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Howdy, Texas dream chasers! 🌟

This week, we’re diving into the heart of Texas with stories that celebrate luxury, innovation, and tradition. From a $19.8 million ranch that redefines upscale living to Elon Musk’s minimalist $50K home near Starbase, there’s something here for everyone—whether you’re dreaming big or embracing simplicity.

And for those with a taste for Texas charm, we’ll take you inside the most creative barndominiums, the revival of a barbecue legacy, and Austin’s tech-fueled luxury real estate boom.

Let’s explore how the Lone Star State continues to capture imaginations with its blend of grit and glamour.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• A $19.8 Million Ranch That’s Texas-Sized Luxury 🏡

• Former Google Exec Snaps Up $5M Luxury Austin Estate Overlooking Famed Golf Course 💼

• Inside the 2,000-Sq-Ft Modern Barndominium That's Redefining Texas Living 🏡

• Elon Musk’s $50K Texas Home: Humble Living in the Shadow of Starbase 🏡

• 2025 Houston Real Estate: Optimism, Uncertainty, and Surprises Ahead 🏙️

• The Return of a Texas Barbecue Legacy: Brisket City Craft BBQ 🌟

• Your Gateway to an Active Retirement: “Worth the Trip” Texas State Parks 

📈 Trending news

• Turkey Trot Tradition: The Texas Town Racing into History for 112 Years

• The 25 Best Texas Gifts to Give in 2024

• San Antonio Housing Trust Plans 6 Acres for Affordable Homes

• Inside the 2-Bedroom Barndominium + Redecorating Plans

• Texas Housing Insight: Market Trends You Need to Know

A $19.8 Million Ranch That’s Texas-Sized Luxury 🏡 read the full 648-word article here

Article published: December 3, 2024

Ever wanted to own a slice of paradise with the charm of a Texan sunset and the amenities of a five-star resort?

This article from Mansion Global spotlights the breathtaking K6 Ranch, a 600-acre property near Mineral Wells, Texas, listed for $19.8 million. The ranch blends rugged outdoor beauty with refined modern living.

Developer Chad Krippner transformed the property into a "spectacular paradise," complete with a 7,200-square-foot main house, a guest house, and 12 ponds stocked with bass and catfish. The estate offers not just luxurious living spaces but also features like an infinity pool, a gym, a lighted roping arena, and even operational oil and gas wells.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏊 Luxury in Every Detail: The ranch includes an infinity pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and a gym with state-of-the-art equipment.

• 🌾 A Rancher's Dream: The property produces 400-500 hay bales annually and features 100 acres of pastureland for equestrian pursuits.

• 🎣 Built for Outdoorsmen: With 12 ponds stocked with fish, seasonal creeks, and white-tailed deer, it's a haven for fishing and hunting enthusiasts.

• 📍 Prime Location: Just 5 minutes from historic Mineral Wells and an hour from Dallas Fort Worth Airport, it's secluded yet connected.

Former Google Exec Snaps Up $5M Luxury Austin Estate Overlooking Famed Golf Course 💼 read the full 714-word article here

Article published: November 21, 2024

Tech meets Texas luxury in West Austin, where former Google and Facebook executive Rob Leathern has just purchased a $5 million mansion in the exclusive Barton Creek neighborhood. The 6,100-square-foot estate—complete with five bedrooms, a wet bar, and breathtaking views of a par-3 hole at the Fazio Canyons Golf Course—was sold by Dartmouth economist Kenneth French, who completed an extensive remodel before listing the property in March.

Leathern, who left Google last year to launch Trust2 Consulting, a firm advising startups and major tech companies on AI and privacy, has now joined the ranks of tech executives transforming Austin into a hub for innovation and high-end living.

While Austin’s luxury market has faced headwinds, high-tech earners like Leathern are keeping it afloat. Last week alone, 12 contracts for homes priced over $2 million were signed, totaling nearly $40 million in deals—a strong showing for a city still finding its footing in the ultra-luxury sector compared to Houston and Dallas.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏡 A golfer’s paradise: Leathern’s new home backs directly onto the Fazio Canyons Golf Course at the Omni Barton Creek Resort.

• 💰 Tech drives luxury: The $5M purchase underscores how Austin’s tech boom is sustaining high-end real estate amid market challenges.

