Property Types
(active listings)
Applehead Island Real Estate Statistics
Average Price
$4.6M
Lowest Price
$1.7M
Highest Price
$10M
Applehead Island Listings
11
Avg. Price/SQFT
$793
Search Applehead Island Waterfront Homes & Lots for Sale
What You're Paying For on Applehead Island
Applehead Island commands a premium over comparable waterfront elsewhere in Horseshoe Bay. The drivers, in rough order of impact:
The address itself. Applehead Island is a recognized luxury address in Central Texas. That prestige and the security that comes with it carry a premium independent of the individual home.
Water frontage and position. Linear feet of frontage, water depth at the dock, and whether the lot is on a protected canal or open water all drive price. Open-water peninsula lots with wide frontage sit at the top of the range.
The custom home itself. Because every home is one-of-a-kind, build quality, architect, age, and finish level vary widely and affect price accordingly. Homes by acclaimed custom builders and architects command more.
The dock and boathouse. A covered boathouse with a current lift, valid LCRA permit, deep water, and jet-ski accommodation adds real value on an island where boating is central to the lifestyle.
Views. Open-water views across undeveloped land or wide lake expanses command more than canal views. Orientation for sunsets and morning light matters.
Waterfront Homes vs. Villas on Applehead Island
Applehead Island offers two distinct ways to own:
Waterfront estates. The signature product. Custom homes on the island's canals and peninsulas with private docks or boathouses and direct lake access. This is the bulk of the island's value and the reason most buyers come here.
The Villas of Applehead. A collection of lower-maintenance custom homes inside the same 24-hour guarded gates, but without direct waterfront. Villa owners get the security, the pool, the clubhouse, and the tennis and pickleball courts, along with a lock-and-leave lifestyle free of waterfront upkeep. For buyers who want the Applehead address and amenities without maintaining a dock and bulkhead, the villas are an appealing entry point.
What to Know Before Buying on Applehead Island
After nearly three decades of transactions on the island, here's what I make sure buyers understand:
Waterfront diligence still applies. Even at this tier, the dock, boathouse, bulkhead, and LCRA permit all need inspection and verification. A marine contractor should inspect the dock structure, and the LCRA permit needs to confirm as current and transferable.
Canal vs. open water is a lifestyle choice. Canal homes offer protected, deep water and easy docking in calm conditions. Open-water peninsula homes offer big views and direct access to the main lake but more exposure to wind and wake. Neither is better in the abstract.
POA dues and rules. Applehead Island has its own property owners association governing dues, architectural standards, and community rules. Review the current dues, what they cover, and any architectural review requirements before buying, especially if you plan to build or renovate.
Short-term rentals are typically restricted. Applehead Island tends to restrict short-term rentals heavily in keeping with its privacy-focused, residential character. If rental income is part of your plan, verify the current rules in writing before assuming.
Club memberships are separate. Owning on Applehead Island does not automatically grant Horseshoe Bay Resort Club or golf privileges. Those memberships are separate, with their own initiation and dues. Confirm what conveys with any sale.
Building or remodeling takes patience. Custom builds and major renovations go through architectural review and can take 18 to 36 months from lot purchase to move-in. If you're buying a lot to build, plan accordingly.
Applehead Island Lots for Sale
A small number of buildable homesites remain on Applehead Island, offering the rare chance to build a custom estate on one of the last available lots in the community. Lots range from protected canal sites to open-water positions, each with different frontage, depth, and buildable area. Because the island is essentially built out, these lots are a finite and diminishing resource. If you're considering building on Applehead Island, a feasibility review covering the survey, buildable envelope, dock permit status, and POA architectural requirements is essential before you write an offer.
About Chad Thibodeaux
I'm a 40-year resident of Horseshoe Bay and a licensed real estate broker since 1991. I've represented buyers and sellers on Applehead Island for nearly three decades, from canal homes to open-water estates to the villas inside the gate. I know which canals have the deepest water, which lots have open-water views across protected land, and how the island's market moves. Applehead Island is a small, tightly held market where the right guidance matters. Call 512-755-1606 or send a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Applehead Island?
Applehead Island is an 80-acre private island on the south shore of Lake LBJ in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. It's connected to the mainland by a single bridge and sits within the larger Horseshoe Bay resort community, about 50 minutes northwest of Austin.
Is Applehead Island gated and secured?
Yes. Applehead Island has a 24-hour manned guardhouse controlling its single bridge entrance, a card-entry system, and continuous video surveillance of the entire island. Security officers are positioned to respond to any point on the island within about 30 seconds, which makes it one of the most secure communities in the Hill Country.
How much do homes on Applehead Island cost?
Applehead Island holds some of the most expensive real estate in Horseshoe Bay. Recent inventory has shown a median in the high-$2M range, with estate properties extending past $10M. Pricing depends heavily on water frontage, position (canal vs. open water), the custom home itself, and the dock. Contact Chad for current active listings and recent sales.
Are all homes on Applehead Island waterfront?
Most are, but not all. The island's signature product is custom waterfront estates on canals and peninsulas. The Villas of Applehead offer lower-maintenance custom homes inside the same guarded gates without direct waterfront, giving buyers the address, security, and amenities without a dock and bulkhead to maintain.
What amenities does Applehead Island have?
Applehead Island ownership includes a multi-million-dollar resort-style swimming pool, a community clubhouse, tennis courts, and pickleball courts, along with maintained landscaping throughout the gated island. Residents are also minutes from Horseshoe Bay Resort, the Yacht Club, the marina, and the four championship golf courses, accessible through separate memberships.
Can I short-term rent a home on Applehead Island?
Applehead Island typically restricts short-term rentals heavily, in keeping with its privacy-focused, residential character. If rental income is part of your purchase plan, verify the current POA rules in writing before assuming rentals are permitted.
Are there lots available to build on Applehead Island?
A small and diminishing number of buildable homesites remain, since the island is essentially built out. Available lots range from protected canal sites to open-water positions. Because they're a finite resource, well-positioned lots are highly sought after. A feasibility review is essential before buying to build.
Does buying on Applehead Island include golf or resort membership?
No. Owning on Applehead Island does not automatically grant Horseshoe Bay Resort Club or golf course privileges. Those memberships are separate, with their own initiation fees and dues. Confirm what membership, if any, conveys with a specific sale.