An incredible opportunity to own development-ready land in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, conveniently located between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. High Ridge Ranch comprises 29.62 acres and is ideally positioned to enjoy the best of both worlds, with a peaceful rural setting and quick access to the renowned 290 Wine Corridor, home to some of Texas' top wineries, tasting rooms, breweries, and distilleries. High Ridge Ranch offers 29.62 acres of Hill Country land with phenomenal views, ready for development in Gillespie County, ideally positioned between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. The property sits just off the renowned 290 Wine Corridor on a quiet, 60' deeded private easement road. It provides immediate privacy while keeping top-tier dining, wineries, recreational areas, and local hubs just minutes away. The property currently holds an Ag Exemption. With critical infrastructure, including a proven water well and accessible electricity, already in place, this tract is ready for your custom home build or as a weekend retreat. The property is easily navigable and features a gentle, rolling terrain with approximately 40' of elevation change. This subtle lift creates multiple excellent build sites that capture sweeping, long-range views of the surrounding Hill Country. The Seller has thoughtfully and strategically cleared cedar from key areas of the property, leaving a park-like setting with abundant mature live oaks. Native grasses have been allowed to thrive, supporting wildlife. Smith Spring Branch, a wet-weather tributary, adds classic Hill Country character to the tract, meandering through the northwest corner for over 1,000'. Lined with notable limestone rock formations and towering hardwoods such as cedar elm, the seasonal creek bed provides excellent habitat and serves as a natural border. The ranch is void of any structural improvements. Low fencing is in place along three of four sides. Electricity runs along the southern fence line on Elm Ridge Road, significantly reducing the timeline and upfront costs of building. The property is low-fenced on three sides and currently maintains an Ag Exemption. A massive advantage for the next owner is the existing groundwork. A water well is already drilled, cased, and capped near one of the premier build sites. The well tested at an excellent 6.5 gpm at the time of drilling. Smith Spring Branch, a wet weather tributary, traverses through the northwest portion of the property for 1,000'. The creek can hold pockets of water for limited periods on a seasonal basis. High Ridge Ranch is accessed via paved North Grape Creek Road, which transitions to Elm Ridge Road, a well-maintained 60' deeded private easement. The property sits in a geographic sweet spot, far enough from the highway to offer quiet seclusion yet exceptionally close to the Hill Country's most sought-after lifestyle and recreational destinations. Wildlife is in abundance with frequent sightings of whitetail deer, turkey, dove, and other animals native to the Hill Country. The ranch is less than 10 miles from US-290, placing the region's top wineries, tasting rooms, and distilleries right in your backyard. It is about 9 miles from LBJ State Park and 27 miles from major hiking destinations, including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Pedernales Falls State Park. Iconic historic dancehalls and live music can be found about 14 miles away in Albert and 17 miles away in Luckenbach. The property is only 18 miles east of Fredericksburg, 21 miles northwest of Johnson City, 42 miles from Marble Falls, 65 miles from Austin, and 70 miles from San Antonio.
High Ridge Ranch spans 29.62 acres of scenic Texas Hill Country land, ideally positioned between Fredericksburg and Johnson City near the 290 Wine Corridor. The property offers a peaceful rural setting with easy access to renowned wineries, dining, and recreation. The land features gently rolling terrain with approximately 40' of elevation change, creating multiple exceptional build sites with sweeping, long-range views. Thoughtful cedar clearing has enhanced the landscape, leaving a beautiful, park-like setting dotted with mature live oaks. Native grasses thrive throughout, supporting abundant wildlife including whitetail deer, turkey, and dove. Smith Spring Branch, a seasonal creek, meanders through the northwest portion of the property for over 1,000', adding natural character with limestone features and hardwoods like cedar elm. With a water well already in place (tested at 6.5 gpm), nearby electricity, low fencing on three sides, and an Ag Exemption, this property is well-suited for a custom home, recreational use, or a private Hill Country retreat.
LERA #1962129
Apr 29, 2026
Listed
$740,500
CHCMLS #104320
Apr 21, 2026
Listed
$740,500
+20
An incredible opportunity to own development-ready land in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, conveniently located between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. High Ridge Ranch comprises 29.62 acres and is ideally positioned to enjoy the best of both worlds, with a peaceful rural setting and quick access to the renowned 290 Wine Corridor, home to some of Texas' top wineries, tasting rooms, breweries, and distilleries. High Ridge Ranch offers 29.62 acres of Hill Country land with phenomenal views, ready for development in Gillespie County, ideally positioned between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. The property sits just off the renowned 290 Wine Corridor on a quiet, 60' deeded private easement road. It provides immediate privacy while keeping top-tier dining, wineries, recreational areas, and local hubs just minutes away. The property currently holds an Ag Exemption. With critical infrastructure, including a proven water well and accessible electricity, already in place, this tract is ready for your custom home build or as a weekend retreat. The property is easily navigable and features a gentle, rolling terrain with approximately 40' of elevation change. This subtle lift creates multiple excellent build sites that capture sweeping, long-range views of the surrounding Hill Country. The Seller has thoughtfully and strategically cleared cedar from key areas of the property, leaving a park-like setting with abundant mature live oaks. Native grasses have been allowed to thrive, supporting wildlife. Smith Spring Branch, a wet-weather tributary, adds classic Hill Country character to the tract, meandering through the northwest corner for over 1,000'. Lined with notable limestone rock formations and towering hardwoods such as cedar elm, the seasonal creek bed provides excellent habitat and serves as a natural border. The ranch is void of any structural improvements. Low fencing is in place along three of four sides. Electricity runs along the southern fence line on Elm Ridge Road, significantly reducing the timeline and upfront costs of building. The property is low-fenced on three sides and currently maintains an Ag Exemption. A massive advantage for the next owner is the existing groundwork. A water well is already drilled, cased, and capped near one of the premier build sites. The well tested at an excellent 6.5 gpm at the time of drilling. Smith Spring Branch, a wet weather tributary, traverses through the northwest portion of the property for 1,000'. The creek can hold pockets of water for limited periods on a seasonal basis. High Ridge Ranch is accessed via paved North Grape Creek Road, which transitions to Elm Ridge Road, a well-maintained 60' deeded private easement. The property sits in a geographic sweet spot, far enough from the highway to offer quiet seclusion yet exceptionally close to the Hill Country's most sought-after lifestyle and recreational destinations. Wildlife is in abundance with frequent sightings of whitetail deer, turkey, dove, and other animals native to the Hill Country. The ranch is less than 10 miles from US-290, placing the region's top wineries, tasting rooms, and distilleries right in your backyard. It is about 9 miles from LBJ State Park and 27 miles from major hiking destinations, including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Pedernales Falls State Park. Iconic historic dancehalls and live music can be found about 14 miles away in Albert and 17 miles away in Luckenbach. The property is only 18 miles east of Fredericksburg, 21 miles northwest of Johnson City, 42 miles from Marble Falls, 65 miles from Austin, and 70 miles from San Antonio.
As the MLS and public records start to fill up, we'll list the details here.
Public record
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Vacant Land
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Gillespie County
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Last updated by owner on Apr 21, 2026.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
5/10 Fire Factor
5% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
6/10 Heat Factor
6 days above 104° expected this year, 18 days in 30 years
6/10 Wind Factor
70% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
1/10 Air Factor
0 unhealthy days expected this year, 0 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Fredericksburg, TX • 78624
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
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93
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74
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67
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Sun exposure
100/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.7 hrs
7.1 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 853 Elm Ridge Rd
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