In just a short one-hour drive from Cypress, one can find themselves at a retreat in the Texas countryside, complete with luxury accommodations, adorable farm animals, and a variety of activities.
When one arrives at Milk and Honey Ranch, it is difficult to believe the Phillips knew little to nothing about farming or agriculture when they first purchased the property.
In 2021, Brent and Daniela Phillips originally purchased the 54-acre property as a weekend home to escape suburbia. However, it quickly turned from a weekend getaway to a permanent residence where their family could pursue a slower paced lifestyle.
Brent, who has a background as a software engineer, had spent little time outdoors before purchasing the ranch and relied on YouTube videos for several months to learn the ins and outs of running a farm.
“This was really an experiment to introduce my family to a whole other side of life, and it has been absolutely transformative,” Brent said. “Why I think people should come visit is because we are always in a rush, we are always bracing for the next thing, and to be able to take a moment with luxury and with animals everywhere is a very, very special stay.”
Rather than keeping the farm to themselves, the Phillips felt called to share their new home with others. Starting with an empty attic space and a cabin, they gradually turned homes meant for ranch staff into accommodations for guests.
Now, the ranch has transformed from a private farm to a sprawling resort that contains the charm of the country but has the amenities and accommodations of a luxurious resort. Situated just outside the town of Burnet, the ranch is not only a short drive from Cypress, but also 15 minutes from Round Top, a popular destination for shopping and antiques.
“It has all the beautiful qualities of a farm, based on storybooks, as well as the incredible luxuries of a 5-star resort, and that’s what makes it such a special place to visit,” Daniela said.
Milk and Honey Ranch offers 12 different lodging spaces, from a tree house and “glamping” domes to a one-bedroom cottage and two-bedroom casitas. Larger accommodations include the cabin, the lodge, and the hotel that fits up to eight people. Each unit is equipped with either a full indoor or outdoor kitchen.
Guests also receive a golf cart with their stay, which makes it easy to get around the property, said Monica Carvajal, who works at Milk and Honey Ranch.
When it comes to activities, the ranch offers a variety of outdoor and indoor options depending on one’s vacation style.
“We are very family friendly, there is so much to do here, from older people to babies,” Carvajal said.
Ranch amenities include a resort-style hot tub and pool, indoor gym, spa, game room, lounge room, tennis and pickleball courts, a hiking trail with e-bikes for rent, and more.
For those interested in aquatic activities, the property’s Beach Club is equipped with cabanas, jet skis, paddle boards, and kayaks.
One of the highlights of the ranch is, of course, the animals. The property houses over 400 classic farm animals, such as goats, sheep, horses, pigs, and chickens, along with a mini highland cow named Penny that guests can pay to cuddle and take pictures with.
The name Milk and Honey comes from the Promised Land in the Bible; referred to as the land of milk and honey. But of course it also applies to the fresh milk and local honey from the property. In every welcome basket, guests receive a welcome letter, fresh sourdough bread, and honey from the farm, Carvajal said.
With fully equipped kitchens at each stay, guests can cook meals for themselves or order from the ranch’s menu of farm-to-table meals that includes breakfast, dinner, and charcuterie boards. Each meal is made with organic ingredients from Milk and Honey’s farm or from a trusted local producer, including hand-crafted lattes that do not use any artificial syrups or sweeteners, Carvajal adds.
“If you order a lavender coffee, it’s really made with lavender flowers,” she said.
Most recently, Carvajal said the ranch is in the process of building a café on the property that will serve as a coffee shop and restaurant.
With picturesque countryside and farm-to-table cuisine, the property also offers an event space for family and corporate retreats, weddings, or other celebrations.
While Milk and Honey Ranch serves as a relaxing getaway, the Phillips hope it also helps others disconnect and “reimagine what life is all about.”
“I think it can inspire people to see that if people from the city that knew nothing can build this, then there should be nothing stopping them from trying to do a garden in their backyard or trying to grow some fruit or some vegetables that are in their home,” Carvajal said.
Now, the ranch has transformed from a private farm to a sprawling resort that contains the charm of the country but has the amenities and accommodations of a luxurious resort.
While Milk and Honey Ranch serves as a relaxing getaway, the Phillips hope it also helps others disconnect and “reimagine what life is all about.”