Michael and Susan Price spent decades building successful legal careers in Alaska’s frigid climate. But when retirement beckoned, so did a longing for warmer weather. “We loved Alaska,” Susan, originally from California, explained, “but snow is not your friend as you get older.” So in 2012, the Prices traded snow for sunshine, moving to Michael’s home state of Texas. They didn’t settle for a small piece of land either – they went big, acquiring several parcels to create a 900-acre ranch in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Now, after over a decade of enjoying the ranch life, they are putting their property, 3 Creeks Ranch, on the market for a staggering $42.5 million. And yes, the exotic deer and antelope roaming the property are part of the package deal, though the prized Akaushi cattle from Japan come with an extra price tag.
Located just outside the quaint town of Luckenbach, 3 Creeks Ranch blends history with modern luxury. The Prices spent time meticulously restoring and remodeling three 19th-century homes on the property, preserving their original limestone walls. The main house, a spacious 5,300 square feet with three bedrooms, is a testament to their dedication to historical preservation. The two other homes, now serving as guesthouses, offer additional accommodation. A charming one-bedroom guest cottage and a barn with two-bedroom living quarters complete the living spaces. The ranch also features a sports court for recreation, two miles of scenic creeks winding through the property, and six serene ponds for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits.
But one of the biggest draws for potential buyers? The wildlife. “It’s like a viewing safari,” Susan enthuses, describing how they drive through a 120-acre pen full of red stag deer, fallow deer, and blackbuck antelope, all acquired from an exotic animal dealer. “You take a Mule [four-wheeler] in there and just enjoy.” And that’s not all. Outside the exotic pen, the rest of the ranch is a natural haven for whitetail deer, axis deer, wild turkeys, quail, and doves. Mornings often begin with coffee on the porch, watching as up to 90 deer graze in the distance. “You see even more in the evening,” the couple shared, emphasizing that the ranch is a true paradise for wildlife lovers.
The Prices have created countless family memories on the ranch, including witnessing the recent solar eclipse. While declining to disclose their ages, the couple insists they remain “young at heart” and only sold the property to move closer to family in Austin. They have one adult child and another still in high school, so staying connected to family is paramount.
The Texas Hill Country, renowned for its rolling green hills, lies just west of Austin. 3 Creeks Ranch is conveniently located just seven miles from Fredericksburg, a charming town known for its vineyards and quaint shopping spots. While 3 Creeks Ranch is poised to be one of the most expensive properties on the market, it’s not alone in its steep price tag. Currently, the most expensive home in Fredericksburg is listed at $14.995 million, and earlier this year, a sprawling 1,500-acre ranch near Austin sold for a whopping $90 million. This reinforces the burgeoning demand for high-end properties in the Texas Hill Country, and 3 Creeks Ranch is sure to attract attention from discerning buyers seeking a unique and luxurious slice of Texas paradise.
