Don't fence me in

Big Chappell Hill ranch with rolling hills and sweeping vistas steps onto market for $7.75M

Ariel image of Big Step Ranch, with a farmhouse and outdoor fire pit in the foreground, and outdoor kitchen, outbuilding and rolling hills in the background.

Big Step Ranch, with sweeping views all the way from Chappell Hill to College Station is for sale for $7.75 million.

Josh Gremillion

Anyone in the market for wide open spaces — where the views go on for days and the hill stretch all the way to the sky — should consider in Big Step Ranch.

Located in Chappell Hill (900 South Meyersville Rd.), the 186-acre property is on the market for $7.75 million, represented by Tonya Currie of Compass Realty.

The ranch offers killer views that span all the way to College Station, a modern farmhouse, a metal pergola wine arbor, and a sense that there are still places in the world where the only development is the wind blowing through the trees and the lonesome cry of a hawk overhead.

Sure to be tranquil setting, an onsite pond reflects the glowing Texas sun.

Set amid a stunning vista, with New Years Creek forming part of its boundary line, Big Step Ranch offers history and modernity in one epic Lone Star package. The farmhouse is a classic design, with killer modern amenities.

Massive, double-hung windows overlook the ranch's rolling grounds. In the kitchen, Thermador appliances will delight contemporary cooks. Wide, wooden floors and planked walls pay homage to Texas ranches past.

Big Step's house home sprawls across nearly 4,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. A wide porch is not only a natural welcoming space, but also a spot to while away the day under the ceiling fan.

Out back, a covered summer kitchen offers seating along with ample prep space make it the perfect spot for entertaining.

There's plenty of room on this spread to add outbuildings. A guest cottage? Multicar garage? Barn? There's space for all of the above, and more.

Whether it's for a generational family estate or sprawling getaway, Big Step Ranch is a must-see for those wanting that big Texas land life.

Photo by Josh Gremillion

Big Step Ranch, with views from Chappell Hill to College Station, lists for $7.75 million.

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