Oh Give Me A Home

Luxury East Texas ranch sold to top-secret buyer at record price, with bidders as far away as China

Real estate circles are buzzing over the record sale of luxurious Timber Creek Ranch, a 346-acre western playpen on Lake Cypress Springs, 90 minutes east of Dallas. Concierge Auctions, which conducted the sale on site at the ranch, said it represents the highest residential sale price ever in the Lake Cypress Springs area.

The price tag isn't being disclosed, neither is the buyer, but Second Shelters reports that the sale was in the range of $8 million for the property that was previously estimated to be valued at $15 million. The auction house says that there were nine bidders, one from as far away as China. Second Shelters adds that it was a Dallas buyer who picked up this gem of a working and recreational ranch.

Billy Long, head of Concierge Auctions' Land & Ranch Division, noted in a statement, "We ended up with a happy buyer and seller, not to mention the largest sale in Lake Cypress Springs history."

Also happy were listing agents Kyle Crews of Dallas' Allie Beth Allman & Associates and Ralph Robertson of Century 21 Butler Real Estate Services.

The magnificent property in the piney woods of East Texas includes five structures with a total of 11 bedrooms, a spa, boathouse, fishing pro shop and activities that include horseback riding, hunting, skeet and rifle ranges, a paintball course and fishing in two private stocked ponds as well as in the lake.

Texas longhorns, horse and miniature donkeys are among the ranch residents.

The game room beckons with pool table and oversized flat-screen TV.

Photo courtesy of Allie Beth Allman & Associates

The game room beckons with pool table and oversized flat-screen TV.

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A city retreat

Houston fave Frank Billingley's house hits the market for $1.5 million

Josh Gremillion for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

38 Hackberry Lane, currently owned by Frank Billingsley, is on the market for $1.525 million.

Set just off Mid Lane is a beautiful, custom-built home. Located at 38 Hackberry Lane, the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home with great details is now on the market for $1.525 million, represented by Corey Lipscomb of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

With 3,356 square feet of living space and sitting on a lot that’s more than 8,300 square feet, the home is currently owned by Frank Billingsley, current executive producer and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Hello Houston. Audiences will also recall him as the longtime meteorologist for KPRC-TV in Houston.

Upon entering the home’s double doors, potential buyers will be captivated by the home's dark, hardwood floors, and a dramatic, custom, wrought-iron staircase. The entryway also offers views of the living room, which features a fireplace, recessed lighting, and French doors that lead to a covered patio and the pool. A wet bar with porcelain counters and an ice maker are right off the living room, handy access for sharing cocktails with guests.

The formal dining room has custom millwork, inlaid hardwood floors, and French doors leading directly to the pool deck. Large windows offer abundant natural light and sweeping views of the backyard.

The kitchen offers porcelain countertops, a gas range, stainless appliances, and plenty of storage. It’s anchored by an island that has bar seating. A breakfast room is an ideal spot to begin the day with a cup of coffee.

Upstairs, the primary suite has its own fireplace and sitting room, making it a true owner’s retreat. The primary suite bath has a double sink vanity, seamless glass shower and separate soaking tub, as well as a walk-in closet. The additional bedrooms on the second floor each have a Hollywood bath. The fourth bedroom is on the third floor, with a full bath and walk-in closet.

The beautifully landscaped yard is perfect for entertaining, with a covered loggia with fireplace, hot tub, pool, and a covered patio.

With its location not far from Highland Village, Central Market, and the Galleria, this is a home that those who want to be in the heart of it all, while still feeling like they have an oasis in the city.

Photo by Josh Gremillion for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

38 Hackberry Lane, currently owned by Frank Billingsley, is on the market for $1.525 million.

home-for-sale celebrities frank billingsley