Cross Pines Ranch Retreat

Cross Pines Ranch is a thoughtfully crafted, single-story retreat set on a secluded, tree-lined peninsula in East Texas. It was designed to bring generations of family together in a space that fosters personal reflection and deep connection to nature.

Originally envisioned as a casual weekend home for hosting children, grandchildren, and friends, the project took on deeper meaning during the design process when the client faced some unexpected health challenges. As their vision evolved, the home gained even greater significance as it became a place not just for gathering, but for healing and renewal.

The design leans on the quiet power of simplicity. A single gabled roof unifies the structure and echoes the utilitarian charm of traditional Texas pole barns. Durable, low-maintenance corrugated metal siding grounds the home in its context, while porches carved from the main volume, clad in warm cypress, introduce texture, shelter, and warm reflected light. Modest shed dormers draw daylight deep into the interior, infusing the shared spaces with a soft, uplifting glow.

The heart of the home is a generous great room that merges kitchen, dining, and living areas, all oriented toward views of the surrounding pond and meadow. Three ensuite bedrooms, a kids’ bunk room, and a separate game room overlooking the pond provide both comfort and flexibility, allowing the home to shift easily between intimate weekends and larger family gatherings.

With a layout designed to accommodate aging parents, young grandchildren, and everyone in between, Cross Pines Ranch embodies a purposeful blend of comfort, accessibility, and timeless design, rooted in nature, grounded in family, and built to nurture connection for generations to come.