West 1077 Ranch

Having the 5,300-acre Hill Country State Natural Area as a neighbor expands the opportunity for outdoor adventure. Landowners sharing a boundary fence that has an existing gate with the natural area can arrange private-gate access, giving family, friends and guests entrée to the beloved park and its miles of trails suitable for horseback riding, biking, hiking and bird watching. The nature area’s presence also provides insurance against future development, keeping the “neighborhood” wild.

Stands of oaks are scattered across the hills. Native grass, shrubs and prickly pear lend interest and nutrition for passing wildlife. Thanks to its gentle topography, the land has several suitable building sites if more facilities or amenities are desired.

Trails, ideal for horseback riding, hiking or biking, crisscross the ranch. A wet weather pond could be developed into year-round water feature. Hills and valleys create a scenic backdrop for life outdoors. Sunrises, sunsets and the inky, star-filled skies are ever-changing masterpieces worthy of daily admiration and contemplation.

With 13 comfortable cabins, the turn-key ranch retreat can accommodate up to 63 guests overnight. The simple, clean accommodations radiate warmth because of the golden-hued wood throughout. The furniture, much of which is crafted from peeled cedar logs, adds solidity and the flavor of the Old West.

Other lodging options include a 2-bedroom/1-bath, farmhouse-style cottage with an open kitchen/dining/living area and an inviting front porch with rocking chairs. Guests can also stay in the one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and bath that is attached to the Sunflower House Assembly Hall.

With its light-filled rooms and contemporary feel, the 3-bedroom/2-bath owner’s farmhouse stands in contrast to the rusticity of most of the facilities. The open floor plan encompasses a sleek modern kitchen and living room with a fireplace, a dining room and well-sited French doors that open to a wraparound deck overlooking the valley and into the hills. Other features include a well-appointed master suite and laundry room.

West 1077 Ranch also boasts a lodge outfitted with a large, well-equipped commercial kitchen and an expansive front porch with plenty of rocking chairs for soaking up the views and enjoying the company of fellow nature lovers. The lodge is also home to a dining hall designed to efficiently handle large crowds at mealtimes and a gathering area that beckons guests to linger before or after meals.

The recently updated Sunflower House serves as an assembly hall that seats up to 90 participants for corporate presentations, breakout sessions, workshops or other events. The combination of the ranch’s fiber optic system and a simple AV set up allows video meetings and webinars to be simultaneously broadcast and recorded. The hall has restrooms and a nearby laundry shed makes clean up easy.

An office, a second laundry with two washers and dryers, a pump house and an assortment of outbuildings round out the infrastructure.

To maximize fun in the country, West 1077 Ranch is ready for horses. The barn features 13 stalls, three outdoor pens and an outdoor arena. Trail riding on the ranch as well as on the adjoining natural area, could be a favorite pastime. Guests will enjoy splashing in the outdoor pool, measuring about 35’ x 17’ and ranging in depth from 3 feet to 6 feet, and the adjoining deck with a Tiki Bar, sunshades and lounge chairs.

Three wells and two cisterns, with a collective capacity of 12,000 gallons, supply the water for the ranch. In addition, the owner’s house and cottage are outfitted with water catchment systems to make the most of the rain that falls for domestic uses. Both homes are also serviced by well water.

Because connectivity is a must, the ranch is equipped with four fiber optic modems and routers as well as an ORBI Mesh WiFi extender system that provides reception in all buildings. One of the newest upgrades is an electric car charging station at the lodge.

For those who want to explore beyond the ranch gate, adventure awaits nearby. Bandera, known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, is just 10 miles away and home to a charming Main Street, boutique shopping, and restaurants, all served up with Western flair. Summer is book-ended with annual rodeos on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Lost Maples State Natural Area, home to Texas’ most splendid fall colors and one of the state’s most popular outdoor destinations, is less than hour away. Fredericksburg, arguably one of Texas’ most beloved towns, which is known for its German history and burgeoning wine industry, is just an hour northeast of the ranch.

West 1077 Ranch is a storied gathering place with a bold past and a bright future. Imagine writing the next chapter for the ranch—and for yourself.