Discover High Hill: A Premier 30A-Inspired Vacation Home Community Less Than Two Hours From Dallas
The best friendships, and often the most visionary real estate developments, frequently spring from unexpected encounters. Take Sharon Romano, for instance, enjoying a routine manicure in a Lake Highlands salon, just minutes from her Dallas home. Another patron, Melanie Lipscomb, spotted a familiar black and white “30A” sticker on Sharon’s car. “Hey,” Melanie inquired as Sharon was leaving, “Is that sticker for ’30A,’ like the scenic highway in South Walton County on Florida’s panhandle?”
Indeed, it was. Sharon and her husband, Jason, a seasoned developer, had fallen in love with the Emerald Coast’s Highway 30A during their honeymoon. They were captivated by its pristine beaches, charming communities, and relaxed atmosphere, returning as often as possible. At a time when the Panhandle was still a burgeoning real estate secret, Sharon even designed her own 30A stickers, a testament to their deep affection for the region.
As fate would have it, the Lipscombs were also fervent admirers of 30A. What began as a simple shared interest quickly blossomed into a profound friendship between the two couples, who discovered they had children of similar ages and many common passions. More significantly, this chance encounter became the foundational spark for an ambitious new development nestled within the gently rolling hills of East Texas – a distinctive community offering the cherished lifestyle of Florida’s Panhandle, yet far more accessible for DFW residents, bypassing the need for long-distance travel. This inspired vision is now known as High Hill.
High Hill: A Texan Oasis Unlike Any Other
High Hill Development distinguishes itself by its truly unique geographical setting, a rare convergence point in Texas. Situated at the very edge of the vast DFW Metroplex plains, where High Hill Farm gracefully unfolds, it marks the precise intersection of the lush Piney Woods and the fertile Post Oak Belt of the Gulf Coastal Plains. This creates an extraordinarily rich and diverse landscape characterized by softly rolling hills, verdant native grasses, a rich canopy of mature trees, and, a truly rare and coveted asset in this region: an abundant and sustainable water source. This unparalleled natural beauty provides the perfect canvas for the Romanos’ vision.
It was within this breathtaking East Texas landscape that Sharon and Jason Romano envisioned more than just a family home. They saw the potential to cultivate a vibrant, 30A-inspired haven where other families could also escape, unwind, and create lasting memories. Sharon, an experienced international travel and event planner, reflects, “We cherished our annual visits to 30A, ever since our honeymoon. Discovering this unspoiled part of East Texas, with its stunning open vistas, was truly blowing. It rivaled the scenic beauty of California’s river valleys and even northern Italy. While we loved places like Seaside in Florida, with growing children, demanding careers, and endless commitments, it became increasingly challenging to make the trip.”
Driven by their personal experiences and extensive research into the desires of modern families, Sharon and Jason Romano embarked on a journey to recreate the essence of the Florida Panhandle right here in Texas. Their chosen canvas: a magnificent 75-acre property at High Hill Farm. After years of meticulous planning and dedicated development, they are now poised to share this remarkable vision with others, inviting them to experience a lifestyle that combines luxury with the tranquility of nature, all within an accessible drive from major Texas cities.
The Serendipitous Discovery of High Hill Farm
The genesis of High Hill Farm’s transformation into a luxury retreat began in early 2012. The Romanos were attending a dressage horse show at the Texas Rose Horse Park in West Tyler, as their daughter was competing. It was during this trip that the region’s natural charm began to capture their imagination.
“We immediately fell in love with the topography of the land,” Jason recalls, his voice conveying the excitement of that moment. “We decided to explore land opportunities and stumbled upon High Hill Farm quite by accident. It had actually been on the market for six years, almost overlooked. We found an old real estate sign with one of those ‘info tubes’ containing a single, hand-drawn, faded, and copied sheet detailing the property. Despite its humble presentation, I loved the location instantly.” Jason was particularly drawn to the ease of access, noting that it was a mere three turns off Interstate 20, eliminating any obscure or complicated directions. With the location secured, the foundational vision for High Hill Farm was set.
High Hill Farm, situated in Arp, Texas, approximately 20 miles southeast of Tyler, marked the initial phase of the broader High Hill Development initiative. From the outset, the Romanos masterfully operated the farm as an exquisite luxury East Texas retreat. Emphasizing locally sourced, farm-fresh cuisine and an immersive natural experience, they quickly established a reputation for unparalleled hospitality.
