One of the largest housing developments in recent years is planned for the Lake Travis area. The master-planned community of Thomas Ranch will include approximately 3,300 homes and apartments, as well as a hotel and spa, a town center with boutiques and cafes, and ample outdoor and natural surroundings.
Planned for a 1,676 acre area in Travis County and a 546 acre area in Burnet County, the property roughly spans north along Paleface Ranch Road from Highway 71 to where the Pedernales River intersects with the Colorado River. In keeping with the Hill Country setting, the developers plan an extensive trail system as well as low-level lighting throughout in order to preserve the nighttime sky views.
“Native trees will stand, natural springs will flow, highlands will retain their lofty views, and creek beds will stay their course,” says the Thomas Ranch website. Residents will “even be able to give-in to the temptation of taking a dip in the Pedernales River – an especially rewarding way of immersing yourself in nature! All told, our plan for Thomas Ranch calls for over 700 acres (a third of the land) to be maintained and treasured as parklands and open space.”
The development is expected to offer a wide range of housing options, including cottages that will be within walking distance of the “town center” to high-end estates in the hilltop section of the community to apartments.
According to the Austin Business Journal, Travis County commissioners unanimously approved the development plans. The project is expected to take 20 years to fully complete.
Photo map courtesy Thomas Ranch website.