Encompassing over 1,300 acres of picturesque Texas Hill Country, Comanche Trace is more than a neighborhood, it’s a way of life. The perfect blend of a master-planned community with a private club lifestyle creates an environment that is perfect for growing families, empty nesters, and weekend retreaters alike. Offering endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, it’s no wonder Comanche Trace residents come for the views, but stay for the lifestyle.
The name “Comanche Trace” has its roots in the Texas of the Old West, commemorating the trails the Comanche Indians used to travel from one camping area to another. The nomadic Penateka Comanche once roamed the hills and valleys of the Edwards Plateau, or Hill Country, following the herds of buffalo as they migrated, hunting the animals for food and camping along the Guadalupe River and other streams that feed into it. A major Penateka trail led to the Guadalupe just south of what is now the city of Kerrville, crossing from the north side to a lookout peak or high point on the south side of the river. This Penateka "lookout" would one day become the site of the clubhouse at Comanche Trace. The Clubhouse at Comanche Trace sits on one of the highest points in Kerr County and boasts panoramic views of the whole community and beyond.
The property’s location on the banks of the river made it a natural for farming and ranching, and following its use by the Comanche it served as a ranch for nearly a century and a half. The front fields were used for grazing and hay. The Old Rock Barn that is now a landmark by the 5th green of The Valley golf course dates back to the early 1900s, when it was used for hogs and sheep. In the 1950s the property was owned by Hugh A. Fitzsimmons, an oil and cattle man from San Antonio who helped develop the Brayford cattle breed.
In 1978, the ranch was purchased by Bobby Shelton, a descendant of Captain Richard King of the legendary King Ranch, the 825,000-acre south Texas institution that was known worldwide for its “running W” brand, the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed, and Triple Crown winner Assault. Inspired by his love for horses and his respect for the Comanche as great horsemen, Shelton renamed the property “Comanche Trace” and made it his horse ranch and corporate headquarters. He brought many memories of the King Ranch to Comanche Trace, some of which can still be found by visitors today.
At one time, Shelton’s horse ranch had over 600 Quarter horses, along with 9 miles of oil field drill-stem pipe fence. Sixteen and a half miles of King Ranch wire fence enclosed 12 pastures and dozens of runs and holding pens.
Shelton named his headquarters “La Cumbre” — The Peak — and his distinctive “S” brand could be found on some of the doors in the building long after it became the Comanche Trace clubhouse. His offices were located in what is now the Vista Room — along with a private bar, which has been restored and is still in use today. The bar is covered with Santa Gertrudis hides from the King Ranch bearing the famous “running W” brand on the hides. The table from Shelton’s conference room, made of lovely hand-finished mesquite, can still be found in the conference room at the Sales and Welcome Center, where it is used on a daily basis.
Shelton passed away in 1994, but Comanche Trace was soon on its way to becoming a residential real estate development like no other in the state of Texas. With its austere beauty and prime location intact, the storied ranch was ready to transition to the perfect venue for a new generation to pursue the joys of open space, outdoor activities, and ranch-style living.
World-class golf came to Comanche Trace in the late 1990s, when Tom Kite, Roy Bechtol and Randy Russell designed a championship golf course meandering through the new homes, live oaks and limestone hills. The 18-hole circuit (now The Valley and The Hills nines) opened in 2000, and a third nine (The Creeks) which was designed by Jay and Carter Morrish was added in 2008.
Living at Comanche Trace is quite literally living “down on the ranch,” though today’s residents have blended the traces of the Old West embedded in the land with pristine golf fairways and their own brand of Texas hospitality. It’s a magical mix that promises good neighbors and good memories will be found here for decades to come.
“Down on the ranch” is more than just a catchy phrase for the open spaces and outdoor lifestyle people are looking for when they come to Comanche Trace — it’s a heritage that lives in the land and landscape of the place.
LOCATION:
Comanche Trace offers the perfect combination of small town values, natural beauty, superb medical care and the arts, all with close proximity to the conveniences of a major city. From renowned retailers within the city limits to the most premier destinations for upscale shopping only 45 minutes away, Kerrville truly offers the best of all worlds.
Proximity to Major Airport: 64 Miles
San Antonio International
Proximity to Grocery, Shopping, Churches: Less than 10 Minutes
Proximity to Municipal Airport: 8 Minutes
Medical Facilities: Peterson Regional Medical Center, VA Hospital, Peterson Ambulatory Care Center, Cancer Center
SHOPPING:
• River Hills Mall, Kerrville – anchor tenants Belk Dept. Store, JC Penney, and Beall's Dept. Store .
• HEB/Kerrville Market – the premier retailer for gourmet cuisine specialties combined with essential grocery products.
• Kerrville Main Street – enjoy art studios, antique galleries, quaint cafes, wine tasting rooms and coffee shops in the heart of downtown.
• The Shops at La Cantera (approx. 45 minutes from Kerrville)an award-winning open-air shopping center with the regions four largest anchors, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Macy’s along with an impressive assortment of high-end retailers and dining choices, including a variety of upscale restaurants.
• The Rim (approx. 45 minutes from Kerrville) - A major shopping destination and entertainment venue. Major chains include a 150,000 square foot Bass Pro Shop / Outdoor World, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Super Target, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, DSW Shoes, Total Wine & More, a large variety of restaurants and a Palladium IMAX movie theater.
ENTERTAINMENT:
• The Cailloux Theater - located in beautiful downtown Kerrville, the 800 seat theater hosts a variety of theatrical and musical performances and attracts audiences from all over the state.
• Kerrville Symphony - known as "The Symphony of The Hills", each year the 75 musicians perform a five-concert season of classical and pop music at the extraordinary Cailloux Theater.
• Arcadia Live - the historic Arcadia Theatre hosts vibrant and diverse entertainment while still preserving the history and life of downtown Kerrville.
UTILITIES:
Comanche Trace is located within the City of Kerrville, with Kerrville and Bandera public utilities.
TAXES: NO STATE INCOME TAX
The property tax rate for the city of Kerrville, Kerr County, and local schools for 2019: 2.25380% of the assessed value. Homestead exemption for certain qualifications.
TAX ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007, providing a ceiling on a portion of real property ad valorem taxes for residential property owners 65 years of age of older.
EDUCATION:
Kerrville Independent School District with state rated "Exemplary" and "Recognized" campuses
Schreiner University – 4 year Div. III accredited Liberal Arts University
CLIMATE:
Kerrville has a warm-temperate climate where winters are generally mild and outdoor activities can be enjoyed year round.
The average annual precipitation: 32.35"
The average temperature: 68° F
The average January temperature: 45° F
The average July temperature: 81° F
Source: Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce
All Annual Fees are billed January 31st. All Annual fees except Handicap can be pro-rated. Dues are billed on the last day of the present month for the following month.
**Yard Maintenance - January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023
Yearly HOA Dues
**Indian Wells (Ph 1, Sec 1) and Rock Barn (Ph 1, Sec 2)
**Pinnacle Court Carriage Homes (Ph 1, Sec 5)
**Villas (Ph 2, Sec 4)
**German Cottages (Ph 5)
**Les Chateaux (Ph 6)
**Shelton Gartenhauses (Ph 7)
**Tuscan Village (Ph 8)
**Club House Rd. (Ph 13, Lots 1-6 & 22-34) & Comanche Hills (Ph 15, Lots 1-12)
** Albatross Dr. (Ph 16)
**Comanche Trace Dr. (Ph. 18)