• 🔧 Remodeled luxury: The home underwent an extensive renovation, boosting its value from its 2015 $3.3M listing to its current price.

• 📈 Austin’s luxury rebound? Last week saw a surge in $2M+ home contracts, signaling resilience in the city’s high-end market.

Inside the 2,000-Sq-Ft Modern Barndominium That's Redefining Texas Living 🏡 watch the full 17-min video here

Video published: December 2, 2024

What happens when modern elegance meets Texas practicality? You get a stunning 2,000-square-foot single-slope barndominium that’s more than just a home—it’s a design masterpiece. In this video, Josh Helm of Texas Best Construction walks us through this highly anticipated build in Cleburne, Texas. With its three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and expansive outdoor living spaces, this barndominium merges luxury with functionality, making it a standout for modern rural living.

From the warm wood accents on the ceilings to innovative air-conditioning solutions, this home is tailored to fit every inch of the owners’ needs while maintaining an aesthetic that screams “Texas charm.” And the back porch? Let’s just say it might earn the title of "party central" with its breathtaking views and seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎨 Unique Design: A single-slope roof gives the home a sleek, modern profile, with a “party-in-the-back” vibe complete with massive windows and sliding doors.

• ❄️ Space-Saving AC: The Cooper & Hunter slim duct system cleverly solves airflow challenges in homes with minimal attic space, ensuring every room is climate-controlled.

• 📚 Library Feel: Built-in adjustable shelving adds a cozy, old-world charm to the living area while offering practical storage.

• 🌟 Ready for Action: The back porch, complete with pine-finished soffits and enormous picture windows, creates the perfect space for entertaining.

Elon Musk’s $50K Texas Home: Humble Living in the Shadow of Starbase 🏡 read the full 1,104-word article here

Article published: November 21, 2024

When you picture a billionaire’s home, sprawling mansions and endless luxury come to mind, right? Well, Elon Musk continues to defy expectations. The SpaceX and Tesla mogul, worth a staggering $313 billion, has made his home not in an Austin compound or Bel-Air estate but in a $50,000 house near Brownsville, Texas, mere steps from the SpaceX Starbase.

Rather than indulging in extravagant living, Musk has embraced minimalism—choosing a modest ranch-style home that’s a far cry from the lavish lifestyle you’d expect. This 3-bedroom property isn’t just a testament to Musk’s unique philosophy but also a symbol of his deep commitment to SpaceX’s ambitious goals in South Texas.

But don’t let this low-key setup fool you. While some locals appreciate the billionaire’s economic boost to Brownsville, others view SpaceX’s expansions as disruptive. Even so, Musk’s vision for Texas—including a $10 million pledge to revitalizing downtown Brownsville—shows he’s here to stay.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏠 Humble Living: Musk’s $50,000 Brownsville home reflects his minimalist ethos, located just a block from SpaceX’s Starbase.

• 🚀 Economic Impact: Musk’s SpaceX expansions and investments are transforming Brownsville into a high-tech hub, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Rumors Denied: Musk denies building a $53M Austin “compound” for his 11 children, despite persistent reports.

• 🌟 A Lone Star Vision: From a revitalized downtown to SpaceX’s growing footprint, Musk’s Texan ventures are reshaping the region’s future.

2025 Houston Real Estate: Optimism, Uncertainty, and Surprises Ahead 🏙️ read the full 159-word article here

Article published: December 3, 2024

What does 2025 hold for Houston's ever-changing real estate market?

In this Houston Agent article, top industry leaders weigh in on the seismic shifts that might define the year ahead. After a tumultuous 2024, marked by delayed rate cuts and regulatory changes to MLS commission structures, there’s cautious optimism for what’s to come.

Mortgage rates, they predict, could stabilize, offering a breath of relief to buyers and sellers alike. Agents are advised to focus on adaptability, as the key to thriving lies in navigating evolving buyer behaviors and technology-driven strategies. One standout trend? Growth in new construction—especially in the affordable and mid-range housing sectors—pointing to strong opportunities in underserved areas.

As these experts remind us, Houston real estate isn’t just about homes; it’s about understanding the pulse of a city in motion.

Key Takeaways:

• 📉 Mortgage Rate Stabilization: Experts forecast steadier rates, signaling potential market recovery and improved buyer confidence after 2024’s uncertainty.