Leveraging Jason’s extensive background as a builder, beautiful designer bungalows were meticulously constructed and outfitted with luxurious furnishings and premium linens, ensuring every guest experienced comfort and elegance. Following this, a magnificent “party barn” was added, featuring expansive open spaces ideal for larger gatherings, complemented by more intimate, luxuriously appointed private rooms. The outdoor amenities are equally impressive, offering myriad activities: serene hiking trails winding through lush forests, invigorating nature walks, vibrant fall foliage displays, breathtaking spring blooms, delightful vineyard tastings, revitalizing outdoor yoga sessions, a resort-style swimming pool, inviting outdoor fireplaces, cozy fire pits, and, of course, gourmet dining experiences that quickly solidified High Hill’s reputation as East Texas’s premier culinary destination.
As the esteemedTexas Monthlyeloquently captured:
The pool, nestled within an emerald lawn, and the vineyard, with its gracefully sloping rows of black Spanish grapes, could easily be direct imports from Napa’s sophisticated Carneros Inn. Meanwhile, the Napoleon Bar lovingly pays homage to the Romanos’ favorite New Orleans watering hole. At their 48-seat restaurant, Côte, the chef masterfully serves locally sourced, Southern-by-way-of-France feasts that tantalize the palate.
Texas Monthly, September 2015
Following the resounding success of the retreat, the Romanos made the pivotal decision to relocate both their families to the farm, embracing its lifestyle lock, stock, and barrel. This move coincided with a strategic and carefully phased business plan to transform High Hill into a groundbreaking New Urbanism planned community. This ambitious expansion necessitated the acquisition of additional acreage to accommodate the full scope of their vision. Much like its revered prototypes along 30A – Seaside, WaterColor, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach – High Hill Development is meticulously designed to be completely walkable, prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle traffic to be as car-free as possible. The community will feature a charming small village center brimming with local stores and eateries, a pristine lake with a sandy “beach” area, a resort-style pool, an exclusive beach club, an outdoor entertainment pavilion for concerts and events, a championship golf course, extensive hiking trails, and endless opportunities for water activities.
However, what truly sets High Hill apart from its inspirational counterparts on 30A is its unparalleled accessibility: High Hill Farm is conveniently located less than a two-hour drive from the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex! This proximity makes it the ideal destination for those seeking a luxurious escape or a permanent lifestyle change without the inconvenience of long-distance travel.
A Sustainable, Walkable Community Rooted in East Texas Nature
From the moment Jason Romano first laid eyes on those 75 prime acres, overgrown with majestic hardwoods nestled deep within the Piney Woods of East Texas, a profound revelation began to take root in his developer’s mind. For years, the Dallas-based homebuilder had been contemplating the creation of an environment where families could retreat to the safety and unparalleled beauty of Mother Nature, not just for a weekend, but as an integral part of their everyday lives. He envisioned nature as a vast, interactive playground, where children could roam as freely as the native fowl, and every family member could immerse themselves in the simple, profound beauty of the land. It was a longing for a return to the essence of life on the prairie, long before the ubiquitous glow of electronics and the constant pull of social media tethered everyone to a device.
This idyllic location, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, boasted peacefully quiet skies filled with the joyful chirping of birds, a stark contrast to the incessant hum of helicopters and sirens found in urban centers. It is precisely the kind of serene environment that the new work-from-home generations now covet. This trend is starkly evidenced by recent population shifts within Texas’s four core counties – Dallas, Harris, Travis, and Bexar collectively lost 6,000 people, while their neighboring suburbs experienced a remarkable growth of 260,000 residents in a single year. Such data underscores the growing desire for spacious, nature-rich living away from the urban core.
This yearning for a simpler life was exactly what Romano sought back in 2013. “I grew up in this very environment,” Jason shares, reflecting on his childhood, “where people were more connected, where kids could truly be kids and roam freely from sun up to sunset, without an agenda or a rigid schedule. They just knew to come home for dinner when the bell rang. No one worried about safety or crosswalks. It’s very much what life was once like on farms and ranches, a cherished part of Texas’s enduring heritage.”
And remarkably, this is precisely what life *is* every single day at High Hill Farm.
“People are increasingly seeking the visual peace and profound physical comfort derived from a deep connection to the outdoors – to trees, fertile land, flourishing plants, untouched nature, and tranquil water,” Romano elaborates. “This connection undeniably leads to greater fulfillment, fosters more genuine connectedness with family, and cultivates increased satisfaction in work, daily life, and leisure activities. The recent global pandemic irrevocably changed many aspects of our lives, making this profound connection to nature more important now than ever before.”
