects both conservation priorities and surging demand for outdoor space in the fastest-growing state in the U.S.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏞️ Silver Lake Ranch, a 54,000-acre site west of San Antonio, will become the second-largest park in Texas.

• 🐦 The Kronkosky Natural Area near Boerne is home to endangered warblers and even a newly discovered moth species.

• 🛶 Powderhorn State Park, along Matagorda Bay, will offer fishing, kayaking, and one of the best coastal bird habitats in the state.

• 🏔️ Chinati Mountains near Marfa will protect nearly 40,000 acres of Big Bend-style terrain, with 4,400 feet of elevation change.

Take This Edition’s Poll 📊

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Why It Matters

If you zoom out, this week’s stories all rhyme: big names buying and selling, designers turning dirt into sculpture, the state adding tens of thousands of acres of new parkland. Texas isn’t just where people park their money—it’s where they’re rewriting how they live, work, and escape.

Whether you’re eyeing a few quiet acres in the Hill Country, a modern hideout near Marfa, or just bookmarking ideas for “someday,” these shifts are your early warning system. The right story today can become the right opportunity tomorrow.

Until next time,

Hannah Collinsworth
Editor-in-Chief
Houston, Texas
Texas Property Round Up

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