On the site of a former heritage dairy farm, Pecan Shore overlooks Lake Livingston, an expansive reservoir located 75 miles north of Houston. The site takes its name from the mature pecan trees on the property, one species among many that form a dense canopy. Working to preserve the coverage and species variety, the design team surveyed the property and marked heritage and protected trees to remain in place. The community has access to a third of a mile of lakefront, in addition to a central green spine and pond which provides a picturesque backdrop to the site’s central lawn. Seventy luxury residences are arranged across four home types designed by Lake Flato, each calibrated to its position on the site, from dense tree cover to garden rooms and open water views.

In the north, residents enjoy amenities including a wellness center, a spring inspired pool, and sports courts. Pedestrian trails and bridge crossings weave through the wooded and open areas. Pecan Shore’s central green spine culminates at the lakefront, featuring a waterfront park and boat launch. The topography slopes gently toward the water, allowing elevated viewpoints over the lake. Gentle undulations allow the site to maximize infiltration while carving out spaces for gathering and play. The pond overflows through sculptural weirs into a creek and series of cascading smaller basins that manage stormwater but also create a unique trail experience through a riparian landscape that leads to a secluded beach area. The planting palette draws from the South Central Plains ecosystem, with pines and riparian forest species supplemented by Bald Cypress, Dwarf Sabals, Inlands Sea Oats, and Bushy bluestem; stone paving and gravel trails carry through the hardscape.