burning bridgeland

Houston-area community ranks among top-selling neighborhoods in U.S.

A new ranking is hot on Bridgeland in Cypress.

Photo courtesy of Howard Hughes Corp.

Tucked into 11,400 acres in Cypress is Bridgeland, a master-planned community that boasts leafy parks, shaded trails, blue lakes, and killer homes designed to provide owners with an oasis that blends resort-style life with the convenience of access to all of Houston's work hubs.

The ambitious project from The Howard Hughes Corporation sold a record-breaking 425 homes in the first six months of 2020. And this week, real estate consultants RCLCO named Bridgeland one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the country, ranking 10th. Bridgeland's explosive home sales so far this year represent an overall 21 percent increase in home sales over 2019.

RCLCO has been tracking home sales within master planned communities since 1994. The consulting company finds homeowners are seeking both“flight to quality” and possibly a “flight to safety,” even in these uncertain economic and pandemic times. In a press release announcing Brigeland's ranking, RCLCO notes that master planned communities are perceived as better, safer investments, and more desirable places to live.

The team behind Birdgeland echoes those sentiments, touting the community's quality of life.

“Homebuyers are looking for communities that offer open spaces and access to nature, two elements that promote health and wellness and are valued now more than ever,” said Health Melton, executive vice president of master planned communities, residential for The Howard Hughes Corporation, in the same release.

“Our high performing schools, unmatched amenities, award-winning parks, and commitment to integrating the natural landscape into community design collectively make for a winning formula for growth, as we see planned communities generally perform better than other new residential communities in times of economic hardship.”

Last year, Bridgeland ranked 12th on the same RCLCO list, so Bridgeland's team is exciting to break into the top 10. The community expects to continue its growth. It will add the third of four planned villages, Prairieland, next year. Prairieland joins Parkland and Lakeland, and will expand the community west of the thriving Grand Parkway sector in northwest Houston.

Bridgeland's developers feel the community's offerings are stellar representations of the high expectations home buyers have for communications that provide spaces to live, work and play.

“We are extremely proud of the efforts of Bridgeland and The Howard Hughes Corporation team to position the community for success,” said Jim Carman, president of the Houston region for The Howard Hughes Corporation. “The newest mid-year report shows the value and quality Bridgeland offers to families living in or moving to the greater Houston area.”

For would-be buyers, Bridgeland has over 3,000 acres dedicated to lakes, trails and parks, and offers resort-style pools, a disc-golf course, stocked lakes, and complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boats and other recreational equipment for residents. Those recreation amenities are in addition to custom home designs, events for residents, and ever-expanding restaurants and retail options.

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living history

Houston-area ranch tied to Stephen F. Austin hits the market at $14.8M

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

If you can rustle up $14.8 million, you can purchase a 91-acre ranch nearly 50 miles west of Houston that’s a piece of Texas history.

The Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch, situated about eight miles east of Sealy near I-10, is located on property within Stephen F. Austin land-grant territory.

In the early 1800s, Austin — nicknamed the “Father of Texas” — obtained land grants to colonize what then was part of Mexico. The number of land-grant recipients totaled 297, including Austin, according to the Texas State Historical Commission. The settlers came to be known as Austin’s Old 300, even though the number of grantees was three shy of that number.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The 91-acre property on the banks of the Brazos River has its own winery and vineyard.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled along the Brazos River, the Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch (3401 Pueblo Viejo Ln., Sealy) was designed by Kai Geschke and built by Kirksey Homes in 2020. The 6,777-square-foot main house features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two partial bathrooms.

“The single-story main home showcases masterful craftsmanship, premium finishes, and a timeless design with world-class masonry and woodworking found throughout the property,” say real estate agents Walter Bering and Linda Plant of Houston-based Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, which has the listing.

Former polo players John Hall and Leigh Anne Schnell Hall are selling the ranch. They’re the father and stepmother of trophy-winning professional polo player Jeff Hall.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The unique eight-stall barn is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

A barn on the estate is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn and features eight oversized stalls, air-conditioned tack room, reclaimed algarrobo doors, quebracho wood countertops, and vintage railroad spikes as functional art.

Highlights of the gated estate include:

Primary suite with river views.
Guest suite with kitchenette.
His-and-hers offices.
Gym and sauna.
Screened-in porch.
Butler’s pantry.
Infinity-edge swimming pool.
Winery and vineyard.
Barn with eight horse stalls and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment equipped with a kitchen.
Staff quarters with three apartments and a 3,200-square-foot equipment shop.
125-kilowatt power generator.

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

ranch for sale history luxury real estate home-for-sale