Owner/Guest Comments

Owner Comments

We've owned the ranch since 2004.  Over the years we've learned many things about the ranch which we find interesting.

Elevations.  The ranch is about 1,200 feet above sea level at Miller Creek and varies over the numerous hills to a high of over 1,620 feet above sea level at the top of Lighthouse Hill.  This is one of the highest points in Blanco County, and from this location you have 50 mile views.

Houses.  All of the houses on the ranch have been renovated and modernized.  Some of these houses date from the early 1900s.  The Green House is particularly interesting.  This house includes a limestone encased basement that is quite rare for the hill country.  You can see the hand-chiseled marks on the rocks on the wall.  Rumor has it that whiskey was sold from the basement through the front porch trap door during the Prohibition era.

Water.  The 6-8 acre lake system on Miller Creek is great for swimming, fishing, tubing, and rock jumping (especially from the big rock with the cave in it).  Note the old rock fence on the north side of Miller Creek.  We like to put the tubes into the creek just downstream of the crossover dam and then float down to the big rock dam.  Many of the eight ponds (especially the larger ones) are stocked with catfish and bluegills, and the lakes have bass too.  The south pond is particularly full of fish - it's fun to see them in a feeding frenzy if you throw a bunch of bread or other food into the water.   

In addition to dams, there's been many other interesting efforts to retain water on the ranch.  Most of the ponds are, for example, lined with clay to stop the water from leaking into the soil - that's what gives the sides of the ponds their "whitish" look.  In addition, the south pond is fed by underground springs and by water that flows from a concrete spring-box just to the north of the south pond - when the water is flowing you can drink the crystal clear water that flows from the pipes on the sides of the spring-box. 

If you search, you can also find two locations on the ranch where long 2" diameter pipes where pushed horizontally into the sides of hills, with the water being designed to flow from springs inside the hills, through the pipe, and into small shallow concrete containment ponds.  Hint - one location is about 2000' east/northeast of the Brown House near some electric poles, and the other location is downstream of the natural spring in the middle of the ranch.

Animals.  We get inquiries about rattlesnakes.  Sure, there are some here, but they aren't easy to spot.  Since 2004 we've been here thousands of times and have seen three on the entire ranch.  That's right. Three.  Deer are frequently seen in the mornings near the wooded ravines - listen for their telltale "huff" when they detect your presence.  There's a flock of turkeys that live near the eastern borders of the ranch.  You'll also likely see jackrabbits and dove when you're here, along with several hawks.  There's some large graceful herons (some blue and some white) that you'll see if you approach the ponds/lakes and no one else is there - they always fly away when they see humans but if you're quiet you can sneak up on them and watch them fish.  Look for turtles in the lakes/ponds, and listen at night for coyotes yelping.  You can sometimes spotlight raccoons near the edges of the ponds/creeks at night - even if you don't you can usually see their tracks in the morning.  Finally, in addition to "regular" cows roaming the ranch, you can also see some Longhorns and horses lolling about.  One of these horses, Marvin, is a chestnut gelding whose great grandfather was Bold Ruler, the sire of Secretariat.  One critter you won't see is a mosquito - the bats eat 'em all.

Trees.  Check out the huge oaks next to the Green House.  One of these oaks is about 10 feet in diameter at its base - this tree is estimated to be about 400-500 years old.  You can imagine buffalo, Commanches, soldiers, and cowboys all taking their turn resting under this tree's enormous branches.  Look at the large, tall, ancient cedar in the back yard of the Brown House, living proof that this often scorned "scrub tree" of the hill country can sometimes grow into a magnificent shade tree.  Note the large pecan trees just north of Miller Creek and between the two dams - if you come in the fall look for fallen pecans to eat.  Also, in addition to the two peach trees that Eric and his father planted next to the Brown House, you can also find a wild peach tree or two if you look (try looking to your right when you cross the low spot on Mountain Top Road about 500 feet from the 281 entrance - the peach tree is growing in the ravine). 

Have you ever seen a madrone tree?  This rare tree has a smooth reddish skin and it bears small red fruit in the fall.  There's a few of these beautiful trees in ravines on the north side of Lighthouse Hill.