• 🏘️ Affordable Housing Boom: New construction is expected to flourish, with affordable and mid-range housing seeing increased demand in 2025.

• 🔑 Adapt or Struggle: Agents must embrace tech tools and shifting buyer expectations to stay competitive in a transforming market.

• 🌟 Optimism Meets Realism: Industry leaders are hopeful but emphasize the importance of setting realistic goals for Houston’s evolving market.

The Return of a Texas Barbecue Legacy: Brisket City Craft BBQ 🌟 read the full 845-word article here

Article published: November 29, 2024

Barbecue isn’t just food in Texas—it’s a way of life. And after a seven-year break, the Boatman family is bringing their fiery passion for Texas-style barbecue back with Brisket City Craft BBQ in Red Oak. With oak-fed smokers, bold flavors, and family teamwork, this new barbecue joint is quickly becoming a Lone Star treasure.

Originally from Granbury, Darrell and Candi Boatman have deep Texas roots in barbecue. Their first venture, Boatman’s BBQ, earned them a loyal following, but this time, the family isn’t just restarting—they’re perfecting. From tender brisket kissed with oak smoke to burnt ends coated in playful Texas-style flavors (like butter pecan), the Boatmans are proving why Texas is still the reigning capital of barbecue.

And it’s not just the barbecue that’s turning heads. Whether it’s Candi’s kale-and-green-apple slaw, brisket-infused pinto beans, or fresh-baked biscuits for breakfast, Brisket City Craft BBQ is serving up everything Texans love, but with a modern twist.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏆 Texas Tradition Revived: After a 7-year hiatus, the Boatmans return with oak-smoked meats and their signature Texas barbecue flair.

• 🔥 Burnt Ends, Texas-Style: Creative takes on pork belly burnt ends, with flavors like butter pecan and peanut butter & jelly, make them uniquely Texan.

• 🍳 Breakfast with a Texas Twist: Brisket breakfast burritos and Candi’s fresh-baked biscuits add a morning-friendly spin to barbecue.

• 💪 All in the Family: From pitmasters Darrell and Darrell Jr. to Candi’s homemade sides, this is a family-run Texas success story.

Your Gateway to an Active Retirement: “Worth the Trip” Texas State Parks 

At the heart of the Texan retirement dream lies the enchanting allure of ranch living. Imagine owning your slice of paradise amidst sprawling landscapes, where the horizon stretches endlessly and tranquility reigns supreme.  Embark on a journey of exploration as you discover the myriad parks dotting the Texan landscape. From rugged canyons to verdant forests, Texas boasts an array of natural treasures waiting to be uncovered.

Big Bend Ranch State Park in West Texas boasts 300,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert terrain, offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and river rafting along the Rio Grande. Primitive camping areas allow for solitude under the vast West Texas sky, making it perfect for adventurous souls seeking a rugged escape.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Texas," spans 30,000 acres near Amarillo. Visitors marvel at towering cliffs, colorful rock layers, and mesas carved by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping, with the added treat of the "TEXAS" outdoor musical at Pioneer Amphitheater.

Texas stands as a beacon of retirement excellence, where active adults can bask in the glory of nature, forge lasting connections, and embark on new adventures. With National Land Partners offering a gateway to Texas ranch living amidst captivating parks and communities, the Texan retirement dream awaits those ready to embrace the next chapter of life's adventures.  Ready to write your next chapter? Explore our Texas land deals at https://www.nationallandpartners.com and start living your retirement dream today!" 🤠🌵

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Why It Matters

Texas isn’t just a place—it’s a mindset. These stories highlight how the state’s unique character blends innovation, tradition, and luxury to shape not only real estate but also the lives of those who call it home. Whether it’s the promise of a modern barndominium, the legacy of a family barbecue, or Musk’s surprising take on minimalism, these tales remind us why Texas remains a beacon of possibility and reinvention.

So, why does it matter? Because in Texas, every story reflects a larger-than-life dream worth chasing.

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

P.S. – Don’t miss the Phase 3 Sneak Preview Land Sale, held over for Saturday and Sunday, December 14th & 15th! Explore all-new inventory featuring massive oak trees, billion-dollar views, and unmatched privacy—perfect for those who demand the absolute best. With incredible sneak preview savings incentives, this is your chance to secure your dream property in the Texas Hill Country. Nothing else compares! Click here to learn more.