For Houston residents who love their city, but also treasure relaxing weekends in the country, Washington County has long been known as the perfect escape.  Hard-working Houstonians appreciate its combination of close proximity – just over an hour – to the city, beautiful scenery and a more relaxed lifestyle.  Many visitors who fall in love with Washington County on a weekend trip come to desire a place of their own.  Recently, one of Houston’s hardest working citizens, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, three-term mayor and executive, Bill White, and his wife, Andrea, decided to create a special place for their family in Washington County, at Gates Ranch.

Mayor White discovered the area around Gates Ranch on weekend training rides.  He said, “I had made the trip from Chappell Hill to Washington-on-the-Brazos quite a few times on my bike, and consider the rolling hills some of the most beautiful terrain around Houston.”

Mayor White discovered the beauty of Washington County and Gates Ranch on weekend training rides.

Mayor White, his wife, Andrea, and their family look forward to more weekend trips, recreation and family time.  “We plan to be at Gates Ranch primarily on weekends.  We will bike around the area and build a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.  It’s a family project, and our three grown children are debating how to best use the land in a manner compatible with wildlife.”

Beyond the opportunity for recreation and natural beauty of Gates Ranch, the White family also appreciated Gates Ranch’s proximity to Houston.  The Whites wanted to be able to get away without spending a lot of time on the road or in the airport.  “Our good friend David Wolff (who conceived of and developed Gates Ranch) reminded us that the value of a second home is directly proportional to its proximity,” said Mayor White.

The Whites also appreciate Washington County and Gates Ranch for its place in history.  “We plan to use our ranch for family gatherings, and will enjoy doing so in a location so steeped in Texas history.”  As one of the first settled parcels west of the Brazos River, the Whites hope that Gates Ranch will remain as an important retreat for their family for generations.

An antique barn is seated among the rolling hills on the White Family’s new farm.  The Whites plan to renovate the structure.

We also welcome you to come and see what the Whites and several other families have discovered for themselves – exclusive, private ranch living that you’ll only find at Gates Ranch.  We’ve sold 70% of the farms in phases one and two (560 out of 800 acres), so we encourage you to visit us soon.  For more information about this 1,500 acre community of family farms or to schedule your personal tour of Gates Ranch, please call Cyndee Smith with Oldham Goodwin Group at 713-816-3407 or visit www.gatesranchtx.com.