W
hether you’re a family patriarch or an investor wanting to enjoy the fruits of your labor the luxurious Texas Hill Country Guadalupe River Ranch offers a wealth of opportunities. Now operated commercially as a recreational ranch for families, it has become famous in Central Texas for world-class luxury nestled in a gorgeous Hill Country setting near the town of Comfort. “I think what makes this place special is that it’s a luxurious ranch environment that blends the best of the Hill Country with the indoor/outdoor nature of a family ranch,” says owner Chris Havens. “Everything is built with a personal, intimate feel.” Among the amenities that transcend the normal family ranch is an outstanding restaurant with indoor and outdoor kitchens, open to the public in its present use a ranch resort. Culinary classes are popular, held on the terrace with Koi ponds landscaped with colorful native Texas plants. Down the hill, you can fly-fish, swim, tube and canoe on your own, almost mile long, stretch of the Guadalupe River. Guests also can swim in the ranch’s lovely landscaped pool. No Texas ranch would be complete without a horse barn. The ranch offers an equestrian center, including four barns with six stall stables, and extensive irrigated pastures with Coastal Bermuda hay. “There’s so much here, everyday can be a little different,” Havens continues. “You really have to see it to understand the possibilities.’” The heart of the ranch is a casually elegant eight-bedroom main house with other hilltop guesthouses and cottages, a two-story gaming or guesthouse, and an 1870s farmhouse containing three suites and large living spaces. All have been updated to 21st century standards. Imagine
inviting friends and family for a week, or knowing that rooms are full of paying guests. Either way, the satisfaction is enormous. With its houses, recreation, restaurants and diversified activities, the property is practically a community to itself. Yet airports in Boerne and Kerrville are minutes away, and the San Antonio International Airport is a 45-minute drive. World-class shopping at the Shops at La Cantera and golfing at numerous award-winning courses is even closer. While a new owner may choose to enjoy the ranch privately and create a gold-plated legacy, the ranch lends itself to at least two commercial possibilities other than serving as a special events or conference destination. For one, its established tempranillo and viognier grape stocks could be expanded on the vast pastureland primed for grape growing and wine making. Says Havens, “What really makes this ranch perfect as a winery are all the amazing settings designed and built around enjoying wine. Turning this ranch into the next top Texas Hill Country wine destination is definitely a possibility.” Ironically, the spectacular resort complex also would make an ideal home for a health and wellness center. Says listing broker Rick Kuper, “The central U.S. doesn’t have anything with a setting perfect for addressing the mental, emotional and physical health we strive for. I believe a secluded, high-end health center in the Texas Hill Country would draw clientele from all over the country.” This elaborate mix of architecture and rugged nature seems to have sprung from the minds of Willie Nelson, Yves St. Laurent and Robert Mondavi, with Renee Fleming’s warmth and elegance. Perhaps the next imprint will be yours. To learn more, visit www.guadaluperiverranch.net or contact Rick Kuper with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty at 210.240.8282.