Architecture, Residential
Estancia on the Brazos
Located in South Texas, this home began with a simple idea: to create a place where generations could gather in comfort, hunt, and stay connected to the land. The owners saw potential in the untouched landscape and wanted a home that felt rooted, not imposed. We began by studying the land before placing the 18,000-square-foot lodge and lake. Now, the ranch home settles naturally into the rolling hills and open pastures, a carefully grounded composition that feels both purposeful and timeless.
The house stretches low and long across the land, its rooflines and volumes echoing the horizontal sweep of the surrounding countryside. Limestone walls anchor the building and organize the rooms within. The main house holds the primary living spaces and master wing, while two guest houses are connected by deep porches that frame a central courtyard. A 100-foot-long vaulted hallway forms the spine of the home, linking spaces meant for gathering and entertaining. Wide covered porches invite life outdoors, giving generous shaded areas for large group gatherings out of the Texas sun.
Every material was chosen for its authenticity, durability, and quiet elegance. Wood, stucco, and custom-blended Grey Lueders limestone give the home a solid, lasting feel. Douglas Fir beams and plank soffits add warmth to the porches. Inside, honed limestone floors and white oak planks keep the spaces grounded. The hand-carved Douglas Fir front door, crafted in the Lynn Ford tradition, establishes a sense of arrival. Handmade Issac Maxwell Metal fixtures add subtle detail throughout. Together, these elements create a refined yet welcoming retreat that honors both craftsmanship and the spirit of South Texas.