While many folks may be eyeing Washington County as a second home, others are opting to move here and commute to Houston – like the Childs family who will soon be living at Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of family farms.

Dara and Laura Childs, parents of three children ages 5-8 years, said they chose Gates Ranch “to slow down our lifestyle – and because we wanted our kids to experience a closer knit community.”  Brenham’s strong school district, the stunning beauty of Washington County, and a land investment protected by carefully crafted deed covenants, were leading factors for choosing Gates Ranch.  Lastly, the Childs valued living only an hour away from Houston.

The Childs’ children have no time for a photo as they go off to explore the site of their future home.

As custom homebuilders focused on high-quality, ‘green’ projects in Houston, the Childs have designed a zero-net energy home for their Gates Ranch parcel known as Egypt Hill.  The  3,500-square-foot residence will feature a 14kw solar array and geothermal AC system.  Not only do they expect their house to be energy independent, but they also anticipate generating funds by selling power back into the grid.

View of one of the two one-acre ponds that the Childs family plans to stock with fish.

Their home will also feature limestone siding, cedar trim and a metal roof.  As Mrs. Child’s states, “While we have a fairly modern home in Houston, we want our new house to reflect traditional Texas heritage.” Additionally, they have carved out a private, winding driveway through the woods leading to their homesite.  As avid wildlife lovers, they are creating two one-acre ponds that will be stocked with fish and create a wet soil habitat for ducks and other water fowl, two features that will qualify their property for a ten-year wildlife tax exemption.

At Gates Ranch, we welcome the Childs – and you – to exclusive ranch living. Don’t miss your opportunity to find the perfect ranch and become part of this community of family farms – we only have a few properties, and three have been purchased just this Spring! To schedule your private tour, please call Cyndee Smith at (979) 268-2000 or visit us on the web at www.gatesranchtx.com.

The Childs’ imaginative driveway that they have carved through the woods.

Long view over Egypt Hill showing some of the extensive road, pond and tree work that the Childs have done to date.