For buyers seeking the quintessential Texas ranch lifestyle without sacrificing the sophisticated conveniences of urban accessibility, a sprawling Central Texas property has just entered the luxury real estate market. Spanning more than 1,200 acres of picturesque Hill Country terrain, Ketterman Ranch has been listed for $25.9 million. Located approximately an hour’s drive from both Austin and San Antonio, the expansive estate combines traditional working-ranch amenities with high-end recreational facilities and contemporary residential architecture, making it a unique offering in the region’s competitive high-end property market.
At the literal and figurative heart of the vast property sits a massive, 10,000-square-foot lodge-style main residence. Positioned to take full advantage of the surrounding views, the home overlooks a series of tranquil, bass-filled lakes that dot the landscape. Inside the great room, a soaring stone fireplace serves as a dramatic architectural anchor, defining a space built for both quiet evenings and grand entertaining. The accompanying kitchen, formal dining room, and various auxiliary living spaces have been scaled generously, ensuring they can easily accommodate large gatherings, family reunions, or corporate retreats.
The primary residence is complemented by an unusual and exceptionally high ratio of accommodations across the estate. In total, the property features nine bedrooms and an astonishing 30 bathrooms, spread out among the main lodge and multiple dedicated guest lodges designed to comfortably host extended family, visiting friends, or professional guests. Every corner of the main house and guest quarters reflects a meticulous attention to detail, maintaining a rustic aesthetic that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural environment while offering modern luxury comforts.
The Hill Country setting itself strikes a rare balance between manicured refinement and rugged wilderness. Gentle, rolling elevation changes provide sweeping long-distance views across the native flora and fauna. A comprehensive infrastructure of well-maintained roads and property improvements ensures effortless access to all corners of the 1,200-acre estate.
Outdoors, the property transforms into a recreational paradise. An expansive covered patio wraps around the back of the main lodge, complete with a fully equipped bar and abundant seating for outdoor dining and socializing. Steps away lie a sparkling swimming pool, a relaxing spa, and a private putting green for golf enthusiasts looking to practice their short game. Fitness and athletics are central to the ranch’s design philosophy. A detached, state-of-the-art fitness center houses a specialized indoor climbing gym and an indoor playground tailored for children. Meanwhile, the outdoor sports infrastructure is equally impressive, featuring a full-size basketball court that doubles as a regulation tennis court, alongside a separate dedicated pickleball court outfitted with two separate playing setups.
Water resources, often a critical consideration for large Texas landholdings, are exceptionally well-managed at Ketterman Ranch. The property features a private water system anchored by substantial, high-capacity wells that sustain the numerous lakes, landscaping, and residential demands across the acreage.
Beyond the immediate comforts of the home and its athletic amenities, Ketterman Ranch operates as a fully realized sporting and recreational estate. The multiple bass-filled lakes offer exceptional private fishing opportunities, while the broader acreage supports a rich tradition of horseback riding, complete with a professional rodeo arena for equestrian events. Hunting is another major draw for the property, supported by specialized facilities designed for hunting dogs and dedicated bird hunting excursions. Perhaps most distinctively, the land serves as a sanctuary for an array of exotic wildlife species, most notably including a population of giraffes that roam the Texas landscape.
Marketing this rare asset are high-profile listing agents Cord Shiflet of Moreland Properties and Jordan Shipley of Shipley Ranches. Shipley brings a unique background to the luxury real estate sector, having previously enjoyed a standout athletic career as a wide receiver in the National Football League and at the University of Texas. The team has listed the property at $25.9 million, positioning it among the premier high-end ranch offerings in the Lone Star State.
The listing of Ketterman Ranch follows a broader seasonal trend of significant Texas land parcels changing hands or seeking new ownership. Earlier over the summer, the Texas luxury real estate market saw the debut of another comparable property: Rolling R Ranch, a sprawling 1,300-acre estate located just outside of Dallas. That property, carrying a rich familial history and listed for $21.5 million, was brought to market by a grandson of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, underscoring the enduring appeal of large-scale, legacy Texas landholdings among high-net-worth buyers.
