Luxury Ranch Living at Gates Crossing

Houston Builder Creates an Eco-Friendly Ranch Retreat on Historic Texas Land

When Scott Frankel completed construction on his ranch less than an hour west of Houston, the luxury home builder quickly recognized that the natural beauty surrounding the Brazos River in Washington County deserved to be both shared and preserved. Today, Frankel Design Build’s Gates Crossing spans approximately 1,836 acres and features 40 premium ranch sites surrounding a 600-acre private game reserve.

The property sits on land originally settled by Amos Gates, one of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred,” and its history remains an important part of the community’s identity. Historic landmarks have been thoughtfully preserved, including the Gates-Perry Family Cemetery, while Frankel Design Build has also supported restoration efforts at nearby Washington-on-the-Brazos and the development of a new museum highlighting the area’s role in Texas history.

One of the most meaningful preservation projects has been the restoration of the Gates-Perry Family Cemetery. After years of deterioration and unsuccessful repair attempts, Frankel Design Build brought in specialty masonry professionals to restore the cemetery walls. A dedication ceremony followed, where Revolutionary War veteran William Gates received an America 250 grave marker through recognition from the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution. The four-acre cemetery and surrounding park will remain permanently protected and maintained by the homeowners association.

Rather than filling the community with traditional neighborhood amenities, Gates Crossing focuses on preserving open space and providing residents with access to the surrounding landscape. The 40 ranch properties range from approximately 15 to 160 acres and surround Gates Reserve, a private 600-acre recreational area available exclusively to residents.

The reserve provides opportunities for hunting, horseback riding, ATV use, shooting sports, wildlife viewing and access to the Brazos River landscape. Individual ranch properties may also include stocked fishing ponds, while a larger pond within the reserve is being developed for duck hunting.

The concept is intentionally different from a traditional master-planned community. Instead of adding amenities such as tennis courts, pickleball courts or restaurants, the development encourages owners to enjoy the privacy and simplicity of ranch living while remaining close to nearby destinations such as Chappell Hill.

Frankel describes the community as a place designed for people who want to escape the pace and visibility of city life. The goal is to create an environment where residents can relax, enjoy the outdoors and experience a quieter lifestyle without unnecessary distractions.

Environmental responsibility also plays an important role in the development. Frankel Design Build incorporates environmentally conscious construction practices and is certified under the LEED for Homes program. Homes within Gates Crossing are expected to pursue LEED certification when they fall within applicable size requirements, helping improve energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

The architectural approach throughout the community is designed to remain cohesive with the natural setting. Rather than creating a development that feels heavily planned or commercialized, the vision is for Gates Crossing to eventually feel like a collection of established family ranches that naturally belong within the surrounding landscape.

Each residence is created through Frankel Design Build’s integrated design-build process, which brings architecture, interior design, construction, pools, outdoor living and ongoing home maintenance together under one team. Homeowners also have access to Frankel Home Care, a 24-hour concierge maintenance service supported by a digital management platform.

Outdoor spaces are designed through AVEA Pools & Outdoor Living, allowing pools, patios and other exterior features to complement the architecture and surrounding ranch environment.

The long-term vision is to establish a private, harmonious community where homes remain well maintained, thoughtfully designed and connected to the land. As the properties become multigenerational family ranches, the hope is that Gates Crossing will feel less like a traditional development and more like an established rural community.

Nearby Washington-on-the-Brazos adds another layer of appeal. Often called the “Birthplace of Texas,” the historic site is where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on March 2, 1836. The Republic of Texas Complex includes a visitor center, the Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall and Barrington Living History Farm, along with ongoing restoration and historical interpretation projects.

The acreage of Gates Crossing—1,836 acres—also serves as a subtle reference to the year Texas declared independence.

Ranch sites at Gates Crossing begin at approximately $850,000. Two speculative homes have also been completed and are offered at approximately $3.15 million. A primary showhouse has been furnished and designed by Houston interior designer Alexandra Killion and is available for prospective buyers to tour by appointment.