Cordillera Ranch, located just outside Boerne, Texas, is one of the most prestigious master-planned communities in the Texas Hill Country. Known for its luxurious homes, sprawling estate lots, and unparalleled amenities, Cordillera Ranch offers an exclusive lifestyle that attracts those seeking a blend of natural beauty, privacy, and upscale living. For those planning to build a custom home in Cordillera Ranch, the community has specific requirements and guidelines that help maintain its high standards.
In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to build a custom home in Cordillera Ranch, including the community’s key features and building requirements.
About Cordillera Ranch
Cordillera Ranch is a 8,700-acre gated community nestled in the heart of the Hill Country, just 30 minutes from San Antonio. With its panoramic views, world-class amenities, and expansive lots, it’s a top destination for custom home building in Texas.
Key Features of Cordillera Ranch:
- Estate-Sized Lots: Lots range from 1 to 10+ acres, providing homeowners with privacy, space, and room for expansive outdoor living areas.
- Exclusive Amenities: The community is home to the Cordillera Ranch Golf Club, an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, along with a clubhouse, tennis courts, swimming pools, an equestrian center, and more.
- Outdoor Activities: Cordillera Ranch offers river access, hiking trails, and even a private river park along the Guadalupe River, making it perfect for those who love nature and outdoor activities.
- Security and Privacy: As a gated community with 24/7 security, Cordillera Ranch ensures peace of mind for its residents.
Why Build a Custom Home in Cordillera Ranch?
- Luxurious Lifestyle and Natural Beauty
- Cordillera Ranch offers the perfect blend of luxury living and the rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Many homes in the community are custom-built to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, with architectural designs that reflect the natural environment.
- Homeowners can enjoy hilltop vistas, private river access, and outdoor living spaces that take full advantage of the area’s scenic beauty.
- Space and Privacy
- One of the main reasons people choose Cordillera Ranch is the space and privacy it provides. The large estate lots offer enough room to build expansive homes, guest houses, and outdoor features like pools, courtyards, or tennis courts, all while maintaining significant distance from neighboring properties.
- Whether you prefer a secluded lot tucked into the hills or a riverside property with access to the Guadalupe River, Cordillera Ranch has a variety of lot options to suit different lifestyles.
- Access to World-Class Amenities
- Building a home in Cordillera Ranch comes with access to the Cordillera Ranch Club, which features amenities such as golf, tennis, spa services, and a fitness center. Residents can also enjoy horseback riding at the equestrian center, fishing along the river, or relaxing by the resort-style pool.
- For golf enthusiasts, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is one of the top-rated courses in Texas, making Cordillera Ranch a haven for those who enjoy the sport.
Building Requirements in Cordillera Ranch
Building in Cordillera Ranch involves meeting specific guidelines designed to maintain the community’s luxury feel and preserve its natural beauty. These requirements ensure that all homes in the community meet high design and construction standards.
- Minimum Home Size
- Homes in Cordillera Ranch must meet minimum square footage requirements, which vary depending on the size of the lot and the section of the community. Generally:
- Single-story homes must be at least 3,000 square feet.
- Two-story homes must have a minimum of 3,500 square feet.
- These size requirements help maintain the upscale nature of the community, ensuring that homes are proportionate to the large estate lots.
- Homes in Cordillera Ranch must meet minimum square footage requirements, which vary depending on the size of the lot and the section of the community. Generally:
- Architectural Guidelines
- Cordillera Ranch enforces architectural standards to ensure that all homes complement the natural surroundings and maintain a cohesive look throughout the community. The architectural styles encouraged in the community include Hill Country, Mediterranean, and Spanish Colonial designs, with a focus on high-quality materials.
- Exterior Materials: Homes must be constructed with natural materials such as stone, stucco, or brick. The use of durable, aesthetically pleasing materials is required to ensure that homes are built to last and blend with the Hill Country landscape.
- Roofing: Preferred roofing materials include clay tile, metal, or high-end shingles, which are designed to withstand the Hill Country’s climate and contribute to the community’s luxurious appearance.
- Approval by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
- Before any construction begins, home plans must be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for approval. The ARC reviews each home’s design to ensure that it complies with the community’s architectural guidelines and fits within the overall aesthetic of Cordillera Ranch.
- Plan Submission: Homeowners and their builders must submit detailed architectural plans, including elevations, exterior materials, roof design, and landscaping. This ensures that the home’s design aligns with the community’s vision and meets the ARC’s standards.
- The approval process can take several weeks, so it’s important to work closely with an experienced builder and architect familiar with Cordillera Ranch’s guidelines to avoid delays.
- Setback and Lot Requirements
- Homes in Cordillera Ranch must adhere to setback requirements to ensure that properties maintain a sense of openness and privacy. Setbacks typically include:
- Front setbacks of 50 feet or more.
- Side and rear setbacks that vary depending on the size of the lot and proximity to neighboring properties.
- These setback rules ensure that homes are appropriately spaced and that views are preserved, maintaining the overall beauty of the neighborhood.
- Homes in Cordillera Ranch must adhere to setback requirements to ensure that properties maintain a sense of openness and privacy. Setbacks typically include:
- Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
- Landscaping plays an important role in maintaining the natural beauty of Cordillera Ranch. The community encourages the use of native, drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping to preserve the natural environment and reduce water consumption.
- Fencing and Outdoor Structures: Fencing and outdoor features such as pools, patios, and courtyards must also comply with the ARC’s guidelines. Wrought iron and stone are preferred fencing materials, and any additional structures must be approved to ensure they fit the aesthetic of the property and surrounding area.
- Green Building and Sustainability
- While not required, Cordillera Ranch encourages the use of green building techniques and sustainable materials. This can include the use of energy-efficient windows, insulation, and appliances, as well as incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels. The community’s focus on blending with nature makes sustainable building practices a natural fit.
Working with a Custom Home Builder
Choosing the right custom home builder is essential when building in Cordillera Ranch. The community’s architectural standards and high-quality expectations mean that you need a builder who is experienced in luxury home construction and familiar with the ARC’s approval process.
- Research Builders: Look for builders who have completed projects in Cordillera Ranch or similar luxury communities. Builders with a track record of delivering high-quality custom homes will be better equipped to navigate the ARC’s guidelines and meet the community’s standards.
- Tour Homes: Visiting homes that your prospective builder has completed can give you a good sense of their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Conclusion
Building a custom home in Cordillera Ranch offers a unique opportunity to enjoy luxury living in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. With its expansive lots, world-class amenities, and strict architectural standards, the community provides an ideal setting for creating a dream home that blends elegance with natural beauty.
Whether you’re seeking a sprawling estate with panoramic views or a cozy retreat near the Guadalupe River, Cordillera Ranch offers the space, privacy, and luxury to create a home that fits your lifestyle. By following the community’s building requirements and working with an experienced custom home builder, you can ensure that your home is a perfect fit for this prestigious neighborhood.