New approvals for planned 3,500-home development in Spicewood

By Dakota Morrissiey

The Burnet County Commissioners Court on Oct. 28 gave preliminary plat approval to 443 lots in the master-planned Thomas Ranch community in Spicewood. The development will have about 3,500 homes total on 2,200 acres between Burnet and Travis counties.

With the preliminary plat approval granted, the developer can now seek final plat approval from the county. If that is secured, buildout can begin. 

The lots approved on Tuesday are along CR 404 and Paleface Ranch Road in southeast Burnet County within the unincorporated area of Spicewood.

Thomas Ranch has been in the works for years, having first appeared on the public radar in February 2023 when the Commissioners Court approved a preliminary plat for 54 lots on 27 acres near the 11710 block of CR 404. 

The development will span about 2,200 acres total, stretching from Texas 71 to the banks of the Pedernales River and CR 404. About 80 percent of the property is in Travis County; the remaining 20 percent is in Burnet County. Of the 3,500 proposed homes, about 700 will be on the Burnet County side.

According to the Commissioners Court, the subdivision meets all standards and requirements in the county’s subdivision regulations and significant upgrades will be made to local roads to accommodate the growth.

The Thomas Ranch subdivision will have its own public water systems, drawing from Lake Travis, and access to 1,603 acre-feet of water a year through a Lower Colorado River Authority firm water contract.

The Areté Collective project is described as a luxury, master-planned community with preservation in mind. Along with thousands of homes, it will also have over 40 miles of trails, 2 miles of river frontage, and 1,200 acres of “preserved and improved open space.” 

Grand plans for Thomas Ranch include schools, a medical center, a resort, retail space, a walkable downtown district, restaurants, a dance hall and taphouse, a sports complex, and a host of other amenities.

According to Thomas Ranch Managing Director Joe Rentfro, the project is still in its early stages and could take a decade to finish. He also explained why such a massive development was coming to the hinterlands of the Highland Lakes.

“I think what makes this place attractive with developers—likewise attractive for the end users, future residents, resort guests—it probably starts with a unique beautiful landscape that is interwoven pretty tightly with a lifestyle,” he told DailyTrib.com. “Historically, that ‘lifestyle’ is probably floating rivers, nights in Texas dancehalls, good food, great music, and, I think, the vibe of all that gets integrated (into the concept).”

dakota@thepicayune.com