They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and when it comes to real estate, that saying rings very true—particularly for all of the rich and famous homebuyers who are flocking to the southern state in search of cheaper living costs, more lavish amenities, and a better quality of life.
The influx of celebrities has seen Texas’ star power grow exponentially in recent years and has sparked a surge in the number of ultra-lavish homes being sold in the area.
Everyone from Matthew McConaughey to “Top Gun: Maverick” star Glen Powell now call “Texafornia” their home, having abandoned Hollywood for the Lone Star State.
But what exactly do these high-profile homebuyers look for when seeking out their dream property?
According to Derek Loebbecke, a real estate agent with Texas Ranch Sales, A-listers are after much more than a backyard pool and a large living space.
(Getty Images)
(Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
According to the 2024 Texas Relocation Report, 668,000 people moved to the state in 2022, with more than 100,000 coming from California alone, the most of any other location.
And all things Texas, including the red-hot “ cowgirl core” trend (thanks, Beyoncé!), further cement the Lone Star State as a trendsetter.
VIP: Very Important Privacy
“There is an abundance of land in Texas, which lends itself to privacy, especially if a celebrity or ultra-wealthy individual desires it and can afford to purchase hundreds, if not thousands, of acres,” Loebbecke explains.
Finances are also a factor, he adds, noting that “many ranches have agricultural-use exemptions that allow for tax breaks and gives good reason to park money here in the form of real estate.”
Wellness perks
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
Prioritizing one’s health and well-being is paramount to a celeb who strives to look and feel good at all times. Enter wellness perks in the home, says Damian Hall, a real estate agent with the Damian Hall Group.
He notes that A-listers searching for a new property will oftentimes prioritize homes that offer impressive amenities aimed at caring for the mind and body.
“Wellness is the overwhelming theme that I’m seeing with the celeb crowd—and it includes things like infrared saunas, plunge pools, a fully outfitted gym, and lap pools,” he explains.
The custom Mediterranean estate, above, offers these exact perks. In fact, the current owners gave up one of the bedrooms in order to transform it into a wellness studio with a sauna, cold plunge pool, and a red-light bed, which emits light waves that can treat certain skin conditions.
Airport access
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
Hall notes that being near a major airport is also key for a celeb in Texas.
“Close proximity to an airport for the ‘PJ’ [private jet] is an important consideration,” he explains.
Having your own airstrip would be ideal, of course, but this listing isn’t too shabby. It boasts a lighted tennis court plus a pool with a spa and waterfall, and it’s just minutes from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Hedges
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
“Privacy is the ultimate luxury,” shares Jenny Lenz, a real estate agent and managing director at Dolly Lenz Real Estate.
Lenz and her team live and breathe high-end properties, which means they’re very familiar with what it takes to appeal to this demographic.
“These people often look for homes with extensive fencing, dense hedges, and lush landscaping that shield them from prying eyes,” she says.
The sizable green bushes outside this Texas residence bring to mind homes in the Hamptons, that tony Long Island enclave known for its stately rows of privet hedges. The estate’s interiors were created by HGTV Design Star winner Leslie Christine Ezelle, and the exterior is protected by a sculpted hedgerow.
Room for catering
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
Celebs tend to travel with family members as well as an entourage, including nannies, assistants, and other staff. And all of these folks need to be fed. For this, the home requires enough room to make and serve large meals.
“A prep kitchen is important for a private chef to come on site to prepare food for the homeowners as well as guests staying on the property,” says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Los Angeles.
This luxe listing sports more than 7,000 square feet, and the kitchen is top of the line. The cook space here offers custom cabinets, a huge island, a wet bar, pantry, and the all-important prep kitchen where caterers or a private cook can whip up snacks and meals for the household.
Motor court
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A motor court isn’t just where your car pulls up. These days, a dwelling with this feature makes a high-end design statement with this transitional space. Ameer lists a motor court as very desirable for guests to unload easily near the home. Similarly, sizable garages are often coveted for car collections.
The motor court shown here is beautifully laid out with both bricks and concrete for visual interest. It’s also surrounded by mature trees and set off by flower beds and a rock garden.
And having a motor court adds an extra layer of security (the one pictured is gated). And it allows for a barrier of privacy and even safety from a busy road near the home, especially if kids and pets need to be herded to and from the car frequently.
