2,808 Acres Milll Springs Ranch
Central-Hill Country Ranch for Sale in Bandera County, Texas

Completed in 2012, the main homestead comprises four structures arranged around a shaded courtyard, with 4,324± square feet of conditioned space and 3,288± square feet of unconditioned space. Locally quarried limestone, steel, and expansive glass create a timeless connection to the land. Large sliding doors open the main living and dining spaces to creek breezes and water views, while a covered, dogtrot-style breezeway connects the primary and secondary bedrooms to the gathering areas. The compound includes five bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom: three in the main house and two in separate guest quarters across the courtyard. An additional half bathroom serves the kitchen and dining area. Outdoor fireplaces, tiered fire pits, and lounge areas extend the living experience toward the water, with a swim porch and kayak dock providing direct access to the pool formed by the adjacent dam. Natural ventilation is supplemented by a geothermal HVAC system. The residence has been featured in The Wall Street Journal’s Mansion section and House & Garden. 

Additional accommodations are provided by the Miller Porch House, a separate Lake Flato guest residence positioned on a point overlooking the beautiful Hill Country landscape. The main living and dining area is connected to the primary bedroom by a covered dogtrot breezeway oriented to capture views and prevailing breezes. A short walk across the courtyard are two additional bedrooms that share a bathroom. A carport completes the improvements. 

Two foremen’s houses, also designed by Lake Flato, each offer approximately 1,600 square feet of living space, including three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an office. The first was built around 2013–2014, while the second was constructed in 2022–2023. Additionally, there is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom hunter’s cabin with a kitchen. The “Secret Spring” camping area offers a small, one-room cabin with cots, a wood-burning stove, and a fire pit.  

The Lake Flato-designed main barn includes a workshop, vehicle bays, a game-cleaning station with a walk-in cooler, a half bathroom, and storage areas. An extensive garden area and a separate fire pit are located near the barn. A smaller barn adjoining the working cattle pens provides an additional workshop and equipment bays. Other infrastructure includes a two-tower, drive-under corn and protein storage silo, multiple feeders, and supplemental wildlife watering stations.  

Approximately 20 miles of caliche roads and six miles of unimproved grass or dirt roads provide access throughout the property. The ranch is high-fenced and divided into three approximately equal pastures, one of which is independently enclosed by high fencing. Fencing around the separate pasture is reported to be in very good condition, while the remaining fencing varies considerably, with some sections in the rugged canyons in need of repair. 

Water is unquestionably the centerpiece of Mill Springs Ranch. The primary spring near the main compound is among the most impressive we have encountered in more than 27 years of selling Hill Country properties. The homestead was thoughtfully designed and engineered at the confluence of Mill Creek and an unnamed creek fed by the primary spring, weaving flowing water into the improvements. Dams on both creeks form cypress-lined pools of blue-green water, with multiple access points connecting the residences to swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The dam near the main house doubles as a pedestrian crossing, while integrated channels and concrete water features carry the sights and sounds of flowing water throughout the courtyard. Just downstream, a third dam on Mill Creek creates another beautiful pool beside a mature pecan grove, providing a spectacular approach from the main gate to the residence. 

A particularly rare asset is that the springs and headwaters supplying the homestead’s water features originate within the ranch boundaries. According to the sellers, the primary spring has never ceased flowing since their purchase in 2008 and has consistently supplied enough water to spill over the main dam, even during severe drought. 

Additional springs and creek drainages further distinguish the property. A secluded “Hidden Spring” creates a tucked-away wildlife watering hole. The South Fork North Prong Medina River originates on the ranch and is primarily a wet-weather drainage here, although a prominent spring feeds an attractive water hole near the hunter’s cabin. Dryden Creek, Eubanks Creek, and Bottle Springs Creek also originate on the property. These drainages are predominantly wet-weather in this location, with springs occurring along portions of their courses. Two ponds provide additional surface water, the larger encompassing just over one acre when full. 

The main residence is supplied by spring water, while water wells serve the guest residences and numerous livestock troughs throughout the ranch. 

A significant portion of the ranch has been selectively cleared of cedar, showcasing mature native oaks and encouraging native grass growth. The 881± acres protected by a conservation easement for Golden-Cheeked Warbler habitat remain largely in their natural state, complemented by roads, hiking trails, and strategically positioned hunting locations. The easement restricts construction but allows hunting, hiking, cattle grazing, and maintenance of existing roads and trails.  

The ranch features an impressive diversity of native trees, including Live Oak, Post Oak, Spanish Oak, Lacey Oak, and Chinquapin Oak. Pecan, black walnut, and cedar elm enhance the creek bottoms and drainages, while towering, century-old cypress trees line the main creek.  

Terrain transitions from deep box canyons, rugged hillsides, and expansive views across the southern portion to gently rolling, highly usable land on the northern side. The divide between the Medina and Sabinal River watersheds runs through the property, with northern drainages flowing toward the Medina River and southern drainages toward the Sabinal River. 

Mill Springs Ranch supports abundant wildlife, benefiting from ongoing management and an extensive distribution of water. Native game includes whitetail deer, turkey, dove, and wild hogs. A red deer herd primarily occupies the separately high-fenced Windmill Pasture, while other exotic species have also been observed. The presence of nine bison further contributes to the ranch’s wildlife diversity. Supplemental feeders and wildlife watering stations complement the natural habitat.  

The creeks offer fishing for bass and perch, along with the unusual opportunity to catch stocked rainbow trout reaching approximately three pounds. According to the sellers, the strength and cold temperature of the springs have allowed some trout to survive for as long as three years, distinguishing the ranch from seasonal Texas trout fisheries that require annual restocking.  

The property maintains agricultural valuation through wildlife management, with a newly approved five-year management plan. According to the sellers, nine golden-cheeked warbler conservation credits remain available for sale within the existing easement. 

Negotiable. Contact broker for details.

Access is via N. Mill Creek Road, which terminates at the front gate. The ranch is located approximately 5 miles northeast of Vanderpool, 15 miles north of Utopia, 18 miles west of Medina, 80 miles northwest of San Antonio, 135 miles southwest of Austin, and 275 miles west of Houston.