If you are searching for a gated, luxury acreage community in the Texas Hill Country where no two homes look alike and your nearest neighbor is not visible from your front porch, La Ventana in Driftwood deserves a serious look. La Ventana sits just southwest of Austin off FM 150 and Elder Hill Road in Driftwood’s 78619 zip code. The community was established around 2003 and built out through 2013, with a handful of privately owned vacant lots still available for custom construction. What sets La Ventana apart from other luxury communities in the area is its amenity package — resort-style pool, clubhouse, fitness center, sport courts, and a putting green — combined with 1 to 5+ acre lots and a fully gated perimeter. This guide covers everything you need to know before scheduling a showing: current market stats, schools, property taxes, HOA details, commute times, and the honest tradeoffs serious buyers need to understand.
La Ventana At a Glance
- Location: Elder Hill Road off FM 150, Driftwood TX 78619
- Community Type: Gated, custom-built luxury acreage
- Lot Sizes: 0.85 to 8+ acres
- Home Sizes: Approximately 2,800 to 9,500 sq ft; most homes are 3,500–3,900 sq ft
- Bedrooms/Bathrooms: Typically 3–6 bed / 3–7 bath
- HOA Dues: $100 to $146/month (varies by lot)
- School Districts: Hays ISD (majority), Wimberley ISD, Dripping Springs ISD
- Gated: Yes, full perimeter gate
- Water/Utilities: Community well; propane tank on each lot
La Ventana Homes for Sale
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La Ventana Current Market Snapshot
Before reaching out to schedule a showing, here is a snapshot of what the market looks like right now so you can set realistic expectations on pricing, competition, and timeline.
Active Listings (as of August 2026)
- Active Listings: 11 homes currently available
- List Price Range: $899,000 to $1,895,000
- Median List Price: $1,389,000
- Average List Price: $1,449,455
- Average Price Per Sq Ft (Active): $376/sq ft
- Average Days on Market (Active): 76 days
- Lot Sizes (Active): 1.05 to 2.64 acres
Sold Data (August 2025 – August 2026)
- Homes Sold: 22
- Sold Price Range: $782,500 to $2,180,000
- Median Sold Price: $1,205,000
- Average Sold Price: $1,226,227
- Average Price Per Sq Ft (Sold): $332
- Median Days on Market: 97 days
- Average Days on Market: 133 days
- Median Sale-to-List Ratio: 97% of list price
La Ventana is an active luxury market with real transaction volume. Homes are selling at a median of 97 cents on the dollar, which means list prices are generally reasonable but there is negotiating room. The wider spread between average and median days on market (97 vs. 133) reflects that well-priced, well-presented homes move in 2–3 months while overpriced or dated homes sit significantly longer. Buyers have options right now, and patience is rewarded.
See current listings, live pricing, and the full market snapshot on the La Ventana homes for sale page →
Where is La Ventana?
La Ventana is located just west of the Co Rd 170 and FM 150 interchange off Elder Hill Road in Driftwood’s 78619 zip code. To get to La Ventana, take FM 1826 southwest and make a left on FM 150. Then, make a right on Co Rd 170 (Elder Hill Road) and make a left to enter La Ventana from La Ventana Parkway. Explore other Driftwood neighborhoods in our Driftwood Neighborhood Guide.
What Does La Ventana Look Like?
La Ventana reads as Hill Country estate living from the moment you pass through the gate. Streets meander through gently rolling terrain, lined with mature live oaks and cedar. Homes sit far back from the road on lots that range from lush and manicured to deliberately natural and native-planted. You will not find two homes that look the same, and you will not find a neighbor’s window staring into yours.
Stone and stucco exteriors dominate, with metal roofs, iron entry doors, and deep covered porches that face the Hill Country. Many homes have private pools tucked into back acreage, invisible from the street. The neighborhood has a quiet, unhurried character. Deer are a common sight, especially in the evenings. The longhorn cattle that roam certain sections of the community are not incidental — they are part of what makes La Ventana feel distinctly different from anything else in the Austin metro.
