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Hill Country Property

There’s something about Hill Country property that inspires thoughts of riding the range. Maybe it’s the sweeping vistas and gorgeous acres of wide-open spaces, but whatever the reason, if your Hill Country property is stirring up your inner cowboy, don’t worry! There are some great places to ride horseback across prime Hill Country real estate, within easy driving distance of the Ranches of Brushy Top.

• Riding in Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” can make you feel as though you’ve been transported back to the Old West! Located just two hours from Austin, Bandera’s Twin Elm Guest Ranch is an easy daytrip away. If you’d rather make a vacation of it, Twin Elm offers all-inclusive accommodations in a setting that enables you to ride horses or hayrides, roast marshmallows over a campfire, fish under the shade of cypress trees, or swim in a refreshing private pool. You can also play volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, or indoor games such as air hockey and ping pong, or just relax in a hammock. If you really want the cowboy experience, you can even learn roping and branding!
• A little closer to Austin, Hunters Chase Farm is located in Wimberley. Best known for riding schools and summer camps, Hunters Chase offers lessons for all ages, with many of the riders seizing the opportunity to participate in the HCF Show Team. Hunters Chase is more than a riding school: located on 45 acres of Hill Country property, the farm also offers boarding facilities, summer and holiday day and overnight camps, and sales of horses and ponies. Family owned and operated, Hunters Chase is dedicated to training kids not only in the care and riding of horses, but also good values, teamwork, responsibility, and discipline—all in an atmosphere of fun.

There’s nothing quite like riding on horses across Hill Country property, but there’s also nothing quite like owning a ranch under the wide-open Hill Country sky. The Ranches of Brushy Top offers that and more, with beautifully situated 5-75–acre homesites, located within a pristine wildlife preserve that affords owners privacy and the serenity that comes from communing with nature. Visit the website to learn more about finding you own perfect piece of Texas Hill country property, and don’t forget to connect with our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

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Hill Country Property

If you own a piece of Hill Country property, you know the importance of properly maintaining it. The Austin Hill Country winter is comparatively mild, but it can still be hard on a house. When spring bursts into bloom, the weather vacillates between stormy and perfect, and temperatures remain moderate—a pleasant respite before the blazing onslaught of the summer. This is the time to work on your Hill Country property, performing some necessary maintenance before things heat up.

• The winter takes a toll on a home. Storms and plunging temperatures can cause damage that needs attention once the weather turns warmer.
  • Brickwork and stucco may need your attention. If your bricks are chipping or have white spots from water evaporation, moisture may be permeating their interior as well. Dry brush during warm weather to remove spots, and consider a sealant to keep out moisture.
  • Repaint or replace siding or trim that is rotting. This may be more than a weekend project. If your woodwork seems to be deteriorating, it’s important to give it prompt attention.
  • Clean the gutters. Gutters and downspouts typically need a good cleaning in the spring, and it’s smart to hire a professional to handle the job. Aside from the removal of dirt, leaves, and debris, the person attending to your gutters should check to make sure they are flush with the roof and pointed to direct water away from the house.
• Spring is a good time to inspect the roof. Make sure your shingles are in good shape, neither curling up nor clawing under. While you’re thinking about the top of the house, check the attic to make sure it’s properly ventilated, with no leaks, bird nests, or other surprises!
• Hill Country property needs pruning in the spring. Austin Hill Country land is wild and wonderful, full of flora and fauna that makes the area so uniquely beautiful. To keep your own piece of Hill Country property looking its best, take time during the spring to clear away dead brush, and do some proactive landscaping. Shrubs and other plants can help prevent soil erosion and even improve the drainage around your house.
• Be sure your air conditioner is in good shape before summer hits. Even though you may not need air conditioning in the spring, it’s a good time to make sure your system is working properly—before summer’s punishing heat catches you unaware. Change the filters, clean the air purifier if it needs it, and have your ducts professionally cleaned. While you’re on a roll, change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well.

As you shake off the winter doldrums and begin to enjoy the Austin Hill Country spring, it will feel wonderful to get your home into good shape as well. In addition, keeping your home well maintained and in good repair will be beneficial in the long run, if you ever decide to sell. If you’re in the market to buy a home, the Ranches of Brushy Top is beautifully situated and conveniently located. Visit the website to learn more about finding your own perfect piece of Texas Hill Country property, or connect with the online community on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!