A sprawling 675-acre property in the Texas Hill Country, known as Lone Woman Mountain Ranch, has been listed for sale with an asking price of $19.5 million. The ranch, located in Driftwood, offers not only vast landscapes and panoramic views but also a unique connection to country music history, as a home on the property was once used as a rehearsal space by George Strait and George Jones.
The property's listing highlights its rare combination of size, privacy, and proximity to major Texas cities, making it a significant offering in the highly sought-after Central Texas real estate market.
Key Takeaways
- Lone Woman Mountain Ranch, a 675-acre property in Driftwood, Texas, is on the market for $19.5 million.
- The ranch includes a home reportedly used for rehearsals by country music legends George Strait and George Jones with the Ace in the Hole band.
- It is surrounded by over 6,000 acres of conservation land, ensuring long-term privacy and unobstructed views.
- The property features varied terrain, two residences, multiple water sources including a 4-acre pond, and extensive internal roads.
A Rare Offering in the Heart of the Hill Country
Lone Woman Mountain Ranch is situated along the desirable Ranch Road 12 corridor in Hays County, a region known for its scenic beauty and rapid growth. The property's location places it approximately 30 miles from Austin, 6.5 miles from Wimberley, and 8 miles from Dripping Springs, offering a blend of secluded country living and convenient access to urban amenities.
The ranch's most prominent feature is its topography. It boasts its own mountaintop, reaching an elevation of about 1,400 feet. From this vantage point, the property provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding Wimberley Valley and the broader Texas Hill Country.
A Protected Landscape
A significant aspect of the ranch's value lies in its protected surroundings. It is bordered by more than 6,000 acres of conservation land, including the neighboring Storm Ranch. This geographic buffer ensures that the sweeping vistas and natural tranquility of the property will be preserved for the long term, a feature that is becoming increasingly scarce in Central Texas.
Ross Studer with Republic Ranches, the firm handling the sale, emphasized the property's unique appeal. "It's just a really cool place," Studer noted. "When you get on top of Lone Woman, overlook the Wimberley Valley, you feel the sense of history all over the place."
A Connection to Country Music Royalty
Beyond its natural attributes, the ranch holds a special place in Texas music lore. One of the two homes on the property served as a creative space for some of country music's biggest names.
According to the listing information, this residence was used by George Strait and George Jones as a place to rehearse with the legendary Ace in the Hole band. The band, which originally formed in San Marcos in the 1970s, became Strait's longtime backing and recording band, playing a crucial role in shaping his iconic sound.
"This property has that combination of incredible views, accessibility, natural features and legacy appeal that's very hard to find," said Ross Studer of Republic Ranches.
This historical footnote adds a layer of cultural significance to the property, appealing to buyers interested in not just real estate, but a piece of Texas's rich musical heritage. The home itself is described as having solid bones and offering significant potential for renovation.
Exploring the Ranch's Natural Features
The 675 acres of Lone Woman Mountain Ranch are diverse and accessible. An extensive network of ranch roads has been established, providing easy travel throughout the property, including routes that lead to both of its mountaintop peaks.
The landscape itself is a mix of classic Hill Country terrain:
- Wooded Canyons: Providing dramatic elevation changes and habitat for wildlife.
- Limestone Creek Bottoms: Characterized by unique geological formations.
- Open Pastures: Dotted with mature oak trees, ideal for grazing or recreation.
Water Resources on the Property
Water is a prized asset in the Hill Country, and the ranch is well-equipped. It includes a 4-acre pond that is stocked and well-maintained, a second 1-acre pond, and several seasonal creeks and natural springs that traverse the land, supporting local wildlife.
Residences and Development Potential
Two homes are located near the entrance of the ranch. The first is an original stone ranch house that has been thoughtfully remodeled. While preserving its historic character with wood and plaster walls and original wood floors, it has been updated with a modern kitchen, new bathrooms, and a new HVAC system. This home has served as a comfortable guest house or caretaker's residence.
The second home is the one tied to the music history of George Strait. It offers a solid foundation for a future owner to create a custom residence or restore it as a tribute to its past.
The land is unrestricted, which presents a wide array of possibilities for a new owner. Studer highlighted this flexibility, stating that buyers have many options, "from conservation to development, or just making it their own private retreat." This unrestricted status allows for potential subdivision, the creation of a large family compound, or placing the land into a conservation easement to protect it for generations to come.
