The Latest at The Essex Ranch: Framing, Family, and Fun
Greetings from The Essex Ranch! It’s been an exciting and busy few weeks filled with family adventures and ranch progress. As we continue to turn this slice of Texas countryside into a place we call home, we’re thrilled to share some new updates. From wedding celebrations to ATV adventures and fresh construction milestones, there’s always something happening around here.
A Beautiful Celebration and a Blissful Honeymoon
First things first—Alex and Austin are officially married! Their wedding was nothing short of magical, with the whole family gathered for a three-day celebration that we’ll cherish forever. Alex was an absolutely stunning bride, and Austin, the most dashing groom. With heartfelt vows and plenty of dancing, it was a picture-perfect ceremony. Afterward, they jetted off to a honeymoon filled with snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, spa relaxation, and sun-soaked afternoons by the pool. Now they’re back, refreshed and ready to jump into newlywed life.
Ranch Construction: Framing, Glass, and Stone
While the wedding festivities kept us busy, there’s been no slowing down on the ranch’s progress. The framing is coming along beautifully, and two of our favorite features are taking shape—the glass corridors and the massive pass-through picture window overlooking the lake. Imagine walking through glass-lined hallways where the ranch’s natural beauty feels close enough to touch. As for the picture window, it’s not just big; it’s huge. It frames the lake like a living piece of art and opens up to the back patio, making it perfect for entertaining—or simply gazing out at the water over morning coffee.
With so much happening, we’re also locking in some design choices. We’ve selected the wood panels and colors for both the exterior and interior, as well as the stone that will give the house its timeless, rugged look. The plumbing and tile decisions for the guest house and bathrooms are underway too, because no detail is too small when it comes to creating our dream space.
Digging Deeper (Literally)
The excavators have been hard at work transforming the landscape. The new lake is almost fully dug out and just waiting for that first rain to fill it up. We’ve also added new culverts and dams to improve the flow at the pond and other lakes. Oh, and a new rock drive now stretches from the entrance to the house—an attempt to combat the dust, which is still a bit persistent. But progress is never without a little dirt, right?
ATV Adventures and the Snake Boot Debate
Recently, we hosted a lovely couple from the Netherlands who were new to the Texas countryside—and to riding ATVs. Shon took them on a thrilling ride through the woods and hills, carving out fresh trails as they experienced the ranch’s rugged beauty. After sunset, they enjoyed the Texas sky in all its glory, with stars twinkling above and deer dashing through the fields (not to mention a skunk or two making a surprise appearance).
During their visit, a playful debate came up about the practicalities of life out here. After reading one of our earlier blogs, they wondered whether my snake boots were genuinely for protection or just a fashion statement. The debate was settled with a photo of me proudly showing off the boots—because, out here, safety comes first!
Firing Range Fun and Family Time
A few weekends ago, the new firing range saw some action as Hannah, Tanner, and Hunter tried their hand at target practice. Turns out, we have some skilled shooters in the family—Hannah and Hunter hit their marks impressively, and Tanner showed off his steady aim and enthusiasm. It was great to see everyone enjoying the range, making the most of the ranch’s outdoor amenities.
Hunter is gearing up for a new adventure of her own as she prepares to start aesthetic school in January. With her career change, she was finally able to make it to a family dinner for the first time in a year, and we’re thrilled to have her joining us more often for ranch activities. In fact, Megan and Angel are planning their first sleepover at the ranch this weekend, and we’re looking forward to making even more memories.
Looking Ahead: Landscaping, Greenhouse, and Beyond
As we continue shaping The Essex Ranch, our vision is coming into sharper focus. We’re honing in on the landscape design, aiming for a blend of natural beauty and curated spaces that will enhance the ranch’s charm. Plans for the greenhouse and outdoor kitchen garden are in the works, setting the stage for a sustainable lifestyle that connects us to the land in a meaningful way.
There’s still a lot more to do, but every step brings us closer to making The Essex Ranch the family retreat and forever home we’ve always dreamed of. We’ll be back soon with more updates, including some video footage of the latest framing progress—and maybe even a few more ATV adventures.
Until next time, thanks for following our journey. We can’t wait to share what’s coming next!
With love and a little Texas dust,
The Essex Ranch
