Texas Ranch Life
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Rooted in the land

the Ranch Family


Early in life, John's father, Jerry Elick, instilled in him an appreciation for the land, which he learned from his father, a Czech immigrant in the 1800s, who also believed in hard work and dedication. 

    Together John and Taunia have continued that legacy at Texas Ranch Life, using their land to preserve a working piece of Texas history and their family's history, while restoring the land to its natural glory.
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John & Taunia Elick on the ranch, pictured with their daughters, Laramy, Lacey & Ashlyn, their son-in-laws Craig Bauer & Lars Hollis, and their four grandchildren in 2021

what "Family Owned and Operated" means to us

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Ranch History

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

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  The Lonesome Pine Ranch was originally settled by two of Stephen F. Austin's "old 300" families, Joel Leakey and James Stevenson, who back in the early 1830's, had their pick of the best spots in Texas.  The descendants of these two settlers are still in the area. 

    In January 1821 Austin's father, Moses Austin, had received a permit from the Spanish to settle 300 families in Texas, but he died in Missouri a short time later before he could realize his plans.

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TX

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   Our area of Central Texas has a beautiful and elaborate history and culture.  From the Spanish-Mexican influence, cowboys and Indians, all the way to the arrival of German and Czech settlers and more recently the Round Top Antique Festival, there are iconic restaurants, museums and parks where you can experience it all.

    With so many places just a short drive away: Round Top, Washington on the Brazos, Independence, TX, the Bluebell Factory in Brenham, and Stephen F. Austin's cabin to name a few...the ranch is ideally situated for the Best of Texas Experience!

CAMPFIRE STORIES

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   Texas Ranch Life has a unique history all its own!  From outlaws and bandits to Indians and Civil War soldiers, the ranch has its own collection of tall tales.  Time and imagination may have embellished the facts, but they still entertain and delight.

    Get these stories and our centuries old cemetery, a famous Mexican vigilante's saddle, slave stories, grandpa Elick face off with a terrifying Comanche war party  and the friendly Texas Ranch Life ghost!

​ Follow us for behind the scenes, day-to-day life on the ranch, family recipes, stories, ranching resources & horsemanship.

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Each of our #restored #ranch homes has its own unique #Texas history and #architecture. Through purposeful #preservation, these accents can tell a story spanning centuries. Often it’s the layers of paint on and around doors that reveal a home’s hidden depths.
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Happy Birthday Craig! We love this #texascowboy
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Hope the mamas, grandmas, aunties, godmothers, teachers & all the incredible women that complete our live had a wonderful #mothersday yesterday! We certainly enjoyed a day off to celebrate and love the ladies in our life, regardless whether they had feet, hooves, claws or paws!
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Happy Cinco de Mayo! We've been busy working but still celebrated with our version of @Mattselrancho famous #bobarmstrong #queso ...we used our own #freerangebeef fresh garden onions and herbs with some tried and true Texas quest staples (and a meat free option for our vegetarian friends)

Ranch Family

Area Events

Calendar of Events

Ranch Events

  • Corporate Retreats
  • Ranch Rodeo
  • Barn Dance
  • Private Parties & Events
  • Weddings
  • Campfire Cookouts

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Corporate Group Activities

  • Open Range Horseback Riding
  • Cattle Drive
  • Team Penning
  • Bullwhip Cracking
  • Dummy Roping
  • Tomahawk Throwing
  • Two Step & Line Dancing
  • Mechanical Bronc
  • Skeet Shooting
  • Mounted Six Shooter Pistol Shooting
  • Bass Fishing
  • ATV Guided Ranch Tour
  • Hide or Hat Branding
  • Horse Training Demonstration

Press & Film Credits

Impractical Jokers, Bigger in Texas (2014)
Bizarre Foods, Cowboy Life in Texas (2017)
Meat America (2011)
Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood (2012)
Cooking the Cowboy Way
Agnes Koch & Barbara Gerber in Texas (2018)
New York Times
​Southern Living 
Cowboys & Indians
Texas Highways
​Houston Chronicle
​Austin American Statesman
​Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine

 Stay in Touch

10848 Cactus Lane
Chappell Hill, TX 77426
979-865-3649
texasranchlife@gmail.com

Ranch Policies

Prices subject to change. Because we provide an intimate and unique experience, cancellations affect us greatly.  A one night non-refundable deposit is required to hold a reservation. In the event cancellation is necessary, the deposit may be applied to later weekday stay. However, no cancellations are allowed for holidays, special events and within 2 weeks of stay.

    All of Texas Ranch Life's facilities are no smoking.  Guests are responsible for any damage or loss to property resulting from their stay.

All guests participating in activities must sign a release of liability releasing the ranch, ranch cowboys and owners of any liability for injury. 
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