Country Communities Offers Idyllic Blend Of Rural Living And Modern Convenience
From Round Top to Chappell Hill to La Grange, developer Terry Ward creates communities with purpose
It happens time and time again. Children graduate, move on and move out, and couples look to each other and ask “what’s next?”. While some people may feel lost in the empty nester stage, this is when Houston developer Terry S. Ward feels invigorated. In fact, he feels so inspired by helping others maximize the most of this stage, that he started creating Country Communities in 1998 just for this purpose.
Located in prime Texas locations full of Texas charm — like Round Top, Chappell Hill and La Grange — yet still close enough to hubs like Houston and Austin, people looking to fulfill their dream of a life rooted in Texas can find wide open spaces and land for sale to build the ideal home where life grows. The 20 Country Communities offer a unique blend of luxury, rural living and modern convenience. The developments create an opportunity to connect with loved ones, enjoy and preserve nature, and build a legacy for generations to come.
“I created my first Country Community in 1998, and I learned that community isn’t the dirt, the roads or the underground electricity that runs through it, but it’s the people who live there,” said Ward, CEO of Country Communities. “My goal in creating these communities is to build them around connection – to nature, land and the people within them. I’m constantly asking – how can I get these people to connect with each other?”
When Ward talks about creating these communities, it’s easy to see why he chose the heart of the Texas country.
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“Nearly everyone has a childhood memory of playing in the country and connecting with nature,” said Ward. “So I got to thinking, ‘how can I invoke that childhood memory in 60-year-olds? How can I help them have some fun in this stage of life and enjoy this sacred space?’”
Ward is so passionate about connecting the residents to the land that he lets the land dictate how the community will look. Whenever he purchases a new property, he spends time walking it solo and reflecting on the space.
“I always ask how our community will contribute to this space,” said Ward. “The creeks, ponds and hills tell me how to divide the community and wind the roads. I think about what I hear, what I see and what I smell. If people are going to spend the rest of their lives here, I want this space to feel safe for everyone.”
While nature is at the heart of each of the 20 communities, so is connection. Ward notes he witnesses families of all generations unite together on rope swings, around creeks or making s’mores around the fire. Each community offers different features – some, such as The Heart Field at Round Top – are ranch style with an average tract size of 15 acres per lot. Others, such as Townsend Reserve, are an average of 2-5 acres per lot.
Regardless of the style, residents find community at the heart of everything they do, which is intentional by Ward. At every step of the process, he intentionally cultivates fellowship – whether it’s initial meet and greets at local wineries or creating a community Facebook page.
“I tell the community residents that we’re all getting older and this is our forever home,” said Ward. “I want us all to know each other and to be there for each other, in good times and bad. The communities these residents have created is more satisfying than any financial success. I’m lucky to do what I do.”