New built-to-rent community opens near San Antonio's Brooks

A new South Side housing community is betting that San Antonio renters want more than cramped studios. Los Cielos at Brooks is now offering single-family and duplex homes with all the amenities of purchased properties but none of the burdens of home ownership.

The 488-home community in the former Brooks Air Force Base features two- to four-bedroom layouts, each with a direct-access garage, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, and smart-home tech. The currently available units run $1,890-$2,845 inclusive of common fees like pest control and trash services. The development keeps all costs transparent in a handy guide that also includes add-ons such as pet fees and positive credit reporting.

The homes themselves are a mix of modern farmhouse, cottage, and contemporary styles, with asymmetrical rooflines and siding and body color options. The variety is meant to give Los Cielos the feel of a more traditional neighborhood instead of the ticky-tacky homogeneity found at similar rental developments.

Los Cielos at Brooks The property includes a resort-style pool.Photo by Menary Studio, courtesy of KTGY

The community also includes access to several amenities not always found in apartment complexes, including a cafe-style clubhouse, a fitness center, a pool, fire pits, a playground, pickleball courts, and a pet park with its own washing station. Flexible coworking spaces are onsite for residents who want to take a break from their dining table.

After the Air Force ceased missions in 2011, Brooks has been redeveloped into a live-work community with lodging, apartment communities, educational campuses, and corporate headquarters. At the heart is the Greenline Park, a 2018 addition featuring hike-and-bike trails, community space, and the signature Running with the Moon sculpture, which hides a time capsule to be opened in 2118.

The area has also become a hub for restaurants. Although many of the offerings are common chains like Chili’s and Outback Steakhouse, a new wave of concepts is coming to the nearby La Picosa Town Center, including Los Amores de Julia Mexican Bistro from notable Sinaloan chef Misael Guerrero.

Photo by Menary Studio, courtesy of KTGY

Los Cielos at Brooks is now open to renters.

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HAUTE PROPERTIES

Luxury ranch estate near San Antonio hits market for $9.9M

Photo courtesy of West & Swope Ranches

All this can be yours for $9.9 million.

A massive resort-style luxury ranch estate is up for sale in the Hill Country for those who can cough up $9.9 million. Located just north of San Antonio at 188 Specht Road, it offers secluded opulence and country living while still being only 15 minutes from FM 1604.

“Properties with this level of improvements and acreage are increasingly difficult to find this close to San Antonio,” said Perry Donop, listing agent with West and Swope Ranches. “What makes 188 Specht Road especially compelling is its versatility. It can continue as an exceptional private estate and event property, but there is also significant potential for an owner with a larger vision for the property.”

The possibilities for the property are vast. At 67 acres, it covers a large swatch of land available for a variety of purposes, including agricultural use. The sale comes with cattle, a tractor, a Bobcat, two Kubota UTVs, feeders, feed shack, chicken coop, and livestock facilities. Aspiring farmers/ranchers will have a solid start.

188 Specht Road The barn is big enough to accommodate family reunions.Photo courtesy of West & Swope Ranches

Photo courtesy of West & Swope Ranches

All this can be yours for $9.9 million.

However, the property is also perfect for event spaces. The barn is 1,250 square feet of climate-controlled space complete with full audio/video setup. There is also a 2,300-square-foot covered event pavilion complete with outdoor kitchen facilities, as well as a wedding grove that seats 200.

Oh, there is also a stone jail on the property.

The main ranch house was built in 1890, but restored in 2018 with modern amenities and touches. At 2,160 square feet, the three bedroom/four bath home is sizable, but the two-story main house dwarfs it. Casa Grande is over 5,000 square feet of luxury with spa-style bathrooms, chef's kitchen, custom closets, and covered porches overlooking the resort-style pool.

“The amount of infrastructure already in place gives the next owner options that would be difficult and time-consuming to recreate from the ground up,” said Kirk Moody, listing agent with West & Swope Ranches. You have a luxury residence, multiple guest accommodations, event facilities, significant storage and recreational land, all within easy reach of San Antonio. Whether someone sees this as a family compound, hospitality concept, or longer-term investment, there are several directions they can take it.”

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