Location

Liberty Ranch is situated on FM 967 in Driftwood, a mere 4 miles east of the FM 967 and FM 1826 intersection. Just a 25-minute drive to downtown Austin, and a few short miles from the famed Salt Lick restaurant, this subdivision offers the perfect balance of privacy and proximity. Owners can enjoy the tranquility and seclusion of rural living while also having easy access to everyday essentials, ensuring a sense of connection rather than isolation.

Additionally, there is an exclusive owner’s entrance located on the north end of the development. This invaluable feature drastically reduces the travel time into southwest and downtown Austin.

conservation easement

Liberty Ranch is subject to a conservation easement held by the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. The land that comprises Liberty Ranch sits directly over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. The purpose of the conservation easement is to ensure the preservation, maintenance and enhancement of water quality and quantity over the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer and Little Bear Creek watersheds. This area is vital for providing drinking water to thousands of residents in Central Texas, as well as supporting various wildlife and plant species, including the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and Golden-Cheeked Warbler. By protecting critical areas within the recharge zone, the conservation easement safeguards water resources.

Liberty Ranch is part of a larger protected open space network that spans from the Onion Creek Natural Areas in Hays County near Wimberley to Barton Springs in Central Austin. The City of Austin owns or holds conservation easements on approximately 16,000 acres within this corridor.

The conservation easement includes carefully designed restrictions that allow for the development of a spacious residential compound, including a main house, guest house, driveways, swimming pools, sports courts, barns, and more, but ensure the rural character of the land will be preserved in perpetuity.

Topography, Rangeland & Habitat

Liberty Ranch embodies the quintessential Hill Country and Driftwood Valley terrain characterized by rolling hills and long-distance views of unspoiled landscape. Lot 15 offers an exceptional blend of characteristics and showcases a diverse population of plant and animal life. The property features expansive open meadows, grassy pastures, and gentle terrain. There is an abundance of heritage live oaks, post oaks, cedar elm, ashe juniper and lush forests of mountain laurels.

A distinguishing factor of lot 15 is the fact that the entire eastern boundary is contiguous with an extensive open space network of protected conservation land that will never be developed. This invaluable aspect ensures an everlasting sense of privacy and seclusion.

Wildlife

Due to the extensive open space surrounding the property and its years-long protection, Liberty Ranch is home to a diverse and abundant mix of wildlife. The property boasts several common native animals, such as white-tailed deer, turkey, dove, and wild hogs. Additionally, eld and red deer have been spotted on occasion. Numerous songbirds, including the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and the Black-Capped Vireo, can also be found on the property.

Water

Lot 15 at Liberty Ranch features two seasonal tributaries of Little Bear Creek that gracefully meander through the property. This unique characteristic offers an excellent opportunity to construct a beautiful water feature or pond on the lot.

Utilities

Pedernales Electric is located on-site. A water well and septic system will be required at buyer’s expense.

Taxes

Lot 15 has a 1-D-1 Wildlife valuation. 2022 taxes were $262.04 for the entire +/-103 acres.

area history

Driftwood is a place in the Texas Hill Country where long-standing landowners, those interested in preservation, and new neighbors are working collaboratively to care for the treasured character of this special place. As you travel from Austin down FM 1826 into Driftwood the tempo slows, the Onion Creek Valley unfolds, and you behold the vast beauty of rolling green hills and glorious views.

Despite the substantial growth experienced in Austin and Hays County, Driftwood has managed to retain its rural character. This accomplishment can be largely attributed to the dedication of legacy landowners in the area. However, it is also the result of significant investments made by the City of Austin and conservation organizations who have worked tirelessly to preserve the area. Through fee simple ownership and the negotiation of conservation easements with private landowners, Driftwood has been able to maintain its rural character and limit extensive development.