Round Top

Round Top Texas Homes & Ranches for Sale

When you think of Round Top Texas, the first reaction was originally Antiques. For over fifty years, this small town located 90 miles from Houston and 80 miles from Austin brought in up to 150,000 visitors from all over the world. It has become a “Vintage Hub” for the whole country.

Between the Antique Venue creating the “Vintage Farmhouse” look and the land and location being ideal, over the past few years we have seen an increase in people from Austin and Houston looking for that perfect Vintage Farmhouse on 20 to 50 acres for sale and we have so many options.

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Round Top is located in Fayette County and there are other small areas near Round Top that offer great opportunities for creating that perfect place to retire, weekend getaway for family and friends or new permanent home in the country.

Over the past few years this area has grown and become a destination for visitors looking for a weekend getaway.  A new crop of Bed & Breakfast’s, Charming Inn’s, Fine Restaurants like Lulu’s, Cool Shops and Art Galleries have opened up. The town is bustling and the wine bars like Prost, cool bars like the Ellis Motel and music venues like The Stone Cellar are filled each weekend night.  Round Top is also home to a famous Classical Music Venue called Festival Hill that was built over 40 years ago by fine woodworkers and it’s Gothic Revival Ceilings are a showcase of Texas carpentry. There is also a Shakespeare Performing Arts Program in the nearby area of Winedale.  Located a few miles from Round Top, Winedale or Burton, Carmine or Warrenton has beautiful farms and ranches as well. Come for a weekend and you will never want to leave.

 

Surrounded by rolling hills and wildflower fields in Fayette County, Round Top is best known for its triannual antiques show and fair. But for most of the year, this small town prides itself for its down-home Southern hospitality and relaxed pace of life. No wonder many people would like to snap their own piece of Round Top, TX real estate.

Round Top only covers less than a square mile, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for its tight-knit community and sense of belonging. Here, front-porch conversations flow as easily as the sweet tea, and where the gentle clip-clop of horseshoes against pavement might be the loudest sound you hear all day.

While Round Top delights in its rural atmosphere, it’s far from isolated. It’s conveniently tucked between two major Texan metropolises: Austin to the west and Houston on the opposite side. Whichever direction you choose to go, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via US-290. Both cities are home to two international airports: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

A brief history of Round Top

Round Top’s roots stretch back to the mid-1800s, when its fertile lands drew settlers eager for a fresh start. Like many towns in Fayette County, the town’s original settlers were primarily English families seeking new opportunities. It was Round Top’s German immigrants, however, that left an enduring mark on the town’s character, from its architecture to traditions.

As for the town’s name, its origins can be traced to the former post office: a unique structure adorned with a distinctive round cupola– a beacon for those passing through. As the story goes, stagecoach drivers used to call out “Round Top, next stop!” The nickname stuck, eventually becoming the town’s official name. Round Top was eventually incorporated in 1870.

One can still find remnants of Round Top’s bustling past along Henkel Square, where historic buildings like the renowned Rummel Haus serve as a reminder of the town’s role as a trade center. You can envision the clatter of horse-drawn wagons along its once dusty streets, carrying goods and those seeking prosperity on the Texas frontier. Truly, Round Top holds the stories of pioneers, merchants, and the enduring spirit of generations who shaped this captivating corner of Texas.

Today, Round Top is the year-round home of just over 110 individuals. The local population, however, swells during the popular Antiques Shows. Countless more weekenders and investors also stay in town throughout the year. But whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are just discovering its magic, there’s an undeniable sense of “belonging” in Round Top. Homes for sale in this part of Texas are spaces for genuine connection, and newcomers are always welcomed warmly as old friends.

The magic of Round Top real estate lies in the town’s inherent country charms. Nowhere else in the region can you find a great range of investment opportunities, which is belied by the town’s small size.

Detached single-family homes, luxury farm houses surrounded by acreage, income-producing properties, and finally, large parcels of land, can all be found here at different price points. Round Top also boasts a collection of well-preserved historic properties, some of which date back before Texas independence.

Depending on location and acreage, you can find land parcels starting in the $300,000 range, with larger or more desirable tracts commanding significantly higher prices. Or perhaps you seek a secluded haven cocooned under the shade of live oaks, a place where the pace of life slows to a gentle rhythm. If this sounds like your Texas dream, consider exploring the homes for sale in Round Top, Texas – you might be surprised by the hidden gems you discover.

The spirit of Texas ranching thrives in Round Top, inviting those who dream of working the land and carrying on age-old traditions, like the lowing of cattle under a vast sky, the scent of sun-warmed leather, and the satisfaction of a life built on hard work and connection to the earth. Established ranches come in various sizes and with diverse terrains. Smaller ranches might start around a million dollars, while sprawling, multi-acre properties with extensive infrastructure can easily reach into the multi-million price range.

Round Top’s allure lies in its combination of relaxed living and vibrant experiences. You’ll find quaint cafes serving up home-style breakfasts, and restaurants offering everything from authentic Texas barbecue to upscale contemporary cuisine. Unique boutiques and antique shops line the streets, offering treasures ranging from vintage finds to designer home furnishings.

