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

Frankel Design Build handles home building and interior design.

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.