Meet the Founders of Frio Cañon, a Texas Hill Country Retreat

From the earliest stages, Frio Cañon has been a labor of love. David Dalgleish, owner of Austin-based Dalgleish Construction Company, discovered the land that is now Frio Cañon in 2007 while looking for a plot of land to build vacation cottages for his family. He was looking for an easily accessible retreat where his wife and five daughters (and eventually their families) could spend holidays and vacations together. He wanted the privacy of a traditional ranch, but one without the sense of isolation that often doesn’t appeal to youngsters. Instead, he wanted nearby activities – hunting, fly fishing, swimming – that would encourage youthful activity and make the second home a place where the children would want to spend time.

When Dalgleish came upon an old ranch for sale, the land that would eventually become Frio Cañon, it was love at first sight. At its center were the crystal-clear headwaters of the Frio River. The panorama included rolling hills and the Frio River Valley.

Soon after purchasing part of the ranch, Dalgleish learned that the remaining ranch land was going to be developed into a high-density, low-end subdivision. If actualized, the project would negatively impact not only the scenery but also the wildlife. It was then that Dalgleish conceived Frio Cañon. He contacted Black, a long-time friend who had recently retired and was looking for a new venture. Together, they purchased the rest of the ranch property, including a mountain now dedicated to wildlife preservation. Dalgleish and Black would now be able to offer like-minded families and friends a Central Texas haven of their own.

Today, the Dalgleish family visits their home on the Frio River regularly. For Dalgleish and his wife, this pristine segment of the Texas Hill Country is the perfect antidote to the frenzied pace of city life. For their children, it is an ideal spot for hanging out with friends, while sitting around a campfire or tubing down the Frio River. The Dalgleish family hopes you’ll visit Frio Cañon, and if you’re in the market for a second home, join the Frio Cañon family. 

6 Comments

Tags: Waterfront real estate, hill country real estate, Texas Hill Country real estate, Texas Hill Country ranches, hill country ranches, Leakey real estate, Frio River real estate, Frio Canon, luxury second home, second home, luxury vacation property