La Ventana Homes
Every home in La Ventana is custom-built, which means no two floor plans, exterior styles, or lot configurations are identical. Home sizes range from approximately 2,800 to 9,500 square feet, with most homes falling between 3,500 and 3,900 square feet. Lots run from 0.85 to over 8 acres, giving buyers meaningful variety in how much land, privacy, and space they want to take on.
Interiors across the community reflect the custom nature of the builds: travertine and hardwood floors, vaulted and beamed ceilings, gourmet kitchens with commercial-grade appliances, stone fireplaces, iron doors, and expansive covered outdoor living areas are common. Many homes include private pools, outdoor kitchens, sport courts, and detached guest quarters. Exteriors lean toward Hill Country vernacular: stone and stucco finishes, metal roofs, deep porches, and mature live oak framing.
A small number of privately owned vacant lots remain within La Ventana for buyers who want to build custom. These are sold by individual lot owners, not a developer, so availability changes. If building is a consideration, ask your agent to run a search specifically for vacant land within the La Ventana subdivision.
Horses in La Ventana
Some lots within La Ventana are designated as equestrian-eligible and include access to riding trails and a central community corral for overnight boarding. However, not all lots allow horses on the property. If keeping horses is a priority, you must confirm equestrian eligibility on the specific lot before making an offer. Do not rely on the neighborhood’s general reputation or listing descriptions alone.
La Ventana Amenities
The amenity package at La Ventana is genuinely rare for a custom acreage community. Most neighborhoods with 1 to 5 acre lots offer land, privacy, and nothing else. La Ventana offers all of that plus a resort-caliber list of shared amenities that you would typically only find in a dense master-planned community.
- Resort-Style Pool and Spa: Community pool with a relaxing spa, surrounded by Hill Country views. Open during warm weather months.
- Clubhouse: A well-designed indoor/outdoor clubhouse available for private events and daily use. Features a commercial-grade kitchen, billiards room, large screen TV, and a covered outdoor pavilion with a fireplace and Hill Country panorama.
- Fitness Center: A dedicated weight and exercise room on the clubhouse property.
- Putting Green and Driving Range: An on-site putting green with a practice driving range for golf enthusiasts.
- Tennis Courts: Full tennis courts available to residents.
- Sand Volleyball Court: An outdoor sand court for casual recreation.
- Equestrian Facilities (Select Lots): Some lots are designated horse-friendly and include access to riding trails and a central corral for overnight boarding. Verify equestrian eligibility before making an offer.
- Gated Entry: Full perimeter gating with a controlled access entry point.
- HOA Dues: $100 to $146/month depending on the specific lot. Covers amenity maintenance and common area upkeep.
A note on utilities: La Ventana operates on a community water well system rather than a municipal water connection. Each lot is served by individual propane rather than natural gas. These are standard for rural acreage communities in Hays County but worth knowing upfront as they affect both your utility setup and your home insurance considerations.
Why Do Buyers Choose La Ventana?
Every buyer who purchases in La Ventana is solving a specific problem: they want a luxury home on a large private lot in a gated community, and they want amenities that acreage living does not usually provide. Here is what consistently drives buyers to this community:
- The gated entry provides a level of security and access control that open acreage communities do not.
- The resort amenities — especially the pool, clubhouse, and sport courts — are nearly impossible to find in a custom acreage setting anywhere in the Austin metro.
- Every home is custom-built, which means buyers are getting a one-of-a-kind property rather than a production home on a large lot.
- Vacant lots are still available for buyers who want to build their own custom home within an established gated community with working infrastructure and HOA amenities already in place.
- The Hill Country setting — with mature oaks, rolling terrain, wildlife, and longhorn cattle — provides a lifestyle that looks and feels completely different from suburban Austin while remaining within 45 minutes of downtown.
Found your match? Contact Eleven Oaks Realty to schedule a showing or ask about off-market options.
What Is It Like Living in La Ventana?
Living in La Ventana is a deliberate choice. You are trading convenience for space, privacy, and quiet, and most residents here have made that trade intentionally. The community operates on well water and propane, which is standard for this part of Hays County. Internet and cell coverage have improved significantly in recent years, though the level of service varies by lot and provider. If remote work is part of your life, this is worth testing before you commit.
