Vaquero is a guard-gated golf community in Westlake, Texas, known for its private Tom Fazio-designed golf course, custom estate homes and strict architectural standards. The Town of Westlake lists Vaquero at roughly 298 homes, and the community sits on about 525 acres of rolling land just north of State Highway 114. Homes there typically trade well into the millions, and Westlake as a whole carried a typical home value of about $3.07 million in January 2026, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
At The Agency Dallas, our agents work with buyers and sellers across Westlake and Southlake. This guide covers what Vaquero is, what drives prices inside the gates and what buyers should know before they tour.
What is Vaquero in Westlake?
Vaquero was developed by Discovery Land Company, which established the community in 2000, according to D Magazine. The developer describes the property as about 525 acres with roughly 300 residences, centered on Vaquero Golf Club at 2300 Vaquero Club Drive in Westlake.
The Town of Westlake's own subdivision guide describes Vaquero as guard-gated, with a Tom Fazio golf course, private club facilities, concierge services and architectural and landscape guidelines. Local coverage also notes tennis, pickleball and dining facilities at the club.
What sets Vaquero apart from most North Texas golf communities:
- Guard-gated access. Entry is controlled, which appeals to executives, athletes and families who value privacy.
- A private golf club. The course is not open to the public, and membership is separate from owning a home.
- Design control. Architectural and landscape guidelines shape how homes look and how lots are developed.
- Varied lot sizes. D Magazine reported homesites ranging from roughly half an acre to 3.5 acres when the community was building out.
What do homes in Vaquero cost?
Vaquero sits at the top of the Westlake market, and Westlake sits near the top of North Texas. Zillow's index put the typical Westlake home value at $3,066,997 as of January 31, 2026, up 3.6 percent over the prior year. Individual Vaquero homes vary widely based on:
- Lot position. Golf course frontage, views and privacy carry premiums.
- Lot size. Larger homesites command more, especially with mature trees.
- Age and design. Newer or extensively renovated homes compete differently than original builds from the early 2000s.
- Size and finish level. Square footage matters, but finish quality and layout often matter more at this price point.
Because only a handful of Vaquero homes sell in a typical year, pricing relies on careful comparison rather than averages. Our article on how luxury homes get valued when there are few comparable sales explains the approach.
Do you have to join the club to live in Vaquero?
Owning a home and joining the club are separate decisions, and buyers should ask about both before making an offer. Club membership has historically involved a significant initiation fee plus annual dues. In 2007, D Magazine reported a $175,000 membership fee and annual dues of $14,500. Current terms are set by the club and change over time, so buyers should get them in writing from the club directly.
What should buyers know before buying in Vaquero?
- Architectural review. Renovations, additions and new construction go through design review. Plan for that timeline.
- HOA and club documents. Read the HOA budget, rules and any transfer fees, plus club membership terms.
- Schools. Westlake residents have access to Westlake Academy. Our guide to school enrollment in Carroll ISD and Westlake Academy covers how that works.
- Property taxes. At these values, taxes are a major carrying cost. See property taxes in Southlake and Westlake.
- Inspection scope. Large custom homes have complex systems. Hire inspectors who regularly work on estate homes.
How does Vaquero compare with other Westlake neighborhoods?
Westlake has several other high-end enclaves, including gated Terra Bella, wooded Glenwyck Farms and the estate lots of Quail Hollow. Vaquero is the only one built around a private golf club. For a side-by-side look at gated options, see the gated communities in Westlake and Southlake, and our Westlake housing market report for current conditions.
Who typically buys in Vaquero?
Vaquero draws a narrow but consistent group of buyers. Understanding who they are helps both sellers and buyers set expectations:
- Relocating executives. Westlake sits near major corporate campuses along State Highway 114 and close to DFW Airport, which makes it practical for frequent travelers.
- Golf-focused buyers. For some households, access to a private Fazio course is the main reason to buy.
- Families seeking privacy. A guard gate, controlled access and large homesites appeal to households with a public profile.
- Move-up buyers from nearby cities. Owners in Southlake, Colleyville and Keller sometimes trade up into Vaquero for the club and the setting.
Because the pool is small, timing matters. A well-prepared home that comes to market when the right buyers are looking can sell quickly, while the same home can sit when that group is quiet. Sellers benefit from marketing that reaches buyers before they arrive in Texas, not only once they start touring locally.
How The Agency Dallas works in Vaquero
The Agency Dallas is an independently owned North Texas luxury real estate brokerage, and Westlake is part of our regular work. For sellers, our agents prepare written valuations and our in-house marketing team builds the campaign for each listing. For buyers, we track activity inside the gates, including private sales, so clients hear about opportunities early. As part of The Agency's global network, our Westlake listings also reach buyers relocating from outside Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vaquero in Westlake gated?
Yes. The Town of Westlake describes Vaquero as a guard-gated community, and entry is controlled at the gate. Visitors, contractors and showings are coordinated through the community's access procedures, so buyers should plan tours with an agent who knows how to schedule entry.
How many homes are in Vaquero?
The Town of Westlake lists Vaquero at about 298 homes, and the developer describes roughly 300 residences on about 525 acres. Because the community is close to built out, resale inventory at any given time is limited.
Who designed the golf course at Vaquero?
The golf course at Vaquero was designed by Tom Fazio, according to the Town of Westlake and multiple golf course directories. The course is private, and access is through club membership rather than home ownership alone.
What school does Vaquero feed into?
Westlake residents have access to Westlake Academy, an International Baccalaureate charter school operated by the town. Some families also consider nearby private schools. Confirm current enrollment rules directly with the school before buying.
What is the typical home value in Westlake, Texas?
Zillow's Home Value Index put the typical Westlake home at about $3.07 million as of January 31, 2026, up 3.6 percent year over year. Vaquero homes vary widely around that figure based on lot, location on the course, age and finish level.
Sources: Town of Westlake, Residential Subdivisions; Discovery Land Company, Vaquero; D Magazine, "Neighborhood Spotlight: Vaquero in Westlake" (2007); Zillow Home Value Index, Westlake, TX, data through January 31, 2026. Accessed October 30, 2026.
