TexasWaterFrontRanches

Lake Travis

Central Texas boasts some of the most scenic lakes in all of the state. Several dams along the Colorado River form the Highland Lakes chain – a series of lakes that feature limestone canyons, big Hill Country views, blue waters and spectacular waterfalls. Check out the series of blogs on the individual lakes making up the Highland Lakes chain to learn more about each of these unique waterways:

Highland Lakes Part One: Lake Austin

Highland Lakes Part Two: Lake Travis

Highland Lakes Part Three: Lake Marble Falls

Highland Lakes Part Four: Lake LBJ

Highland Lakes Part Five: Inks Lake

Highland Lakes Part 6: Lake Buchanan

Bluebonnets on Lake Buchanan

The largest of the Highland Lakes chain, Lake Buchanan has 22,333 acres of surface water and over 124 miles of shoreline.  Over two miles in length, Buchanan Dam was completed in 1939 to form the lake, the first in the Highland Lakes chain.   The lake features a beach-like shoreline that is popular with sunbathers and swimmers.  Lake Buchanan is also well-known for its striped bass fishing and the lake is also stocked with white bass, largemouth bass and catfish.

The most famous of all Lake Buchanan’s residents is the American bald eagle which resides along the cliffs formed by the Colorado River Canyon upstream from the main body of the lake.  Guideboats take visitors along scenic tours to spot bald eagles and view the waterfalls spilling over the cliffs.

Public camping is available at 3 LCRA maintained parks – Cedar Point Recreation Area, Black Rock Park and Canyon of the Eagles.  Much of the land around the lake is privately owned and most lodging is through small, family run business renting out cottages, lodges and homes.

The oldest winery in the Texas Hill Country, Fall Creek Vineyards, sits at the confluence of Fall Creek and Lake

Fall Creek Spilling Into Lake Buchanan

Buchanan.   Visitors have a chance to sample award winning wines and see the dramatic 90 ft. waterfall as Fall Creek empties into Lake Buchanan.

Lake Buchanan is located in both Burnet and Llano counties with the towns of Tow, Bluffton and Buchanan Dam bordering the lake.  Located 60 miles northwest of Austin, Lake Buchanan offers real privacy and a sense of space.

Looking for real estate along Lake Buchanan?  Check out our spectacular 7 acre waterfront estate featuring an 8,000 sf home with 3 levels of phenomenal lake views.

Highland Lakes Part Five: Inks Lake

Highland Lakes Part Four: Lake LBJ

Highland Lakes Part Three: Lake Marble Falls

Highland Lakes Part Two: Lake Travis

Highland Lakes Part One: Lake Austin

Last week, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) announced they’d be sending mail to some 5,000 residents living within 500 feet of the Highland Lakes. It includes an application for a Domestic Water Use Contract, and a reminder that residents are required to have a contract with the LCRA before taking and using water stored in the lakes.

Often met with resistance, the LCRA says their objective is not to make money, or to bar homeowners from using lake water to water their lawns or use inside the home. Rather, the LCRA uses these records to monitor water use and plan in times of drought and to keep open the lines of communication between residents and the LCRA. Says Mark Jordan of River Management: “It is a common misconception that lakeside residents have a right to take and use water from the lake. This is not true. Residents are required to have contracts with LCRA to take water that LCRA has stored in the Highland Lakes. These contracts help us manage and account for water use to meet existing and future water demands.”

Lake Buchanan

The LCRA is attempting to make this easier and understandable with public awareness campaigns and an option to apply online. More information and a copy of the application are available here. The lakes involved in this contract are Lake Buchanan, Lake Inks, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis and Lake Austin.  Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake is not included (it is monitored separately by the City of Austin, not the LCRA, and not technically one of the Highland Lakes). A contract lasts for three years, and is a firm contract (meaning water will be reserved even in severe drought). According to the LCRA, those who don’t sign a contract and take water may be subject to civil or criminal charges.

Pictured: Lake Buchanan from the Lake Buchanan Estate

Lake Buchanan View

This distinctive lakefront estate home on Lake Buchanan has huge waterfront views and 800 feet of shoreline, making it one of the most spectacular waterfront properties on the lake.

Sitting on 7.15 manicured acres, the 8,900 square foot main home includes cathedral ceilings, hand scraped wood floors and state-of-the-art features. Along with Lutron lighting, a whole home sound and security system, the home has an elevator running from the sub floor to second floor.

Front of Estate

Inside the gourmet kitchen are granite counters, a beautiful breakfast bar, a center island, high end appliances, and a pantry with a secret passage to the upstairs bedroom. A separate breakfast area has big windows with those stunning lake views.

The family room features a gas fireplace, built in surround and lake views from the wall of windows. The main floor balcony has a full outdoor kitchen, dining area and wood burning fireplace. The formal dining room has wood floors and entrance to covered balcony.

Deck View

A library features a gas fireplace and built-ins, and the study attached to the library has built-ins and a secret passage to the master suite. The master suite features a gas fireplace, built-ins, and doors to a private balcony with a stone wood burning fireplace. The well-appointed master bath has a walk-in shower, his-and-hers vanities and a garden tub with fantastic lake views. The master suite also features a walk-through closet, separate utility room and separate hobby room or living area.

A second bedroom suite features a living area, built-in study, sitting area and bath with garden tub and separate shower. A third bedroom also includes an en-suite bath.

The media room is wired for projector and surround system. The big game room includes wet bar, and a covered patio outside the game room with fireplace. Other features of the house include a climate controlled stone wine room, mirrored exercise room with damage resistant rubber floors, and separate entry guest apartment with kitchen and full bath.

Back of Home

Three levels of balconies, each with fireplace, offer big views of the lake and pool, with a two story waterslide. Stone decking and pergola surround the pool, waterslide and spa. There are also big lake views from the separate artist’s studio with full bath and screened in porch.

The property also includes an air-conditioned workshop with nine foot bay doors, half bath and big work area. A separate stone home includes a living room with fireplace, big kitchen, utility rooms, and two bedrooms each with en-suite bath. The manicured grounds feature wooded riding trails, mature pines and oaks, and several gardens, with an easy walk to the Lake Buchanan shoreline with main body and cove frontage.

You can take a tour right now of this amazing property.