Privacy levels vary more than you might expect from a gated community. Some lots offer complete visual seclusion where you cannot see another home from your property. Others, particularly on the smaller end of the acreage range, have more exposure to neighboring homes than the photos suggest. This is one of the most common surprises buyers encounter, and it is one of the main reasons an in-person visit is essential.
The lifestyle here centers on the property itself. Outdoor entertaining, equestrian activities on qualifying lots, golf practice, and enjoying the Hill Country landscape are the daily rhythms. The community amenities add a social layer that most acreage neighborhoods do not have. Grocery runs require planning — the nearest H-E-B in Dripping Springs is about 9.6 miles away, roughly a 16-minute drive.
How Is the Commute From La Ventana?
La Ventana sits approximately 26.5 miles southwest of Downtown Austin. Under normal conditions, that translates to 34 to 45 minutes. During peak Austin traffic hours, plan for longer. This is not a commuter suburb with highway-adjacent access. You are winding through FM roads to reach the main corridors, which adds time but also adds to the rural character of the drive.
- Downtown Austin: 26.5 miles / 34–45 minutes (normal conditions)
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: 31.2 miles / 37–50 minutes
- Dripping Springs H-E-B: 9.6 miles / approximately 16 minutes
- South Austin (Mopac/Slaughter): Approximately 25–30 minutes
- The Domain / North Austin: Approximately 50–60 minutes during normal traffic
La Ventana Sold Data – What La Ventana Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in La Ventana and for how much? How many homes are currently for sale? What are the local market trends? How is La Ventana’s value trending and what is forecasted? All of these questions can be answered on our La Ventana Sold Data Report.
La Ventana Market Stats — 12 Months (9/1/2025 – 8/31/2026)
| Homes Sold | 20 |
| Bed / Bath Range | 3–6 beds, 3–5 baths |
| Median Sale Price | $1,205,000 |
| Price Range | $782,500 – $2,180,000 |
| Median Price Per Sq Ft | $327 |
| Median Home Size | 3,495 sq ft |
| Median Days on Market | 97 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97% |
Data sourced from Unlock MLS. 12 months ending August 2026. Statistics deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
La Ventana Neighborhood Tour
La Ventana Property Tax Rate
Like the school districts, property tax rates in La Ventana vary depending on which district your specific lot falls within. The 2025 tax year rates are as follows: Hays CISD: 1.7881% | Dripping Springs ISD: 1.6353% | Wimberley ISD: 1.5528%.
For context, the 2024 rates were 1.7148% (Hays), 1.5642% (Dripping Springs), and 1.4555% (Wimberley). On a $1,205,000 home at the Hays rate, you are looking at approximately $21,550 in annual property taxes. That is a meaningful line item at this price point and worth factoring into your total cost of ownership calculation. Tax rates are set annually and subject to change — always confirm the current rate with the applicable county appraisal district.
La Ventana Schools
Children who live in Driftwood’s La Ventana neighborhood are served by the Hays ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Carpenter Hill Elementary - 9/10
- Dahlstrom Middle - 8/10
- Johnson High - 6/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of September 2026. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
Kids who live in La Ventana West are served by the highly rated Dripping Springs ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Walnut Springs Elementary - 9/10
- Dripping Springs Middle - 8/10
- Dripping Springs High - 7/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of September 2026. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
Kids who live in La Ventana West are served by the highly rated Wimberley ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Jacobs Well Elementary - 8/10
- Danforth Junior High - 8/10
- Wimberley High - 6/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of September 2026. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
What to Know Before You Buy in La Ventana
Every neighborhood has tradeoffs. La Ventana’s are worth knowing upfront so you can decide before you fall in love with a listing rather than after you are under contract.
- Privacy varies significantly by lot. Some lots offer complete visual seclusion. Others have less separation from neighboring homes than the acreage size suggests. Photos and listing descriptions cannot convey this. You must walk the property in person before making a decision.
