Redefining McMansions

New brand of multi-million dollar spec homes in River Oaks and Tanglewood aims to raise the bar

For Sudhoff Companies founder Jacob Sudhoff and brand manager Neal Hamil, it seemed only fitting that they announce the launch of the high-end Hampton Lane Collection of homes at a swank gathering over caviar and champagne in the wine cellar of River Oaks Country Club.

The new concept in pre-designed luxury homes, unlike the proliferation of McMansions across the city, combines architectural precision with the concept of ultimate luxury. "The idea is to change the landscape of speculative building in Houston in pre-designed mansions," Hamil said. "It's never been done on this scale."

"The idea is to change the landscape of speculative building in Houston in pre-designed mansions," Hamil said. "It's never been done on this scale."

Hampton Lane Collection founders represent some of the city's oldest and most established families, who wish to remain behind the scenes. The home builder selected Sudhoff Companies, founded in 2010, to be the face of the effort and to partner in the projects that are being designed by Mirador Group architects.

"We are literally designing these homes to a level that has not been seen before for pre-designed homes in Houston," Sudhoff said. "It's going to raise the bar for River Oaks and Tanglewood."

To date, the partnership has acquired 11 large lots spread across those two elegant neighborhoods with two of the homes nearing completion. To give prospective buyers a realistic look at properties in the works, the team brought in Tim Bogza to create remarkable 3-D images of the homes and a 3-D video that walks you through the mansions. Each house is virtually furnished with actual products that will be available for purchase.

Averaging 10,000 square feet, the houses are priced between $4 million and $7 million. Hamil says they are looking for 10 additional lots for the Hampton Lane Collection, which will eventually include homes priced as high as $9 million.

Noting the attention to detail and extras such as basements featuring in-home movie theaters and wine cellars Sudhoff notes, "I truly believe that when buyers see this in comparison to what is currently on the market, it's going to reset expectations."

A 3-D rendering of the front elevation of the proposed home 6018 Pine Forest.

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HAUTE PROPERTIES

675-acre Hill Country ranch where George Strait rehearsed lists for $19.5M

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

Lone Woman Ranch, the Hill Country estate where country stars like George Strait, George Jones, and Ace in the Hole Band rehearsed, is up for sale for $19.5 million.

Located 65 miles from San Antonio in Hays County on 675 acres, the secluded ranch once served as an artistic getaway for emerging Texas artists. The property, listed by Olmos Park firm Republic Ranches. is named after the nearby Lone Woman Mountain, and its elevation gives an incredible view of the county. On a clear day, you can see downtown Austin.

The land comes with two residences, both built near the entrance gate. The primary stone house has original hardwood floors, a recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system. The secondary residence was used as a rehearsal space. Both have had long-term residents who made improvements, and both have their own septic systems, wells, and electric meters.

The real appeal of Lone Woman Ranch, however, is the extensive woods, creeks, and natural setting. It is next to 6,000 acres of conservation land, including Storm Ranch. The entire mountain is also included in the property, making it a veritable mini-kingdom for the owner with unobstructed privacy on three sides.

Two ponds are on the site — a 4-acre and a 1-acre — both fully stocked. Runoff from the larger pond creates picturesque seasonal limestone waterfalls.The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, doves, and more. The property is under wildlife exemption.

It's little wonder the ranch was a muse to so many country musicians. A network of ranch roads provides access throughout the property, including most of the way up Lone Woman, giving views around every corner. Only Strait can tell you whether his 1996 hit "King of the Mountain" was inspired by the ranch.

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

ranches hill country hays county celebrities george strait george jones listings