Texas Oil Heir Michael Herd Is Selling His Family’s Compound For $28.5 Million

Michael Herd, an oil and gas heir who is married to Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of social and dating app Bumble and co-founder of Tinder, has placed his family’s three-home compound in Austin, Texas, on the market for $28.5 million. 

Privacy and peacefulness abound at the double-gated lakefront property. The main home is a separate oasis, while the other homes are ideal for entertaining and housing guests and staff. 

Listing agent Bridget Ramey of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty said she is grateful to have had the opportunity to see the property evolve.

“When I first sold the original property eight years ago to Michael and his grandfather, it alone was pretty fabulous, but to see what they have master-minded continues to leave me with a sense of awe,” said Ramey. “Quite frankly, taking in the reactions people have when they first drive through the gate is quite entertaining. Nobody realizes what is behind those gates.”

Herd and his grandfather, Bob Herd, who died in December, spent more than eight years expanding the property. Three homes sprawl across almost 6.5 acres on nearly 500 feet of Lake Austin waterfront. 

Ramey said,  “I am so proud of the vision they had, the amount of time, money and detail they executed to create this truly one-of-a-kind oasis. It simply could not be replicated again.”

Every room at the retreat was thoughtfully designed to showcase sweeping views of Lake Austin. 

The three-story guest house has three master suites, each with its own bathroom, private terrace and living space; and a two-bedroom staff quarters with a kitchen.

A two-story library with a fireplace and a wet bar makes a dramatic statement. Ramey relates a story about how the library’s design was inspired by the family’s oil business. “They had to study the logs and other geologic anomalies, so Michael and his grandfather decided to create a cool space to do their homework, while also creating the perfect backdrop for showcasing their book collection and other family artifacts,” she explained.

Their approach paid off. “There are so many spectacular features of the estate, but the two-story mahogany library blows me away every time I step foot inside” said Ramey. “I enjoy watching people’s faces when they first take in the grandeur of the space. It exudes warmth and richness, and the incredible craftsmanship is beyond words.”

The 4,000-plus square-foot entertainment cabana includes a chef’s kitchen, glycol beer taps and is surrounded by a swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, tennis courts and putting green. The property also includes 10 garages, boat docks, a wine room and gym. 

As the capital of the Lone Star State, Austin is the area’s cultural and economic center. “I feel like a property of this caliber, of this level of luxury and expansiveness really speaks volumes to how far Austin has come in the world of creating and catering to an international presence,” said Ramey. “This is an estate that could easily host anyone from around the world.”

She added, “It is a compound that could easily suit a multigenerational family. Especially after the last few months of quarantine and the fear of COVID-19, this property is the perfect refuge for a family to live in the lap of luxury, while still maintaining plenty of social distancing in a safe haven.”