- School commutes are long. La Ventana spans three school districts, and none of the assigned schools are conveniently located to the neighborhood. Bus service exists but routes are long. Factor this into your daily routine if school-age children are part of your household.
- Not all lots are equestrian-eligible. If keeping horses on your property is a requirement, you must verify equestrian designation on the specific lot before making an offer.
- Water is a community well, not municipal. Each home draws from a shared community well system and uses individual propane for energy. These affect insurance, maintenance, and utility planning differently than a city-connected home.
- Groceries and daily errands require a drive. The nearest H-E-B is 16 minutes away in Dripping Springs. If walkability or quick errand access is part of your lifestyle, this is not that neighborhood.
Ready to start your search? Browse La Ventana homes for sale → or contact Eleven Oaks Realty with questions only a local specialist can answer.
Best Coffee Shops Near La Ventana
Sonder Coffee Lounge sits right at the front gate to La Ventana and is within walking distance — making it one of the most convenient coffee options you’ll find near any gated community in the Austin area. Here are the top coffee spots serving La Ventana residents:
- Sonder Coffee Lounge: Right at the front gate to La Ventana — this could not be more convenient. Sonder serves specialty coffee drinks, fresh pastries, and breakfast tacos with plenty of comfortable seating. It is the kind of spot that becomes part of your morning routine within the first week.
- Rolling in Thyme and Dough (Dripping Springs): A Dripping Springs favorite known for its scratch-made pastries, creative coffee drinks, and relaxed atmosphere. About 15–20 minutes from La Ventana.
- Mazama Coffee Co. (Dripping Springs): A local staple with strong espresso and a welcoming vibe, located in downtown Dripping Springs.
Favorite Bars and Restaurants Near La Ventana
Driftwood and the surrounding area punch well above their weight when it comes to dining, and La Ventana sits at the center of it.
- The Salt Lick BBQ: One of the most iconic BBQ destinations in Texas, located just minutes from La Ventana’s gate. If you live here, this becomes part of your regular rotation whether you plan it that way or not.
- Vista Brewing: A farm-to-table brewing experience on a working farm just outside Driftwood. Known for fresh craft beers, locally-sourced food, and a genuinely beautiful setting.
- Trattoria Lisina: An upscale Italian restaurant nestled within the Duchman Family Winery. One of the more refined dining options in the immediate area.
- Salt Lick Cellars: A tasting room adjacent to the famous BBQ location, offering local wines and a relaxed Hill Country atmosphere.
- Hays City Store and Ice House: A local gathering spot combining gastropub food with live music and a casual Texas roadhouse vibe.
- Lone Man Mountain Brewing Company: A relaxed craft brewery with a welcoming outdoor space, popular with locals.
Where to Work Out and Stay Active Near La Ventana
The community’s own fitness center and sport courts handle a lot of the daily activity needs without leaving the neighborhood. For more specialized options, Dripping Springs is the closest hub.
- La Ventana Fitness Center: The on-site weight room and exercise facility is available to residents and handles basic strength and cardio needs without a drive.
- La Ventana Tennis Courts and Sand Volleyball: On-site sport courts for residents.
- Texas Fitness Dripping Springs: A full-service gym in Dripping Springs approximately 15–20 minutes from La Ventana.
- Hamilton Pool Preserve: One of the Hill Country’s most spectacular natural swimming holes, about 20 minutes from La Ventana. Requires a reservation during peak season.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt Access: Multiple trailhead access points approximately 30–35 minutes north toward Austin, offering miles of hiking and trail running.
Fun Things to Do Near La Ventana
The Hill Country surrounding La Ventana gives residents access to some of the most distinctive outdoor and cultural experiences in Central Texas.
- Driftwood Wineries and Distilleries: The Driftwood area has quietly become one of the best wine and spirits destination corridors in Texas. Desert Door Sotol, Duchman Family Winery, and Salt Lick Cellars are all within a short drive.
- Hamilton Pool Preserve: A stunning natural grotto with a 50-foot waterfall, approximately 20 minutes from La Ventana. One of the most photographed natural landmarks in Texas.
