Celebrated Scottish architect David McLay-Kidd, who is best known for his award-winning courses at Bandon Dunes and the Castle Course at St Andrews, is making his debut in Texas with a new course in Austin’s scenic Hill Country.
Located in Loraloma, a private residential community within the 2,200-acre Thomas Ranch masterplan from developer Areté Collective, the 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course is scheduled to be completed in late 2024 for select play. The full opening is set for spring 2025.
The name Loraloma translates to “lore of the hills,” and all elements of the community, including McLay-Kidd’s thrilling course, are focused on respecting the land’s natural beauty. This aligns with McLay-Kidd’s low-impact, sustainable approach to golf course design, and the Loraloma course will take advantage of the Hill Country’s striking setting and embrace the landscape’s natural contours.
Striking visuals support each hole, with nearly half of the holes playing along the cliffside of the Pedernales River. Others sit atop peaks and deliver dramatic elevation changes with unobstructed vantage points overlooking the Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment. Other highlights include two comfort stations and a golf house with a dedicated pro shop, player’s lounge, and restaurant and bar, to be enjoyed pre- and post-play.
Anchored by this new course, Loraloma combines ecologically inspired residences with premium amenities, including fitness, wellness, culinary arts, and nature-based experiences throughout its distinct clubs, including the golf house, cliffside clubhouse, and the riverfront amenities. These offerings and other envisioned features establish the community as the most amenitized master-planned development in Texas, and one of the most in the U.S.
Additional community plans include a dynamic pre-existing equestrian center and a 40+ acre resort site with sweeping, panoramic views of the Hill Country and Lake Travis, which will house a forthcoming, five-star boutique hotel.
The homes at Loraloma are designed to incorporate their natural surroundings, much like the course from McLay-Kidd. Proving its commitment to preservation and placemaking, Areté Collective has safeguarded over 50% of Loraloma as open space ensuring protected views for each homesite. The residences range from two- to five-bedroom turnkey cottages, villas, and estates, as well as a selection of custom homesites.
Homes are equipped with protected views of the surrounding land and complemented by more than 40 miles of winding trails and bike paths throughout Thomas Ranch. It’s all aimed to immerse residents in a wellness-oriented, nature-based lifestyle.
Areté Collective and IMI Worldwide Properties are now accepting reservations for Loraloma’s exclusive Founder’s offering, which allows 25 families to select a cottage, estate, villa, or custom homesite, to be built around the community’s buzzing epicenter, Limestone Gulch. Founder’s Offering prices begin in the $1.6 million range for a homesite, and include three, four and five-bedroom floorplans.
This feature story was provided by Areté Collective. To learn more about Loraloma at Thomas Ranch, click here. For more information on David McLay-Kidd, click here.