luxe lone star livin'

New luxury ranch community just one hour from Houston boasts Brazos River living from 14 to 160 acres

Amos Gates was clearly on to something.

As the first American settler to cross the Brazos River in the early 1800s, Gates, an intrepid land scout, selected a scenic, rolling ridge of land high above the river to call home. Years later in 1884, Gates was laid to rest on his ranch — in the heart of what’s now a sprawling, luxury ranch development known as Gates Crossing.

A brainchild of Houston-based Frankel Design Build, Gates Crossing is an 1899-acre ranch community on the banks of the Brazos River near Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas. Comprised of 40 individual ranches, Gates Crossing offers prospective buyers the chance to own a Brazos River-area ranch estate between 14 to 160 acres a mere 1 hour and 15 minutes from Houston.

Platted lots are now available for pre-sale; finished home prices range from $1.8 million into the $5 and $6 million range, a Compass spokesman tells CultureMap.

“We are thrilled to begin pre-selling ranches at Gates Crossing,” said Compass broker Courtney Robertson in a statement. “With a proven luxury builder and utility improvements underway, Gates Crossing offers luxury living in rural Texas without homeowners having to deal with the hassle of finding a builder and establishing utilities like water, power, and roads. Gates Crossing represents a unique opportunity for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the comforts of a refined lifestyle.”

(Luxe) home on the range

No detail of interior design is spared. Image courtesy of Gates Crossing/Frankel Design Build

A little about that refined lifestyle: Thanks to Frankel Design Build’s full-service offerings, buyers can customize every aspect of their estate — from home interior, to pool, yard landscaping, and more. Future residents can choose from four layouts and homesite styles that range from classic ranch to contemporary. And unlike most large land offerings, Gates Crossing — through Frankel Design Build — offers seamless, turnkey design and homebuilding.

For example, the Amos Oaks Ranch site is centered with a 6,000-square-foot main home on a 32 acre property. Some 2,800 square feet of covered patios helps residents enjoy the great outdoors, a two-story great room or a separate party barn with a bunk room make for gathering spaces, while a workshop, a two-car attached garage, and 1,800-square-foot separate garage make for perfect places to tool away the day.

“We have partnered with Frankel Design Build as the developer and exclusive builder for Gates Crossing,” noted Samantha Medve of Medve Real Estate, which is also marketing the property, “and their tailored design-build process and carefully selected team of experts allows them to seamlessly guide each landowner from start to finish. Frankel is renowned for providing all client services in-house, from architecture, to interior design, construction, pools, outdoor living, home maintenance care, and warranty. Nothing is too custom.”

Green acres

Landsites with ponds will have decks for fishing and more. Image courtesy of Gates Crossing/Frankel Design Build

While the area has seen at times devastating droughts, the rolling greens lands of Gates Crossing have been “rejuvenated and replanted with fertile grasses,” according to press materials. Onsite ponds are once again clear and full, and more than 1,000 new trees have been planted, per the developers.

Whether buyers elect a full rancher’s life or just expansive land, Gates Crossing offers plenty of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities. The property boasts a 600-acre game preserve home to whitetail deer, doves, hogs, waterfowl, and many other native wildlife — available exclusively to Gates Crossing ranch owners.

For long days along the water, the ranch development promises a total of 4.6 miles of Brazos River frontage and “breathtaking” views. Speaking of views, parcels of lands with ponds feature deck areas for fishing and more.

Truly Texas

Purists will surely appreciate the Gates Crossing dirt, as the historically significant land predates Texas statehood. The aforementioned Amos Gates was part of the “Old Three Hundred,” a group of early Texas settlers who pushed across the state at the behest and promoting of Stephen F. Austin.

The sprawling acreage predates Texas statehood. Image courtesy of Gates Crossing/Frankel Design Build

Image courtesy of Gates Crossing/Frankel Design Build

Low Creek Ranch at Gates Crossing is open for touring and showings.

As for Gates, the onetime scout became a sort of John Dutton, evolving into a rancher and esteemed landowner, his family’s legacy forever entrenched in the land. The historic Gates-Perry Cemetery, where Gates and his family are interred, sits at the heart of the Gates Crossing estate — a fitting reminder of a gateway to Lone Star State lore.

A Montrose jewel box

Charming Montrose townhouse with 2-story atrium hits the market

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

Montrose has long been Houston’s neighborhood for the eclectic, a place where cute bungalows, mom-and-pop shops, and trendy bars and restaurants sit side-by-side. The neighborhood is a microcosm of the city itself: diverse, developing, beloved.

And even as the neighborhood has steadily gentrified, echoes of its past remain. One of those is now for sale. 1507 Harold Street, a remodeled jewel box of a space, is on the market for $950,000 and represented by Tracey Smith of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 1950s townhome has fabulous natural light, balconies, a courtyard filled with native plants, and a funky charm that evokes the neighborhood’s past and present.

Painted tile floors and long hallways with splendid light set the tone for this home. They give way to an open, airy arrangement, showing off 1507 Harold’s nearly 3,000 square feet. The three-bedroom, two-bath home is immediately centered in its neighborhood, but also a retreat from the bustling city around it.

If the devil is in the details, 1507 Harold has plenty of them. Think painted clay tiles on the first floor and solid red oak hardwood on the second floor. Add to that custom Pedini Italian kitchen cabinets, Neolith countertops, and a Quemere custom backsplash in the kitchen. See also the epoxied garage floor with glass garage door.

Floor-to-ceiling windows not only let in the natural light, they give 1507 Harold the feeling of being surrounded by nature. That feeling is enhanced by the home's two, second-floor balconies. One of them, off the primary bedroom, overlooks the cloistered courtyard filled with native plants, park bench, and natural seating. The other faces the neighborhood. A two-story atrium provides space for meditation, contemplation, and casual gathering.

The dining room has a dry bar that’s perfect for storage and an Aobosi dual-temperature wine refrigerator. The primary bedroom has built-in bookcases and drawers, and an ensuite bath with soaking tub and shower. Sliding doors lead to the balcony.

The garden’s irrigation system waters plants daily, keeping this green space well-tended.South Texas cactus and olive trees welcome homeowners and visitors at the front entrance.

The home's welcoming vibe has to be seen to be believed. It’s rarely been on the market, and the odds are high that its next owners will keep it for a very long time. It’s just that kind of place.

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

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