HOUSTON—An upsurge of buyers–and three very recent purchases–has left only nine remaining farm estates at Wolff Companies' Gates Ranch. In the past three months, the last two estates in phase one were sold, as well as the first estate in phase three.

“Since the beginning of the year, activity has been strong in a greatly improved market. We have closed out the first two phases of the development and sold our first estate in phase three, leaving us with only nine estates,” said David S. Wolff, chairman and president of Wolff Companies. “Several buyers have combined estates to create larger ones, so only a few more purchasers could completely close out the community.”

Forest Hill, a 35-acre farm featuring a winding tree-lined entrance, was purchased by a family who will build a weekend residence. Another couple acquired the 30-acre Hilltop estate, which boasts a 180-degree vista with views over the Brazos River Valley. The recently retired couple plans to build a full-time residence on the property. Millbrook, the first estate to be purchased in phase three of Gates Ranch, is a 45-acre property featuring a restored pond and choice of building sites. It fronts FM 2726 and will initially be a weekend retreat for a young couple.

“We've seen a significant increase in activity at Gates Ranch this year. With three sales in as many months, the market is very strong–we now have only nine family farms remaining for sale,” Wolff tells GlobeSt.com. “Our buyers appreciate the level of quality we have created; not only by restoring and cultivating the land, but also by putting deed restrictions in place that will preserve our residents' investment for years to come. We are very excited by several projects currently in process, especially two homes that have been designed by Lake Flato that should be completed this year. We are looking forward to what our newest residents will bring to the development.”

Wolff introduced Gates Ranch in 2009 after carefully restoring the land, replanting and nourishing overgrazed pastures, rebuilding numerous ponds throughout the property and caring for its mature hardwood trees. Wolff also established a nursery where oak trees are grown and subsequently transplanted throughout the community. The Gates Ranch environment has been protected through deed covenants which set high standards for development, shelter conserved land and attract people who want to invest in upscale homes that will be in the family for generations.

“Gates Ranch is a project from the heart as my family has owned a working cattle ranch in Washington County for more than 40 years,” said Wolff. “Washington County is a beautiful, historic area with incredible countryside and charming towns. I conceived Gates Ranch as a special place where families could enjoy beautiful, private farms and establish their own family legacies.”

Located about an hour north of Houston in Washington County, Gates Ranch is named after Amos Gates, who was born in 1799 and is said to be the first settler west of the Brazos River. Shortly after Stephen F. Austin's “Old Three Hundred” colonists arrived in Texas in 1821, Washington-on-the-Brazos arose as the first community in the county. With the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836, it became known as the birthplace of Texas.

Now in its fifth decade, Wolff Companies developments include Beltway, Park 10, Interwood, Westway Park, First Crossing, Ten Oaks at the Texas Medical Center–West Campus and Central Park.

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Estates Go as Market Jolt Continues

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