Wet in Westlake

Pond at the Circle T Ranch

Westlake is an upscale bedroom community just south of Trophy Club. We drive through the area every now and then getting from our house to that of one of our relatives. It’s pleasant countryside with cattle and horses grazing in open pastures, along with a few streams and ponds. The area is becoming more of a business center, but there are still large trees and lovely little hills.



Westlake was settled in 1847 by Charles and Matilda Medlin along with some 20 other families. Initially living near Denton Creek, the community

Stone house

moved to higher ground after horrific Texas rains caused the creek to flood. Homesteaders raised crops and cattle, and the area continued to add residents slowly. The Medlins also established a cemetery in the area that is still active (see History on Headstones). Almost 100 years later J. Glen Turner bought around 2,000 acres along State Highway 114. His Circle T Ranch was home to award winning Black Angus cattle, as well as a herd of Charolaise, and a number of Tennessee Walking Horses. Turner, along with other residents wanted to avoid annexation by another town so they banded together to have Westlake incorporated in 1956.  Not long after, Westlake released land so that a golf course, country club, and a housing development could be built, creating Trophy Club.

The Circle T Ranch has changed hands a couple of times, and is now the

Circle T Ranch gates

campus of Deloitte, a company providing industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services. The people who come here have the option of staying at the center and relaxing on the grounds. It appears that they can take a stroll with the cattle. Apparently part of the ranch is still owned by H. Ross Perot and is available for development – too bad since some really pretty land is probably going to be hidden under more MacMansions.

Peeking Longhorn

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