History of Hillltop Lakes

Hilltop Lakes, an unincorporated resort community, sits upon land originally granted to J.M. Viesca, one of the first governors of the territory of Texas before Texas won its independence from Mexico. The 4,400 acres that comprises Hilltop Lakes was a cattle ranch when a Houston developer, J.B. Belin, purchased the land to build a resort community in 1961.

Hilltop Lakes became synonymous with Texas country resort living and became the social center for Leon county and well beyond. Among unique aspects of the development of Hilltop Lakes was the champion horse racing track that still exists to this day where many of the well moneyed of Texas society would fly in for festive weekends of clean air, spring fed lakes, golf and gambling.

The Hilltop community continued to grow through the 1980’s and 90’s and in 1998 the collective body of Property Owners’ bought Hilltop Lakes from the original developer and to this day Hilltop Lakes is owned and managed by the Property Owners.

Sitting atop rolling hills, natural springs and augmented by five lakes and a scenic regulation length 18 hole golf course Hilltop Lakes is built to be the ideal escape from city living with something for everyone. Various amenities to include a Hotel, Villas, Lodge, Restaurant and Club among other sporting amenities give Hilltop Lakes a unique quality to its visitors and Property Owners.

Owning land at Hilltop Lakes not only gives one the ability to build the desired vacation or retirement home but also gives one free access to most all of the amenities.  Being a privately owned community, Hilltop Lakes Property Owners can utilize the private airstrip, golfing, fishing (no fishing license required) and other amenities that are maintained by the low Property Owner maintenance fees.

Ideally located roughly 126 miles from Houston and 132 miles from Dallas, Hilltop Lakes is far enough to leave the trappings of city life behind and close enough to get away to if only for the weekend.  Accommodations range from a 22 room hotel and lodge with restaurant and pub, two room Villas with kitchens overlooking Mirror Lake, a full service campground area as well as privately owned vacation homes for rent.  Visitors are welcome to come visit and stay with us and discover for themselves one of the greatest get away locations in Texas.  For more information on the amenities offer please visit the Amenities link.