Crazy Upside Down Tree Dwelling Prickly Pear.  This demented prickly pear plant has made it's home in the branch of dead tree, and is growing downwards from the branch.  It's on the south bank of Miller Creek about 500 feet downstream of the crossover dam.

Other Plants.  In the spring the hills and fields are literally covered with flowers - yellow, blue, and red.  Wow.  Also, you can always see an interesting field of yucca plants on the eastern end of the south spur of the Lighthouse Hill range.  It's worth the effort to walk out there amongst all of these plants - the view is quite good there too.

Stars.  The stars are bright at the ranch, especially when viewed from the dark valleys that inhabit the ranch.  If you're lucky and the night is still and clear and moonless, go stand on the big rock next to the big rock dam.  You can look down into the water and see the stars reflected on the water - they look like they're a million miles down.  Very cool.

The Lighthouse.  The most prominent structure on the ranch is the Lighthouse.  It is modeled after Saxon towers in Germany, which we admired when we were in that area several years ago visiting relatives (Eric's grandparents were Germans).  Given the strong Germanic presence in the Hill Country, we believe a German "style" Lighthouse fits in nicely. 

Biking.  This is a great place to mountain bike.  We like to start on the south end, head to the top of Lighthouse Hill, then go around the red house, and then back south to the creek to cool off.  In addition to mountain biking, the ranch is particularly well suited for road biking since it borders highways 290 and 281.  One of our guests comes to the ranch and stays at the Green House because he can easily access the highway from that house, and then bike the Hill Country.

Weddings/Camps/Events.  We've had a number of weddings and other events on the ranch.  One cross-country coach brings her girls' team here for summer camp trail running.  It's particularly nice to have a wedding on the ranch since the reception can also be on the ranch, and the wedding party and guests and can stay at the houses, all of which is convenient and economical.

Repeat Customers.  We see a lot of interesting repeat customers.  Some come for the views.  Or swimming/fishing in the lakes/creeks.  Or ATV riding.  We have a gregarious group of Aggies that love to come and create a mini-bonfire in the firepit.  One large family comes every year for a reunion, with different family members staying in different houses at the same time.  Sometimes a little separate space between family members is a good thing, right?

Favorite Restaurant.  Try the Silver K in Johnson City (about a mile west on 290 from the intersection of 290 and 281 in Johnson City).  The blackberry & pecan encrusted pork chops are a unique and excellent dish, especially with some Rio Blanco Pale Ale.

Supermarket/Liquor Store.  The Super S store in Johnson City has groceries and some fishing supplies (their catfish bait usually works pretty well).  The liquor store is to the north of the Super S on the right side of the road.

We hope you can come visit us, and that your stay here is very enjoyable!

Sincerely,

Eric & Kathy

Guest Comments

"We had a great time at your ranch.  I think we got to all of the points of interest.  Miller Creek was our favorite.  We also liked the highest point in the county (Lighthouse Hill) - what a beautiful view and a perfect spot for a picnic!  We look forward to a return visit someday." -- Wayne Weeks and Vickie Smith (Athens, Texas)

We had a lovely weekend at the Brown House at Lighthouse Hill Ranch.  The ranch itself is unbelievably beautiful.  We enjoyed riding ATV's throughout the ranch and fishing in the pond.  We caught numerous fish and our children had great fun.   The Brown House is spacious and inviting.  The decor is welcoming and the leather couches in the living room are so comfortable.  The children enjoyed playing foosball and roasting marshmallows at the fire pit outside.  We had a wonderful time relaxing on the porch, grilling our dinner and eating on the patio while enjoying the beautiful view of the hill country. Thank you for a wonderful weekend!  -- Chris and Karen Thompson (Austin, Texas)

We really enjoyed our stay.  The house was very clean and comfortable and the ranch is beautiful.  My wife and I brought our baby boy and his grandparents came down from Denton.  We all had a wonderful time and we hope to be back one day.  Scott Arndt (Houston, TX)

We had a great time at the Grey House last weekend.  Can't wait to come back again.  Love the views riding around and from the porch of the Grey House.  Had a blast catching a few catfish and perch. Totally a great weekend. We will be coming back as soon as we can arrange to. Thanks, Karen Tomme (Universal City, TX)