For years, guests of High Hill Farm sought exactly this: a place to relax, recharge, and reconnect during their weekend visits or retreats. They would then, inevitably, pack up and return to the frenetic pace of city life, with its inescapable traffic, constant noise, and pervasive pollution. Now, Romano asserts, there is no longer any need to return to that chaos. High Hill Development presents an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally change your lifestyle for good by purchasing a home in this East Texas paradise. The eagerly anticipated first phase of private residential construction is now underway, offering luxurious vacation homes, meticulously fully furnished, with prices starting comfortably below $1 million. This is more than a home; it’s an invitation to a new way of living.
A Better Way of Second Homeownership: Community, Comfort, and Investment
Imagine a vibrant village where neighbors are connected not just by shared streets, but by the serene embrace of ancient trees and shimmering waters. Envision a lively town center, the heart of the community, featuring essential and delightful amenities: a casual burger joint for family meals, a charming barista for your morning coffee fix, a sundries shop for everyday needs, an inspiring art gallery offering painting classes, a sophisticated winery for tastings, a convenient post office, and a delectable bakery. Just around the corner, discover opportunities for fine dining experiences. These are not mere aspirations; these are the very shops and services Romano plans to meticulously include in his inaugural High Hill Town Square, beautifully bordering a new spring-water-fed lake and resort-style pool. Anchoring one end of the town square will be an impressive outdoor entertainment pavilion, hosting weekly concerts and live performances. But Romano is also adding something truly unique that many other New Urban communities often lack: a beautifully designed, New Urban-inspired chapel, providing a spiritual heart to the community.
Now, picture yourself being able to access all of these incredible amenities directly from your home, effortlessly, either on foot or by bicycle, truly embodying the walkable, connected lifestyle.
Do you fancy a round of golf? Simply hop in your car with your clubs. High Hill proudly owns a charming golf course in nearby Overton, complete with a welcoming clubhouse, offering residents exclusive access to pristine greens and a relaxing social environment.
The time has finally arrived: 110 stunning home sites are now available for purchase and construction within the picturesque Piney Woods of East Texas. Prospective homeowners can choose from five exquisite custom house plans, which will be delivered completely furnished, ready for immediate enjoyment. These luxurious homes start at an attractive price point of $750,000. Each residence is thoughtfully designed to embrace the clean-lined, 30A-inspired architectural aesthetic, reminiscent of traditional metal-roofed beach homes, featuring expansive porches perfect for enjoying the outdoors and charming water features that enhance the serene atmosphere. In addition to single-family homes, elegant condominiums will also be built in the same captivating style, offering diverse ownership options. All properties will be seamlessly available for rent through integrated vacation home rental websites. These platforms will provide real-time tracking of bookings, rentals, cleaning schedules, and payments, adding a significant dimension of passive income for all owners, making High Hill not just a home, but a smart investment.
“The culmination of High Hill Development’s master-planned community offers a truly unique opportunity for vacation home ownership,” states Jason Romano, who has immersed himself in the High Hill lifestyle for seven years, living on the property. “We’ve carefully considered how people truly desire to experience second homeownership: with seamless access to both nature and a vibrant community, all situated within a geographical region that is spectacularly beautiful and idyllic. While it genuinely looks and *feels* remote and disconnected from urban clamor, our strategic location provides every possible modern amenity, alongside excellent accessibility to primary business, medical, and major travel hubs, ensuring convenience without compromise.”
The Romanos have witnessed their cherished dreams of raising a family deeply connected to the land, right on the farm, come to magnificent fruition. Now, High Hill Farm is evolving into more than just a luxurious retreat; it’s a destination where you can savor an unforgettable meal, escape for a rejuvenating weekend, or, perhaps most enticingly, find a place to call home for a lifetime. It’s an invitation to embrace a lifestyle of tranquility, community, and natural beauty.
Your Exclusive Invitation to High Hill: Experience the Dream
High Hill Farm Development is proudly marketed by Dallas-based @Properties. We extend a special invitation to real estate agents and prospective buyers to attend an exclusive High Hill VIP Development Tour. Join us on Saturday, April 9, from noon to 4 p.m. to immerse yourself in the High Hill experience. Children – and even well-behaved dogs! – are warmly welcomed, making it a perfect family outing.
Come and discover a taste of simpler country life in its purest, most luxurious form. We have a feeling you just might decide to stay, making High Hill your forever home or your favorite getaway.