Bumping over grasses, rocks, and rough dirt roads, our Polaris weaves through a maze of trees, down rocky slopes, and along cliff bases. Suddenly, a hidden gem emerges—a majestic grotto, its smooth stone walls sculpted by Mother Nature herself. Small ferns unfurl from its hollows, adding splashes of life to this raw Hill Country landscape.
My tour guides on this chilly, deceptively sunny day are Mike and Kim Clinard, founders and developers of Ranches at Dripping Springs, a premier luxury neighborhood unlike any other.
At a time when Drip is feeling the growing pains of rapid development and population surges, the Clinards are committed to preserving the area’s natural beauty and conserving precious reserves. “We have created a 389-acre, low-density luxury community with upscale ranch-style living that will never have more than 26 homesites, protecting this land from over-development and playing our part in protecting God’s creation,” says Kim.
This vision and promise to defend the unblemished stretch of the Hill Country dictates the Clinards’ mission for Ranches at Dripping Springs: Honor the land.
“Dedicating ourselves to honoring the land not only cultivates a sense of community but also promotes collective responsibility toward our environment,” says Mike. “This mindset encourages individuals to engage in sustainable practices, protect resources, and work together for the common good.”
The property’s 26 “ranchettes” each span approximately 15 acres and can never be subdivided, preserving the land from over-development forever. “When communities prioritize stewardship, they can create resilient ecosystems and foster a deeper connection to the land, ultimately leading to enhanced well-being and a shared identity,” states Mike.
The entryway to Ranches at Dripping Springs embodies the Clinards’ dedication to conservation and their commitment to detail. The gated entrance will feature planters and signage intended to rust naturally as well as native grass, wildflowers, vine-covered trellises, xeriscape, and rock beds designed with an aesthetic of organic beauty and authenticity. “We want the experience to be mostly untouched but with a trendy, high-end feeling,” says Mike.
In this Ranches at Dripping Springs experience, the neighborhood’s private entrance is a real-life gateway to the Hill Country. A beautifully paved road is lined by graceful custom fences. “The infrastructure of the neighborhood is what you’re ‘wowed’ with when you first drive in,” says Jan Moreland, of Moreland Properties, who is co-listing the Ranches at Dripping Springs project along with Ben Morton. “Then you keep moving through the neighborhood, and you realize how amazing the views are.”
Indeed, from Ranches at Dripping Springs’ vantage point, the Hill Country unfolds in a sweeping panorama, rolling over vast ranchland and rich foliage. “Views in Dripping are hard to come by,” she says. “Ranches at Dripping Springs has views for miles that are absolutely stunning.”
Similarly, the individual ranchettes reveal serene, sprawling scenery. “Along with the landscape, the views, and the different topography, each lot has a beautiful homesite area. Each lot is so unique and has so much beauty,” says Moreland.
A handful of these homesites are already under construction, including two exceptional custom homes by Keith Wing Custom Builders that will be completed and available for purchase this summer. Upon his first visit to Ranches at Dripping Springs, Keith Wing was captivated by the unique charm and potential of the development. “This ranchette community delivers a high-end lifestyle complemented by stunning views,” he shares. “It’s truly unparalleled in terms of value for this type of investment.”
The extraordinary neighborhood has been delicately carved from the untamed wilderness to maximize its native features with minimal disruption. “We want to leave it as natural as possible,” shares Mike. Each homesite is carefully chosen for its epic views and natural elements, revealing a treasure trove of stone formations, grottos, ponds, and mature trees like madrone, cypress, and various oak species.
Several lots within the community also boast acres of horse pastureland, a testament to the diligent restoration efforts of Ranches at Dripping Springs following a devastating fire that burned 400 acres a few years ago. The once-burned grassland has been rejuvenated, transforming the charred landscape into vibrant pastures, lush and green each spring.
The ranchettes at Ranches at Dripping Springs provide the charm of ranch living without the demands of managing a large operation. Their wide-open spaces beckon animal lovers to the rural homesteads, where they can keep horses, goats, llamas, donkeys—even a longhorn. Families can raise their children in nature, enjoying acres of wilderness wonderland and unlimited opportunities to play and explore. “They’re trading their iPads for climbing in trees,” Kim offers. And although the lots are expansive and private, the neighborhood nonetheless offers a sense of community and connection.
The thoughtful planning that makes Ranches at Dripping Springs a beautiful place to live also translates to its tangible efforts to honor and protect the land. In the face of recent droughts and dwindling water supplies, the community is an example of forward-thinking water conservation strategies. Each property owner will have a well to secure their water future and foster sustainability, and Ranches at Dripping Springs offers a $25,000 incentive at closing for building a rainwater collection system.
All property owners also take part in wildlife management practices, which primarily focus on protecting and supporting the bird population by providing bird feeders and nest boxes. Through this program, which also includes conducting a yearly bird census, each Ranches at Dripping Springs lot falls under the wildlife agriculture exemption, meaning they are nearly property-tax free (excluding the home and one acre around it).
Additionally, the neighborhood follows Dark Sky Community practices to avoid light pollution and limits animal grazing to prevent land degradation. “The way that Mike and Kim have encouraged conservation is just an added element and a plus for the community,” says Moreland.
This deep commitment to preserving natural green spaces is vital for Dripping Springs. “The balance between development and environmental stewardship is crucial for the future sustainability of the area,” Mike shares.
With thoughtful development, Ranches at Dripping Springs has created a community that prioritizes the health of the land, thereby protecting the environment and enhancing the lives of all who call it home. Built upon loved land and supporting a resilient, thriving future, the exquisite properties at Ranches at Dripping Springs will endure for generations, truly becoming forever homes.
RanchesAtDrippingSprings.com | @ranchesat
Moreland.com | @morelandproperties
Sidebar: Ranches at Dripping Springs is the latest exceptional project by Ranches At, the renowned developer behind the highly acclaimed Ranches at Sentinel Peak in Fischer, Ranches at Big Mountain near Horseshoe Bay, and Ranches at Canyon Crossing near Canyon Lake High School.
"Ranches at Dripping Springs has views for miles that are absolutely stunning.”