Highly anticipated events

Throughout the year, Round Top and the other towns along the Antiques Corridor buzz with tons of activity and fanfare because of these festivities:

• The Round Top Antiques Show is one of the Lone Star State’s most legendary events. Held thrice a year (spring, fall, and winter), the show sprawls over two weeks and attracts over 100,000 visitors each time. The entire town of Round Top transforms into an open-air antiques mall, with over 100 venues that include warehouses and even barns and fields. Expect to find a diverse selection of treasures, from classic country furniture and European antiques to contemporary art and decor. Beyond shopping, the Round Top Antiques Show also features a bevy of delicious food options.
• Concerts at the Round Top Festival Institute happen regularly, with the spotlight shining on different talents in classical music. Aspiring musicians can also hone their skills under the watchful eye of experts by signing up for master classes, which are available throughout the year.

Shopping in Round Top

Whether you are looking for new additions to your growing antiques collection or brand-new garb to complement your country lifestyle, Round Top’s retail scene will not disappoint. Some of the best-loved shops in town include the following:

• Market Hill, home to some of the finest collections of antiques and decorative items in the Texas Hill Country. And the best part? It’s open outside of festival season. The Market Hill warehouse spans approximately 119,000 sq. ft. of retail space, with three buildings chock-full of unique finds sourced as far as India and China.
• Round Top Ranch Antiques is open all year round and is one of the go-to places for those on the hunt for European antique furniture. The business is owned by husband-and-wife duo Henrik and Mary Follin, who used to operate the largest antique business in Colorado. Their Round Top showroom also doubles as a bed-and-breakfast, with three cottages open for short-term stays.
• Henkel Square Market is not only a retail destination in Round Top; it’s also one of the town’s most historic squares. Its collection of German historic homes house a wide selection of retail and dining options, such as jewelry shops, design studios, and vintage stores. Henkel Square Market is also the current home of Round Top Antiques and Design Center , one of the regular participants of the Round Top Antiques Show.

Where to eat & drink

Antiques are not Round Top’s only specialty: the town is filled to the brim with dining options and charming watering holes you can’t find anywhere else.

The best restaurants in Round Top

• Duo Modern: The Restaurant at Market Hill is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for a spot of lunch or dinner, especially after hours of browsing the stores at Market Hill. At the heart of the restaurant are two culinary talents: head chef Gino Llanes, who has been cooking up delectable feasts for over 20 years, and his sous chef, Nate Pineda. Together, they created a menu that offers a fresh take on well-loved classics, such as roasted sea bass with coconut ginger sauce, and succulent meats like grilled beef tenderloin with seasonal roasted vegetables.
• Royers Round Top Cafe has been serving gourmet takes on American comfort food in Round Top for the past 35 years– and they show no signs of slowing. Their menu has since expanded to include steak and fish entrees, an extensive wine list, and most of all, 14 kinds of homemade pies, best enjoyed with a generous scoop of Blue Bell ice cream for an additional fee.
• Lulu’s at Hotel Lulu is easily the best Italian restaurant in Round Top. It’s the lovechild of Cinda and Armando Palacios, who thought that a rustic Italian restaurant was the only thing missing in their lives. Bound by love, pasta, and magic, they leased a historic stone building in Round Top and named the restaurant Lulu, which is what Cinda’s grandchildren call her. Come around lunchtime to enjoy a four-course prix-fixe service, or dinner for the full Lulu’s experience.
• Boon & Company offers a delightful mix of gourmet eats and everyday essentials. Imagine fresh pastries and coffee in the morning, followed by a nice selection of salads, pizzas, and sandwiches for lunch– or snacks. They also boast a well-curated wine list and craft cocktails menu for some day drinking or a relaxing wind-down in the evening. Before you go home, check out their selection of specialty groceries, home goods, and unique gifts, all under one roof.

Must-try bars and cafes

• Prost on Block 29 is a go-to wine bar that’s located in a historic stone building. Here, you can sip on a glass or grab a bottle of wine to enjoy indoors or on their lovely outdoor patio. Their curated selection of wines fit almost every palate, from curious beginners to seasoned connoisseurs. Pair your drink with artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and bread for a perfect afternoon or evening.
• Round Top Brewing is a family-run gem known for its handcrafted brews and delicious comfort food. Their claim to fame is their line-up of “nano brews,” which are basically small batch beers brewed in limited quantities. This ensures constant exploration and unique flavor profiles you won’t find anywhere else. Some of their house brews available on tap include the light and bright Juicy Boots, which smell like tropical fruits.
• The Stone Cellar isn’t your typical dance hall. A cozy cocktail bar complements its classic Texas charm. Local brews and wines share the spotlight with creative, seasonal cocktails. The Stone Cellar caters to all tastes, from beer lovers to cocktail aficionados. Catch live music on most nights, making it the perfect place to two-step with other Round Top locals.
• The Original Mandito’s is a margarita mecca, with a special menu that offers a symphony of flavors. Picture frosty glasses brimming with classic lime, or get adventurous with their mango tango, infused with the sweetness of the tropics. The lively patio is the ideal spot to sip your chosen margarita masterpiece under the Texas sun. Friendly staff and infectious music always create a festive atmosphere, no matter the season or weather.

A long-time Fayette County resident, real estate agent Ellen Hart is no stranger to the beauty and charms of Round Top, TX and the eastern Texas Hill Country. After several years of constant trips in the area, Ellen finally moved to Fayette County in 2013 as a licensed real estate professional with an intimate knowledge of local real estate.

Count on Ellen to guide you through the wonderful world of Round Top, TX real estate. Say hello or give her a call at 713.876.8666 to learn about ranches, land, and investment properties in Round Top.