Lake Travis

The next westernmost lake from Lake Austin is Lake Travis. Created when the Mansfield Dam was finished in 1941, Lake Travis has the most notoriety in the greater Austin area as a recreational destination spot. Lake Travis is a spot for beautiful restaurants and campsites, popular for marinas and watercraft, and waterfront homes are consistently in demand.

Lake Travis is fed by both the Colorado River (as with all the highland lakes) and the Pedernales River, which flows into the southwestern portion of the lake. It is known as one of the clearest lakes in Texas, with its beautiful aquamarine tint to the water. Lake Travis serves as not only the primary flood control reservoir of the chain, but also a major source of drinking water for Austinites.

View from Rancho Estacia

The bluffs of Lake Travis provide unparallelled views, and often privacy, in any Hill Country properties. Rivercliff and Rancho Estacia are both stunning waterfront estates on the Pedernales arm, each offering opportunities to own horses and land on this beautiful lake. Another property we just recently profiled, The Falls, is 315 stunning acres on a private cove of Lake Travis.

Part One: Lake Austin

Cimarron Hills private sand trap and putting green

Early morning, and you’re enjoying a cup of coffee on your back patio. Ahead of you is a still scene with a long stretch of dewy green grass framed by mature trees, deer and birds and other wildlife, dotted with pools of clear water.

Many have found this bliss in buying homes on a golf course. The Austin-American Statesman recently did a feature on life on the golf course. A golfer, as they say, is just steps from his or her playground…but golfers and non-golfers alike can enjoy the scenery.

Says one agent, “it’s similar to a greenbelt, but there’s a more open look to it. With a greenbelt, sometimes all you see is brush. With a golf course, there’s usually a nice long view, clean and clear, of the trees and the greenery. You see a lot of wildlife, deer, squirrels and rabbits. It’s relaxing.”

Other advantages include the increased home value and sales appeal, similar to a greenbelt or lake property. Also, you can get your own golf cart to motor around in.

But what about the hazards of loose balls and broken windows? The Statesman quotes one insurance agent that “[the golf course location] is not a question we ask, and not part of the underwriting process,” making it no more expensive to insure a home on a course than anywhere else. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover some of the costs, the golfer is required to cover the costs, and some condominiums offer coverage as well with their fees.

Austin has many beautiful golf course properties; you can begin your search here!