San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
COUNTRY VILLAGE ESTATES
Uptmore Homes developing new community in historic Castroville
A Southern-style farmhouse on a quarter-acre lot is one of the options
Jack Uptmore of Uptmore Homes offers at the Country Village Estates, a new community being built in Castroville. The small town, also known as the Little Alsace of Texas, is about 26 miles west of San Antonio in Medina County. Construction at Country Village Estates will begin in January, but lots are available for purchase now. Home prices will start in the high 400s. Uptmore said via email that the homesites located off US 90 on Country Lane are the only sites available within the city limits of this historic city.
Castroville was founded in 1844 by diplomat Henri Castro and settlers from the Alsace region of France. Drive around town, and you can see traces of the Old World at places such as the Steinbach Haus, which serves as the city’s visitors center, and the renowned Haby’s Alsatian Bakery.
Uptmore said they have been doing business with Castroville State Bank for more than 25 years. “We built their bank on Hwy 90 and have built several other homes and projects in the Castroville area,” he said. “Most recently, the Briggs Ranch casitas for the golf course.”
The custom homebuilder has been developing residential and commercial communities in the San Antonio area for more than five decades. Harvest Hills, a development near New Braunfels, also has homesites for sale.
Castroville’s small-town feel and proximity to San Antonio are why Uptmore believes it offers a great opportunity for homeownership. “We confirmed through the chamber of commerce, Castroville State Bank, and local Realtors there was a great demand for new homes.”
Q: How many homes will be built?
A: This phase has only 53 available building opportunities. The community is in the final stage of development. We are currently meeting with buyers to reserve a lot and start the home plan selection process.
Q: Are you only offering certain floor plans, or will you help buyers design a plan?
A:
We are offering certain floor plans to simplify the process, but we are also able to build a custom home.
Q: Will the community have any amenities?
A:
The biggest advantage, at this time, is these lots are the only available large ¼ acre+ lots in the city limits of Castroville. They will have 5-foot-wide sidewalks and the fastest internet (1 gig) in Castroville. The Castroville Regional Park is only eight minutes away and provides, pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, a soccer field, riverfront access, and walking trails.