Location

Liberty Ranch is located along FM 967 in Driftwood, just 4 miles east of the FM 967 and FM 1826 intersection—home to the iconic Salt Lick BBQ and Discovery Driftwood golf course. Only 25 minutes from downtown Austin, the subdivision offers an ideal blend of privacy and convenience.

In addition to the main entrance on FM 967, owners enjoy access to a private gated entrance on the north end of the development, which connects to FM 1826 via Bear Creek Estates. This exclusive access significantly reduces drive time to southwest and downtown Austin.

conservation easement 

Liberty Ranch is protected by a conservation easement held by the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. Situated directly over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, the land plays a vital role in preserving water quality and quantity in the Barton Springs segment of the aquifer and the Little Bear Creek watershed. This region provides drinking water to thousands of Central Texas residents and supports important native habitats, including those of the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and Golden-cheeked Warbler. The conservation easement ensures long-term protection of these critical natural resources.

Liberty Ranch is also part of a broader network of protected open space stretching from the Onion Creek Natural Area near Wimberley to Barton Springs in Central Austin. The City of Austin currently owns or holds conservation easements on approximately 16,000 acres within this corridor.

The easement includes thoughtful restrictions that preserve the land’s rural character while still allowing for the development of a residential compound. Permitted improvements include a main residence, guest house, driveways, barns, swimming pools, sports courts, and other supporting structures—striking a balance between private use and environmental stewardship.

Topography, Rangeland & Habitat

Liberty Ranch exemplifies the classic Hill Country and Driftwood Valley landscape, with rolling hills and long-range views across unspoiled terrain.

Lot 6 features a diverse mix of heritage live oaks, post oaks, cedar elms, and Ashe junipers. Select areas have been carefully hand-cleared to reveal striking oak groves and several ideal building sites. Karst features are present on the property, and dense wooded sections have been preserved to maintain canopy cover for native and migratory bird species.

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 subdivision is home to many common native animals, such as white-tailed deer, turkey, dove, and wild hogs. Additionally, elk 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.

utilities 

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

taxes

Lot 6 has a 1-D-1 Wildlife valuation. 2024 taxes were $254.13 for the entire +/-100 acres.

Area History

Driftwood is a unique corner of the Texas Hill Country where legacy landowners, conservation-minded neighbors, and new residents work together to preserve the area’s natural beauty and rural charm. As you travel south from Austin along FM 1826, the pace slows, the Onion Creek Valley opens up, and the landscape gives way to rolling hills and sweeping views.

Despite the rapid growth in Austin and across Hays County, Driftwood has managed to retain its distinctive rural character. This is thanks in large part to the stewardship of longtime landowners, as well as the proactive efforts of the City of Austin and conservation organizations. Through a combination of public land acquisitions and conservation easements with private landowners, substantial portions of Driftwood have been protected from large-scale development—ensuring its enduring appeal.