Welcome To The Retreat Where East Texas Begins
Share News:
Find unparalleled natural beauty nestled in the East Texas hills on 156.11 acres with wildlife, lake, ponds, creek, majestic hardwoods, open acreage, and a 2nd house located on the northwest side of the property.
From the time that you enter through the private automated gate, you are surrounded by thousands of towering trees swaying in the gentle southern breeze of this area. Just over a quarter of a mile down the road, you come to a fork in the road. To the left is the retreat property and to the right is the main residence.
The Primary Residence
The stunning custom home was built in 2014 and was designed to meld right in with the beautiful country that surrounds it. The 3,230 square foot home (4,799 square foot under roof) is built next to a lake that is filled with bass, bluegill, and minnows. Just step outside the back deck and cast away.
The entrance to the home is surrounded by a beautiful gated courtyard where you are met by two ornate 9-foot iron doors.
As you step in, your first impression comes from the lake that is clearly seen through the bank of huge windows on either side of the room. Then as your attention pulls you in, you see the inspirational living area with 14-foot high ceilings and warm earth tones of the walls, ceilings, and stone wood-burning fireplace. You’ll feel relaxed and comfortable. You’ll feel at home.
The kitchen flows from the living area with the same wood flooring and high ceiling. A 12-foot long granite island provides a minimal separation of the two areas as well as seating for four. There are two pantries (one of which could hold a refrigerated wine cabinet) and a pull-out broom cabinet.
High-end appliances include French door refrigerator with ice maker, six-burner gas stove and griddle, electric oven, Bosch dishwasher, microwave, and ice maker. The dining area sits by the back row of windows that overlooks the lake and the trees surround it.
The master suite is located on the backside of the house and has the same inspirational view as the living area. The bedroom itself is approximately 17 x 16 with a 11-foot tray ceiling, has two large windows overlooking the lake, and a door with access to the back deck. A stacked rock wall serves as the head board to a “floating” bed and nightstands (no more stubbed toes in the middle of the night). There is accent lighting from the ceiling to two of the walls.
The master bath highlights include a heated ceramic tile floor, shower with five heads, large tub with high-flow faucet, hidden makeup station, his and hers sinks and mirrors, and lots of storage area. The master closet features a built-in 10-drawer dresser, shoe racks, and lots of other storage space.
There are four bedrooms in this lovely home. One of the bedrooms includes a built-in bunk bed, full bath, and large walk-in closet with built-in dresser. It has two large windows that overlook the courtyard and one window that faces the front of the house (north). The bathroom has a large onyx vanity with bowl sink and a shower/bath combination.
The Mudroom/Laundry area, which can be accessed by a wood-glass door from the east side of the house, features built-in cubbies and bench. There are additional storage cabinets and drawers, including a set that a washer and dryer can sit on for ideal operating height. This area can be accessed by a wood-glass door from the east side of the house.
Wildlife and Landscape
As mentioned earlier, with thousands of acres of undeveloped, unused and heavily treed land that is adjacent to this property, there is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy.
Wildlife sightings include countless deer (including many nice bucks!), feral hogs, coyotes, a few turkeys, bobcats, ring-tailed cats, one small alligator, raccoons, armadillos, cotton-tailed rabbits, squirrels and a large variety of birds, including bald eagles and migratory ducks and geese.
Geologically, this property is located in a part of East Texas called the Post Oak Savannah. It is the transition zone between the Blackland Prairies to the west and the Piney Woods to the east. The Post Oak Savannah is dominated by native bunch grasses, forbs and lots of oak trees, with relatively few pine trees. About 60 percent of the land is filled with a variety of trees, and the balance is open pastures and ponds.
This property is ideally situated for optimum seclusion and privacy. It is accessible only by a small paved county road that dead ends to the property. There are no highways within miles. You see, nor hear, any neighbors. The silence is peaceful and the stars are indeed brighter, at least in this part of Texas!
There are six bodies of water on the property. The large one, approximately five acres (almost 600’ long) was built in 2011 and stocked with Florida bass and the necessary forage in 2012. The north part of the water comes right up to the main house. You can literally sit on the shaded deck and fish!
A 1.5-acre pond just north of the main house is primarily stocked with channel catfish. It also has a standpipe behind the dam. The NW pond is about a half of an acre and hold catfish, including one that is albino! The central pond also has stocked catfish in it.
The two remaining ponds near the south and north borders are primarily for wildlife and do not have any stocked fish in them. All these bodies of water hold water well due to their clay bases. Even back in the drought periods about eight years ago, no pond lost more than a quarter of its water. The two ponds next to the house also have a well with a 5hp pump that can send fresh water to them on demand.
All but 10 acres of the land falls under the wildlife management option of the Texas agricultural property tax deduction. Less than $300 was paid for all 2019 property taxes on the 146.11 acres. For 2019, $6,066 was paid in property taxes for the main house and five acres and $5,257 was paid for The Retreat facility and five acres.
The Retreat House
About a half-mile from the main home, you’ll find The Retreat at the End of the Road, a facility for groups of 6 to 8 individuals to have quilt, scrapbook,
yoga, artistic, or spiritual retreats. The Retreat is booked virtually every weekend and many of the weekdays. In 2020, it is projected to gross around $60,000. A detailed proforma statement is available upon request.
The two-story, approximately 2,800 sq. ft. house was constructed of Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) and concrete blocks in 2007. The front faces to the north where there is parking for at least 10 cars. The back yard has dozens of mature trees and an unobstructed view to a very large area where deer and other wildlife like to play.
A large open living area downstairs, with 16-foot ceilings, lots of natural lighting, and plenty of spot and canned lighting as well. A wood-burning fireplace with steel plat accents top off a relaxing environment. The south wall is full of floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors to enjoy the beautiful view and to watch the variety of birds and hummingbirds feed while the wildlife walks by.
The full kitchen with new appliances include a French door refrigerator with ice maker, five-burner gas stove, electric double oven, microwave, and chest freezer.
The home has three bedrooms: One is downstairs and has three twin beds. The larger bedroom upstairs (the master suite) also has three twin beds in it and a walk-out balcony with an inspiring view. The smaller bedroom upstairs has two beds in it.
There are two and a half bathrooms: A full bath and half bath downstairs and a full bath upstairs. Glass block walls for showers and two full bathtubs. The upstairs bathroom, just off the master suite, also has a niche that holds the stacked washer and dryer. All bathrooms have plenty of counter area for your morning preparations and there are ample cabinet spaces for your storage needs.
Upstairs, there is a large entertainment area, featuring a large screen TV, with storage for DVDs, CDs, and board games. There is a cozy black couch and two swivel/rocking chairs. There is also plenty of shelving space for books and/or hobby displays.
A large covered patio area is just off the living and kitchen area. Perfect for grilling and entertaining while enjoying the peace and quiet of the country and the fresh air. A nearby corn feeder goes off twice a day and is sure to bring in lots of deer to watch and enjoy.
