Just a few miles off the rush of Highway 290 and down a bumpy gravel road, the landscape opens and an unexpected world unfolds. Scattered across wide fields of wildflowers and prickly grasses rest centuries-old stone buildings and original cattle chutes, timeworn and sturdy. Down a gentle slope, Barton Creek rustles over rocks, and a massive oak stands, its limbs outstretched like weathered arms protecting the stories of generations past.
“The hidden gems are tucked away all over Dripping Springs,” says Stephanie Pope, a realtor with NestHaven Properties. “There are surprises around every corner.”
Pope is just the person to unearth these real estate treasures. With 14 years in the industry under her leather belt, she combines a love for people with her deep affection for Dripping Springs to help clients discover their perfect property. “I love meeting people and hearing their stories, and if you’re a really good listener, you can tap into things that they don’t even know they want,” she says. “The whole journey of learning people and finding their home is so rewarding.”
Pope’s ability to genuinely connect with her clients stems from professional experience as well as something far more personal. Through enduring the betrayal, loss, and pain of an abusive relationship, Pope has developed an empathy that allows her to truly meet people where they are, with authenticity and compassion.
As she gets to know her clients, Pope guides them to uncover what makes Dripping Springs special. From her NestHaven Properties office, located in an iconic limestone house right in the heart of the town, she urges people to experience Drip by visiting quintessential places like Patriots’ Hall, Dripping Springs Distilling, Hudson's on Mercer, Reimers Ranch, and more.
“It’s not just about exploring the real estate opportunities we have,” she notes. “It’s also about exploring the town, from the music scene to dining, recreation, the schools, the Friday Night Lights. There’s something here for everybody.”
With real estate opportunities ranging from small, garden-style homes to sprawling ranches, Pope has the creativity to help clients find just the right fit. “I encourage people to step out of the box a little bit,” she says. “It’s not just the house or the grass it sits on; it’s everything around it—the whole experience.”
Pope recalls such a property that revealed unexpected charm: “It looked like just a little cabin in the middle of the grass, but then if you explored, it was pretty spectacular.” Secreted away was a stunning box canyon filled with caves, ferns, and literal dripping springs. They even encountered a wild turkey with her young poults in tow. “That place was amazing,” she remembers. “And if you weren’t ready to explore, you would never know it.”
While stepping out of the comfort zone might feel intimidating, Pope knows something about being fearless. “I want people to know that I’m a strong survivor and that I’m an advocate, a listener,” she shares. “I love helping people. If it’s helping them buy or sell a house, that’s great. And if it’s helping them get through a difficult personal situation, then I’m here.”
Just as she helps her clients explore the hills and hollows of Dripping Springs to uncover the perfect home, she has navigated her own rough terrain, emerging grounded, glowing, and deeply attuned to others. Sometimes, the most beautiful places—and our own exquisite strength—are discovered just off the beaten path.
PopeTeam.NestHavenProperties.com | @popeteamrealestate | facebook.com/popeteamtx
NestHaven Properties: Where Real Estate Feels Like Home
Founded in 2023, NestHaven Properties is a younger brokerage that has already woven itself into the fabric of Dripping Springs life. In just a short time, the company has formed a close-knit family dedicated to serving both clients and community.
Operating from its charming office right on Mercer Street in the middle of downtown Drip’s hustle and bustle, the team is deeply connected to the town. NestHaven proudly sponsors some of Dripping Springs’ most beloved traditions, including Founders Day, the Eggstravaganza helicopter egg drop, Songwriters Festival, and Christmas on Mercer.
“We want to tap into the community; that’s what it’s all about,” says Pope. “We want to serve the community that we live in, work in, and play in.”