- Pedernales Falls State Park: About 35 minutes west, offering hiking, swimming, camping, and fishing along the Pedernales River.
- Dripping Springs Farmers Market: A popular Saturday market in downtown Dripping Springs featuring local produce, artisan goods, and food vendors.
- Driftwood Golf Club: A well-regarded 18-hole course just minutes from the neighborhood, complementing La Ventana’s own putting green and driving range.
La Ventana Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. La Ventana has a fully gated perimeter with a controlled access entry. Residents and their guests use a gate code or access device to enter.
The main access to La Ventana is via Elder Hill Road off FM 150 in Driftwood. The road is paved and well-maintained but winds through Hill Country terrain. There is one gated entrance, so all residents and guests enter and exit at the same point. Most buyers coming from Austin take TX-45 to US-290 West, then head south on FM 150. The drive involves some winding two-lane roads through the Hill Country, which most residents consider part of the appeal.
La Ventana spans three school districts. The majority of lots fall within Hays CISD. Additional lots are served by Wimberley ISD and a smaller number fall within Dripping Springs ISD. School district assignment depends on the specific lot location within the neighborhood. Always verify with the relevant ISD before purchasing.
Some lots within La Ventana are designated as equestrian-eligible and include access to riding trails and a central community corral for overnight boarding. However, not all lots allow horses on the property. If keeping horses is a priority, confirm equestrian eligibility on the specific lot before making an offer — contact Eleven Oaks Realty and we can verify eligibility for any listing you are considering.
La Ventana operates on a community water well system rather than a municipal water connection. Each lot uses individual propane rather than natural gas. These are standard for acreage communities in Hays County and affect utility setup, home insurance, and maintenance differently than a city-connected home.
Yes. A small number of privately owned vacant lots remain within La Ventana for buyers who want to build custom. These are sold by individual lot owners rather than a developer, so availability is limited and changes over time. See current La Ventana listings → or ask your agent to run a specific land search within the La Ventana subdivision.
La Ventana is approximately 26.5 miles from Downtown Austin, which translates to a 34 to 45 minute drive under normal conditions. During peak Austin traffic hours, plan for additional time. The route involves FM roads rather than direct highway access.
Sonder Coffee Lounge sits right at the front gate to La Ventana on Elder Hill Road, making it walkable or a very short drive from most homes in the community. It serves specialty coffee, breakfast, and light lunch and has become a regular gathering spot for residents. For buyers relocating from areas with dense coffee shop access, having a quality local spot this close to an acreage community is genuinely rare and is one of the things people frequently mention when they talk about why they love living here.
La Ventana offers a resort-style pool and spa, a fully equipped clubhouse with a commercial kitchen, a fitness center, a putting green with a driving range, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, equestrian trails (on qualifying lots), and a central corral for overnight horse boarding. This amenity package is rare for a custom acreage community and is one of the primary reasons buyers choose La Ventana over other Driftwood neighborhoods.
Ready to Explore La Ventana?
La Ventana offers something that is genuinely difficult to find anywhere in the Austin metro: a custom, gated, luxury acreage community with resort-caliber amenities already in place. If that combination matches what you are looking for, the next step is seeing it in person.
Privacy varies by lot. School districts vary by address. Equestrian eligibility varies by parcel. These are not details you can confirm from a browser tab — they require a showing with someone who knows the neighborhood well enough to ask the right questions on your behalf.
Rebecca Jacks and the Eleven Oaks team specialize in Driftwood and the surrounding Hill Country communities. We have helped buyers sort through exactly these questions and find the right property, not just the right neighborhood. If you are considering La Ventana or comparing it to Rim Rock, Vineyard Estates, or Howard Ranch, we are glad to help you think through the tradeoffs before you book a single showing.
Driftwood Realtor Specializing in La Ventana
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are Driftwood Realtors specializing in La Ventana homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in La Ventana, Rebecca and Raymond know the area well and have the experience and tools necessary to make your next real estate transaction stress free. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out Buying a Home in La Ventana and Selling a Home in La Ventana.
