Tucked deep in the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, a timeless piece of Lone Star State history is looking for its next owner. Lange's Mill, a 335-acre ranch steeped in legacy and rustic charm, has hit the market for the first time in generations—with an asking price of $11,728,850.
Located in the unincorporated community of Doss—about 19 miles northwest of tourist destination Fredericksburg—the property is home to one of the region's most historically significant landmarks: a stone mill built in the 1870s. The mill, which lends its name to the ranch and the road it sits on, was once a vital part of the local agricultural economy and remains a striking example of 19th-century stone craftsmanship.
Doss, with a population of 266, is where people go when they’re tired of traffic, noise and crowds. It's a magnet for hunters, nature lovers and folks who just want to hear crickets instead of car alarms. Doss is also, quite literally, keeping it old school, with a one-room schoolhouse built in 1884 that's still in operation today.
The ranch features a variety of original structures, including a two-story feed barn, a granary, and a stone pioneer homestead located across Threadgill Creek. These buildings, along with the mill, reflect the property's deep historical roots and lend it a distinct character that blends rustic charm with cultural significance.
Natural features also add to the property's appeal. A spring-fed, cypress-lined stream forms the southern boundary, providing scenic beauty and a reminder of the land’s enduring connection to the Texas landscape.
The property is being marketed as both a historic site and a working ranch, with potential for restoration, preservation or thoughtful development. However, buyers will need to adhere to certain deed restrictions that aim to protect the site's integrity. The land cannot be subdivided into parcels smaller than 50 acres, with the exception of a 21-acre tract that includes the mill. These restrictions were put in place to preserve the natural and historical value of the property, limiting dense development.
While the family has not publicly disclosed the reason for the sale, listing agent Neil Reeh, a broker associate with the Real Estate Advisory Team in Fredericksburg, said it simply no longer aligns with the plans of the next generation.
"It doesn't fit into the life plans of the heirs," Reeh told Chron. "It's time to give someone else the opportunity to take this on as a project."
Lange's Mill, located near Doss in Gillespie County, Texas, was established in 1849 by brothers John E. and Thomas C. Doss. They constructed the mill along Threadgill Creek. In 1859, German immigrant William F. Lange acquired the mill, operating it until 1878. Following his tenure, his brother, Julius Lange, managed the mill from 1878 to 1888. Under their ownership, the mill gained regional acclaim for its high-quality products.