Nestled in an ecological transition zone, Lake Farm, as the name implies, offers the beautiful live water and legacy oaks of the Hill Country and the varied brush that marks superlative wildlife habitat in South Texas. In addition to majestic live oaks, the farm is shaded by native pecan trees in the bottomlands of Hondo and Verde Creeks and old-growth bull mesquite throughout.

The Water

The creeks border the farm on two sides. Verde Creek, which is a year-round creek, courses through the farm for just under one mile on the east, providing private access to both banks. Hondo Creek runs along the south border for about 1.85 miles.

A 7-acre lake that measures about 22 feet at its deepest point is stocked with bass, perch and forage fish. It is peanut-shaped with a jutting peninsula, which maximizes bank frontage and allows for plenty of angling fun. In case guests prefer to swim, carefully stacked native rocks create the perfect place to launch into the lake.

Groundwater is also plentiful. Lake Farm has two center pivots supplied by an Edwards Aquifer irrigation well with 60 acre-feet of transferable Edwards water.

The Wildlife

Lake Farm has been managed primarily for doves, but whitetail deer, feral hogs, free-ranging exotics and a variety of varmints, small game and non-game species also call the low-fenced farm home.

The Lifestyle

Guests can sharpen their shooting skills and pass an enjoyable afternoon at the five-stand skeet range outfitted with 6 movable trap houses. Once the smoke has cleared, they can congregate at the nearby Gun Room, a 945-square foot gathering space that includes a wet bar, drink coolers, a 72-inch tv as part of the indoor sitting area, gun lockers, WiFi and a built-in sound system.

For those who prefer to be outdoors, a 1,850-square-foot covered porch area, located between the Gun Room and the skeet range, is the perfect spot. Guests can sit in the shade of two ancient live oaks as they enjoy conversation and a cool breeze.

Accommodations

A set of two identical 3,130-square-foot dogtrot lodges, crafted from reclaimed and washed barnwood epitomize the clean country style that defines Lake Farm and serve as the main compounds focal point. Unlike their historical Texas predecessors, the dogtrots are enclosed.

Each lodge, outfitted with WiFi, a built-in sound system and wood burning fireplace, sleeps up to 12 people. The spacious porches, on front and back, make it easy to take the conversation outdoors.

The downstairs encompasses 2,072 square feet and includes 4 bedrooms with 2 double beds, a coffee bar, tv and a private bath with heated floor. The upstairs features 2 king suites with a coffee bar, tv and a private bath with heated floor.

A short walk down a crushed granite path bordered with concrete brings guests to the 11,600-square-foot Party Barn. Crafted from an existing barn, the Party Barn combines entertainment and dining space with storage and workspace under one roof.

The dining hall and the state-of-the-art, custom chefs commercial kitchen encompass about 2,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 50 guests for special events. The mesquite-topped bar is set off by the shiplap walls adorned with metal touches reminiscent of modern farmhouse style.

The interior of the Party Barn also includes 2 big screen tvs, shuffleboard, video golf and Buck Hunter as well as self-serve drink coolers, WiFi, a built-in sound system and two restrooms.

An outdoor pass-through transitions into a 3,600-square-foot work barn, which includes a gym and loft storage area. In addition, there are three small apartments: the 180-square-foot bunk room has 4 bunkbeds and a private bath; the 216-square-foot apartment, known as Joes Room, has a queen bed and a private bath; and the 430-square-foot downstairs room has 2 queen beds and a private bath.

Because a party is even better outdoors, the Party Barn has a 3,000-square-foot covered porch shaded by Mexican sycamores. The porch has a built-in sound system, a tv, large outdoor fans, a fire pit and an outdoor bar with an ice machine.

Infrastructure

The 5,900-square-foot Maintenance Barn, located in proximity to the main compound, is the site of the covered game cleaning station as well as the walk-in refrigerator and freezer. It also includes restrooms and additional storage.

The 800-square-foot Laundry Building is conveniently situated within easy reach of the dogtrot lodges and Party Barn. Despite its utilitarian purpose, the stone building is one of the farms most beautiful.

The main compound also has 3,000 square feet of covered parking. The farm driveway is chip-sealed Knippa stone; all the other farm roads are caliche or improved, built-up dirt roads.

All furnishings with the dogtrots as well as the entertainment area and commercial kitchen transfer with the sale.

The Opportunity

Lake Farm is the best of old and new Texas. Built to surround family, friends and business associates in the time-tested warmth of hospitality and the well-watered landscape of natural Texas. Claim Lake Farm as your place. A one-of-a-kind destination for making memories that will color your world.

To experience the natural style of Lake Farm, a premier Texas destination, for yourself, call Howard W. Hood with Hood Real Estate Inc. at (830) 739-3815. The farm is listed for $15,862,500.