Wolff Companies recently announced its newest development, Gates Ranch, a unique single-family residential ranch property located in the rolling hills of Washington County, 65 miles northwest of Houston. The 1,500-acre community of family farms will consist of 20 to 30 deed-restricted sites ranging in size from 30 acres to over 100 acres. Long known for its strategic master-planning and innovative approach to commercial real estate development, Wolff Companies is applying these same principles to Gates Ranch. Each individual homestead has been carefully planned to emphasize the natural beauty of the property and to ensure privacy.
Named after Amos Gates, the first settler west of the Brazos River, Gates Ranch will adhere to a high standard of development. Wolff Companies has established an owners association and protective deed covenants to maintain the highest quality and commitment to land conservation. The deed-restricted community ensures that families will be surrounded by property owners who share the same vision regarding standards in architectural design, maintenance and landscaping. To maintain the integrity and rich history of Gates Ranch, design controls will require that the new farm houses to be built on the property be no more that 2 ½ stories in height, use traditional architecture, and reflect the culture of the countryside – appearing as if they have always adorned the rolling hills of Washington County. Additionally, each farm will have its own discrete entrance to the property. And a key consideration is maintaining permanent open space.
“Gates Ranch is a project from the heart, since my family has owned a working cattle ranch in Washington County for almost 40 years,” said David S. Wolff, CEO of Wolff Companies. “Washington County is a beautiful, historical area and we are focused on taking the necessary actions to preserve and protect the visual and cultural heritage.”
Washington County, one of the most desirable and strategically located areas in Texas, is rich in history. Shortly after Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” colonists arrived in 1821, Washington-on-the-Brazos arose as the first community in what is now known as Washington County. With the Declaration of Independence in 1836, it became the birthplace of Texas. Today, historic towns such as Independence and Chappell Hill, quiet country roads, rolling hills and spectacular wildflowers are just a few of the draws for residents and visitors.
Wolff Companies has worked to restore the natural beauty of Gates Ranch by replanting and nourishing pastures that had been overgrazed, rebuilding numerous ponds located throughout the property and caring for the mature hardwood trees. Additionally, Wolff Companies has strategically planted over a thousand new trees including oaks, pecans and sycamores as well as established a tree nursery where 400 live oak trees are being grown. Each new owner will be presented with ten live oaks from the nursery to enhance the existing landscaping on his own family farm.
“Gates Ranch is ideal for those looking for a place apart, but with a strong sense of community,” said David W. Hightower, executive vice president and chief development officer for Wolff Companies. “The community is just over an hour from Houston and less than two hours from Austin, so owners have a welcome relief from the city while having access to upscale shopping and dining as well as an easy commute to their office.”
Many of the farms at Gates Ranch include spring-fed ponds, while all have beautiful views of the countryside. Additionally, Gates Ranch will feature miles of carefully planned, private walking and riding trails, affording residents and their guests the opportunity to enjoy the entire 1,500 acres of picturesque countryside. Combined with The Ranches of Doe Run, an adjacent community of 2,000 acres, Gates Ranch becomes part of a 3,500-acre enclave of protected quality.
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