TexasWaterFrontRanches

Lake Travis

The next westernmost lake from Lake Austin is Lake Travis. Created when the Mansfield Dam was finished in 1941, Lake Travis has the most notoriety in the greater Austin area as a recreational destination spot. Lake Travis is a spot for beautiful restaurants and campsites, popular for marinas and watercraft, and waterfront homes are consistently in demand.

Lake Travis is fed by both the Colorado River (as with all the highland lakes) and the Pedernales River, which flows into the southwestern portion of the lake. It is known as one of the clearest lakes in Texas, with its beautiful aquamarine tint to the water. Lake Travis serves as not only the primary flood control reservoir of the chain, but also a major source of drinking water for Austinites.

View from Rancho Estacia

The bluffs of Lake Travis provide unparallelled views, and often privacy, in any Hill Country properties. Rivercliff and Rancho Estacia are both stunning waterfront estates on the Pedernales arm, each offering opportunities to own horses and land on this beautiful lake. Another property we just recently profiled, The Falls, is 315 stunning acres on a private cove of Lake Travis.

Part One: Lake Austin

Horses in Field at the Dream Horse Property

Buying a residential property can be difficult enough without having to consider the extra needs of a horse. But there is help – some sources on the internet give useful tips that even a seasoned buyer might not have considered.

From the Ezine article “Tips for Buying a Horse Farm”:

- Consider the house.
It’s deceptively simple: make sure that your home is one you can live in. This will be the home for your horse, and yours as well. If you plan to buy a property and build a new house or do renovations, make sure you’ve factored in all the costs, even some possible surprise ones.

- The barn: size and convenience.
Does it fit all your horse’s needs? Is it conveniently located, with enough access?

- Check for ample water supply.
Particularly in Texas, there may be dry periods. This article recommends having two sources of water available, in case of emergency. For example, our “Dream Horse Property” has two separate wells – one for the home, and the second with sprinklers to irrigate the pastures. Similarly, Rancho Estacia’s sprinkler system is fed from the lake.

- Check the pastures.
Are they steep or hilly? Are they quality? How is the soil quality? How about gating? Make sure they suit your needs.

Horses at Gabriel's Horn Ranch

HorseRides.org’s article “Things to Consider When Buying a Horse Property” echoes some of the same considerations; making sure the home is a good fit for both you and your horse. Extras like riding arenas may make a big difference. But they offer another big tip: get an expert to help you find this property. An Real Estate Agent used to farms and ranches, as well as the area you’re looking at, can offer expertise, a wider choice, and better understanding of your needs. The Dave Murray Team agents are your experts in Central Texas Waterfront, Development, Luxury and Ranch properties, serving all your needs from first time buyers to relocation. #1 Team in the #1 Coldwell Banker Texas Office, and Top 10 of all Realtors in the Greater Austin Area.