An Austin-based multifamily developer has expanded into ranchland along the Pedernales River. Craig Hughes, co-founder of OHT Partners and an Austin native, acquired a 611-acre property in Blanco County through an LLC from J. Dan Brown, who is president of Brown Distributing Company. Public records confirm the transaction, though the sale price was not disclosed. The ranch had been listed for $15.2 million at the time of sale.
Located about an hour west of Austin near Johnson City, the property features a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom house built in classic Hill Country style with limestone cladding and a corrugated metal roof. The land includes half a mile of waterfront on both sides of the river and is divided by Cottonwood Creek, which forms pools during rainy seasons due to a dammed section. Four water wells serve both wildlife and residential needs.
Mark Connally with Dullnig Ranch Sales represented the listing. Dullnig Ranch Sales is owned by Robert Dullnig, an agent with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty and recognized as a leading broker in ranch properties.
The Pedernales River remains popular for recreation in the Hill Country region, known for its scenery and hunting opportunities. Other large ranches are also on the market nearby; for example, an 886-acre ranch near Fredericksburg is listed at $29.5 million and a 3,290-acre ranch near Kerrville with a 9,000-square-foot home is asking $49 million—both listings held by Dullnig.
Waterfront properties in this area attract buyers from Austin’s wealthier circles. Last year, four out of ten top residential sales in Travis County were located west of Austin on the Colorado River.
The high-fenced property supports native wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, hogs, and dove as well as exotic species including Oryx and Blackbuck antelope.
OHT Partners ranks among Texas’ largest multifamily developers. Its completed projects include Oak at Katy Park in Houston, Mustang in Dallas, Eviva at Trinity Mills in Carrollton, and Perch single-family rental homes in Denton.
