When Gary Sumner, managing partner for Patten Properties, first set eyes on the land that would become Texas Grand Ranch, he knew he had found something extraordinary.

“I had to pinch myself when I found it,” he recalls. “In 35 years of working in over 20 states, from the Northeast to the Southwest, I had never seen a property quite like this. I felt blessed to be able to offer it to people, knowing how excited they would be to own land here.”

Bordering the Sam Houston National Forest, Texas Grand Ranch remains a rare treasure in a state where protected land is scarce. Once a large, well-managed timber tract, the property’s rolling terrain, towering pines, and natural streams created the kind of setting people dream about but rarely find within easy reach of Houston’s conveniences.

Protecting the Land

From the beginning, Patten Properties envisioned Texas Grand Ranch as a place where buyers could trade crowded suburbs for wide-open space without losing easy access to daily conveniences. Many early buyers were Houstonians who had once lived in the country, only to see development close in around them. Here, they found the rural lifestyle they missed—just 20 miles from The Woodlands and within reach of grocery stores, hospitals, and entertainment.

That vision extended beyond selling homesites. Patten Properties focused on building trust, supporting the local economy, and protecting the land. They hired local contractors for roads, water lines, and site work, including a road builder from New Waverly who grew his company alongside the development.

Equally important was their commitment to preserving the property’s natural beauty. Roads were designed to follow the land’s contours, crews worked around streams, and mature oaks and pines were protected along the edges of homesites. The result is a community where privacy, open space, and the forest itself can thrive for generations.

A Ribbon Cutting to Remember
One of the most memorable moments in the community’s history came during the official ribbon cutting. The parking lot was full, and a long line formed at the barbecue pit. Local dignitaries from Walker County and the City of Huntsville joined residents and visitors to welcome the new neighborhood to the area.

As guests toured the property, “Sold” signs began appearing across multiple homesites. By the end of the day, 200 properties had new owners. That day marked the beginning of a community built on land, connection, and shared vision.

Neighbors Who Became Family

The sense of community at Texas Grand Ranch has only deepened over the years, thanks to residents who bring their passions and ideas to life. One such example is the Taste of Texas Grand Ranch cookbook, a labor of love led by resident Kelly Derden Bates, who moved in just last year.

“When my husband and I moved here, I was welcomed with such warmth,” Bates recalls. “As someone who loves to cook and bake, creating a community cookbook felt like the perfect way to blend my happy place—the kitchen—with my passion for connecting with people.”

A simple Facebook post asking if anyone was interested drew nearly 100 responses in a single day. Soon after, 22 women with skills ranging from photography and design to proofreading and planning joined together to bring the cookbook to life. Scheduled for release just in time for the holidays, it is about more than recipes—it is a celebration of friendship and tradition.

A Lasting Legacy

Texas Grand Ranch today stands as a model for thoughtful development, one that balances growth with respect for both the land and the people who call it home. From Michael Berry’s early broadcasts showcasing the property to charity events supporting the PTSD Foundation and the Lone Survivor Foundation, the community’s story has been rooted in purpose from the beginning.

Some residents have already built their forever homes, while others are holding their land until the time is right. Families appreciate the quiet privacy of multi-acre homesites. All share the knowledge that their community was built with care, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the surrounding forest.

Looking Forward: A New Opportunity

If you missed the chance to own land at Texas Grand Ranch, The Estates is your next opportunity to be part of a community built with care, vision, and a deep respect for the land. Karl Schultz, a recent buyer, shared, “We just closed on our property at The Estates of Texas Grand Ranch. After seeing the posts on Facebook and Instagram for months, we decided to put our boots on the ground and see if it was all they said it was. It was—and more. We were very impressed with the future plans for the community and how they are looking to keep the beauty of the forest.”

Now is the time to explore this one-of-a-kind acreage community north of Houston while pre-development pricing is still available. Step into the future of forest living—schedule your private tour at txgrandranch.com or call (833) 447-3773 today.