Areté Inches Closer to 2,200-Acre Texas Hill Country Project

A firm based in Salt Lake City is headed to the Texas Hill Country for its first development.

Areté Collective is moving forward with development of a 2,200-acre master-planned community along Lake Travis, just outside of Austin.

Dubbed Loraloma, the resort-style community will have 400 homes, a golf course and a boutique hotel, according to a news release. Loraloma marks the first phase of Thomas Ranch, Areté’s master-planned community in Spicewood. The first 25 lots hit the market this summer.

Loraloma residents will have access to nature trails, more than 2 miles of river frontage and a private clubhouse. The 18-hole golf course is designed by David McLay-Kidd, who designed Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Beaverbrook in England.

Other collaborators include architecture firm Denton House and luxury real estate firm IMI Worldwide Properties, which will lead sales.

At full build, Thomas Ranch will have up to 4,000 residences around Lake Travis. The community will feature its own town center with restaurants, retail, an entertainment and cultural center, a grocery store, schools and healthcare.

Areté chose the Hill Country because of its scenic landscapes and close proximity to Austin, managing director Joe Rentfro said.

Construction for the golf course will start in September. The company is in the approval process with Travis and Burnet counties.