living history
Texas ranch with Stephen F. Austin tie hits the market at $14.8M
If you can rustle up $14.8 million, you can purchase a 91-acre Texas ranch that’s a piece of Texas history.
The Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch, situated about eight miles east of Sealy near I-10, is located on property within Stephen F. Austin land-grant territory near Houston.
In the early 1800s, Austin — nicknamed the “Father of Texas” — obtained land grants to colonize what then was part of Mexico. The number of land-grant recipients totaled 297, including Austin, according to the Texas State Historical Commission. The settlers came to be known as Austin’s Old 300, even though the number of grantees was three shy of that number.

Nestled along the Brazos River, the Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch (3401 Pueblo Viejo Ln., Sealy) was designed by Kai Geschke and built by Kirksey Homes in 2020. The 6,777-square-foot main house features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two partial bathrooms.
“The single-story main home showcases masterful craftsmanship, premium finishes, and a timeless design with world-class masonry and woodworking found throughout the property,” say real estate agents Walter Bering and Linda Plant of Houston-based Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, which has the listing.
Former polo players John Hall and Leigh Anne Schnell Hall are selling the ranch. They’re the father and stepmother of trophy-winning professional polo player Jeff Hall.

A barn on the estate is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn and features eight oversized stalls, air-conditioned tack room, reclaimed algarrobo doors, quebracho wood countertops, and vintage railroad spikes as functional art.
Highlights of the gated estate include:
- Primary suite with river views.
- Guest suite with kitchenette.
- His-and-hers offices.
- Gym and sauna.
- Screened-in porch.
- Butler’s pantry.
- Infinity-edge swimming pool.
- Winery and vineyard.
- Barn with eight horse stalls and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment equipped with a kitchen.
- Staff quarters with three apartments and a 3,200-square-foot equipment shop.
- 125-kilowatt power generator.








