About Skyline Ranch Estates
Skyline Ranch Estates was platted in 1985 as a residential subdivision in Hays County, Texas. The community sits on the scenic hilltops near Wimberley, offering sweeping views in nearly every direction — a hallmark that has long attracted retirees, remote workers, and families seeking the character of Hill Country living.
The neighborhood is governed by the Skyline Ranch - Property Owners Association (POA), established by its Articles of Incorporation. The POA is responsible for maintaining community standards, managing common areas, and supporting the shared interests of all property owners.
Property Lot Map:
- Available here.
Board of Directors:
- President - Scott K.
- Vice Pres. - Jamie K.
- Secretary - Jonathan O.
- Treasurer - Clarke E.
Note: For property transformation information requests such as Direct TREC No.37-5, contact Clarke directly at t.c.erskine69@gmail.com. - Director - Amanda A.
Note: In the world of scammers that we live in, we’re purposefully not showing the last names of the board members.
Want to contact someone directly? To contact any specific member mentioned, their information is available in the Member Directory when logged in. Alternatively, please use poaskyline@gmail.com and your question will be forwarded as needed.
Architectural Control Committee
All requests for architectural reviews or construction approvals should be directed to the Architectural Control Committee (see documents below for details).
- Berni R. (Committee Contact)
- Glen H.
- Fred D.
Governing Documents:
- POA Covenants:
The foundational deed restrictions governing property use - POA By-Laws:
Rules governing how the POA operates revised 2014 - POA Articles of Incorporation:
The legal formation document of the POA - Architecture / Construction Guidelines:
Standards for exterior modifications and new construction - Payment Policy for Delinquent Accounts:
Policy governing late and delinquent dues - Records Retention & Production Policy:
How POA records are maintained and provided upon request - Schedule of Fees:
Current fee schedule for items such as architecture reviews, annual assessments, etc.
Neighborhood Water Supply
The water system for the neighborhood is managed by an independent entity from the POA:
The water system for the neighborhood is managed by an independent entity from the POA:
- Skyline Ranch Estates Water Supply Corporation: For water service questions, billing, and repairs, please visit: www.skylineranchwsc.org
History
by Maury Midlo, a former Skyline resident, March 2003
by Maury Midlo, a former Skyline resident, March 2003
Part of the history of Skyline Ranch Estates is the American story of "Cowboys and Indians." The Native Americans were here first; then came the settlers with their own concept of life in Central Texas. Some evidence of Native American habitation remains — arrowheads have been found on Skyline lots.
The area near Skyline Ranch was the site of one of the last interactions between settlers and Native Americans in the Hill Country: the Plum Creek Comanche Indian Battle. According to local accounts, a running battle stretched between Kyle and Bastrop, ending on what was then the Duncan Dobie Ranch, three miles north of Wimberley, in a horseshoe bend known as Indian Mott that extended close to the Skyline Ranch house.
The Gay and Burdett Era
Gilbert and Elizabeth Gay came to Wimberley in 1882 and purchased 6,000 acres — at fifty cents an acre — that included what is now Skyline Ranch Estates. In 1940, Clay Gay sold 1,250 of his approximately 2,000 remaining acres to Clarence W. Burdett. Burdett named the property Skyline Ranch and raised Angora goats, milk cows, and horses on the land. Electricity didn't reach the ranch until the early 1940s, and because the caliche road up the steep hill frequently washed out, Burdett laid two 18-inch concrete tracks to help vehicles make the climb.
Gilbert and Elizabeth Gay came to Wimberley in 1882 and purchased 6,000 acres — at fifty cents an acre — that included what is now Skyline Ranch Estates. In 1940, Clay Gay sold 1,250 of his approximately 2,000 remaining acres to Clarence W. Burdett. Burdett named the property Skyline Ranch and raised Angora goats, milk cows, and horses on the land. Electricity didn't reach the ranch until the early 1940s, and because the caliche road up the steep hill frequently washed out, Burdett laid two 18-inch concrete tracks to help vehicles make the climb.
Burdett was also a prolific builder, constructing 62 houses in Hays County and 12 dams on Cypress and Lone Man Creeks. During the Depression, a federal CCC program led to large swaths of the land being cleared by bulldozers — destroying many stands of great Spanish Oaks and contributing to the cedar invasion that followed. As a result, few trees in Skyline Ranch are much more than 65 years old.
From Ranch to Subdivision
After several ownership changes between 1950 and 1984 — including a colorful interlude involving cattle smuggling — a New Braunfels developer, Kenneth D. Rice, filed the subdivision plat with the county in 1984, showing 105 lots. The following year he installed the neighborhood well, storage tank, and water lines at a cost of $182,000. Financial difficulties soon followed, and Balcones Savings Association, holder of a lien on the property, joined in the dedication of the resubdivision plat.
After several ownership changes between 1950 and 1984 — including a colorful interlude involving cattle smuggling — a New Braunfels developer, Kenneth D. Rice, filed the subdivision plat with the county in 1984, showing 105 lots. The following year he installed the neighborhood well, storage tank, and water lines at a cost of $182,000. Financial difficulties soon followed, and Balcones Savings Association, holder of a lien on the property, joined in the dedication of the resubdivision plat.
The first meeting of the Skyline Ranch Estates Property Owners Association — consisting of 11 lot owners and the developer — was held on December 4, 1986. At that meeting, the POA authorized the transfer of SRE roads to Hays County, a transfer that was finalized in 1993 with a $10,000 cash inducement to the County to take over road maintenance.
Sources: Wimberley Village Library; Hays County Deed Records; interviews with local historians and longtime residents.