Between the work-at-home shift and popularity of cowboy culture getting to obnoxious levels (we see you, Jeff Bezos), Texas ranches are one of the biggest real estate searches around.
The latest: a grand, 656-acre ranch listing near College Station merges the big-land life with a luxe ranch retreat vibe. Whitehall Ranch, a sprawling private escape in southern Grimes County (that’s roughly an hour north of Houston, between Magnolia and Navasota), has listed for $42 million.
Reflecting that post-pandemic price hike, Whitehall Ranch actually listed for half the current price — $21.6 million — in 2020, as Houston Business Journalreported — a veritable value, these days. Whitehall is currently repped by Houston-based luxury real estate firm Nan and Company Properties.
About this regal ranch: Polo fans and aficionados can stomp divots after chukkas on an on-site, regulation polo field and stables, which spans 11 acres and anchors an 8-acre lake, per press materials. The field has seen “several top polo matches” over the years, per Nan and Company. Should the new owners pass on polo, they can instead repurpose the 11-acre field into a driving range, cricket pitch, baseball field, or any outdoor activity they choose.
Horse around and the sizable stables. Photo via Nan and Company Properties
Enjoy sunsets and sweeping vistas. Photo via Nan and Company Properties
Luxe living amenities start with the main residence, tucked away surrounded by a secluded countryside oasis, per the listing. The main home is open-concept design and plays to the space with “soaring” ceilings and wall-to-wall windows throughout. Mornings and sunsets can be taken in on a surrounding porch that showcases the stunning, protected acreage.
Guests and family can look forward to a two-suite guest residence, plus a four-suite bunk house for larger groups (a fun spot to play out those favorite Yellowstone bunkhouse scenes).
High ceilings and tall windows open the area and bring the outside in. Photo via Nan and Company Properties
A green oasis — dubbed the “Home Camp” — boasts a heated saltwater pool, and a pool house that’s replete with a full kitchen and the always-important pass-through serving bar. Residents can live out their Post Ranch Inn memories at the sauna, massage studio, full indoor gym, and even a commercial laundry room for dirty cowboy gear or those sweaty Lululemon threads.
But, this is a ranch after all, and it includes two twin barns, fitted with everything needed for resident horses, donkeys, or cows. Owners can grow their greens and plants in a greenhouse, tend to the chicks in a chicken coop, and take in five, lush ecosystems. For the sporting life, shooters can grab their Benellis and head to the skeet and trap range, which comes with its own “cozy clubhouse” and full kitchen.
Tend to the eggs and chicks in the chicken coop. Photo via Nan and Company Properties
Austinites rolling in will have just over a two-hour drive. But for those opting for an airy arrival can head to the chopper, as the ranch includes an FAA-approved, lighted helipad for that truly elevated arrival.