Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco Nicolayevsky.
Hi Marco, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Element Ranch began as a personal retreat for my wife Jessica and me—a way to step outside the demands of city life and spend more intentional time with our children in nature. As Houston residents, we were looking for a space that allowed for both restoration and connection, and Round Top offered the right mix of natural beauty, privacy, and pace.
Jessica’s childhood weekends on her great uncle’s ranch played a meaningful role in our decision to build here. During the early months of the pandemic, what started as a private getaway evolved into something broader. We saw the opportunity to create a destination that blended thoughtful design, elevated comfort, and the freedom to truly unwind.
We approached every detail of Element Ranch with purpose—from the architectural flow to the guest experience. Today, the estate includes The Villa and The Retreats, designed to host everything from family gatherings to private celebrations. At its core, Element Ranch reflects our belief that time away should feel effortless, personal, and genuinely restorative.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to Element Ranch wasn’t smooth—but that was never the goal. From the beginning, Jessica and I committed to designing and building four distinct residences simultaneously: the three that now make up The Retreats, and the centerpiece of the estate, The Villa.
Each space was created for a different type of guest. The Retreats are ideal for smaller groups—private but proximate, with a shared pool and flexible layout. The Villa, in contrast, was designed as a flagship offering, with a resort-style pool, expansive outdoor entertaining space, and the infrastructure to support larger gatherings like weddings, retreats, and celebrations. From day one, we considered how the entire estate could function for a range of stays, from quiet weekends to full buyouts.
Every decision—from where each structure would sit, to the exact angle needed to capture morning light, sunset views, and prevailing breezes—was made with intention. Then came hundreds more: materials, amenities, furnishings, and the tone of the interiors. It was a deeply layered process, and while we’ve landed the first phase, we’re always thinking about how the experience can continue to evolve—through enhanced amenities, new gathering spaces, and design that responds to how our guests use the estate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Element Ranch?
Element Ranch is a private luxury estate near Round Top, Texas, designed for guests who value space, design, and an experience that feels truly personal. The estate includes two distinct offerings: The Villa, which sleeps up to 16 and features a resort-style pool and expansive outdoor entertaining areas, and The Retreats—three standalone cottages that sleep 18 total, with a shared pool and flexible layout ideal for smaller groups.
We specialize in full-estate bookings, multi-family gatherings, private celebrations, and corporate retreats—but we’re equally well-suited for romantic getaways, girls’ weekends, bachelorette groups, and baby showers. Many of our guests also use Element Ranch as a place to unwind after a full day of antique shopping in Round Top, whether during the shows or off-season.
What sets us apart is the intention behind every detail—from architectural orientation to furnishings, amenities, and the overall guest experience. This isn’t a themed rental or a renovation. It’s a purpose-built estate that reflects our belief in privacy, personalization, and thoughtful design.
We’re proud to have created something that feels elevated yet approachable—an estate where guests can relax, connect, and feel completely in their element.
What does success mean to you?
For us, success is defined by the quality and consistency of the guest experience. If a guest leaves feeling like their time at Element Ranch was not only worth it—but personal, seamless, and restorative—then we’ve done our job. Everything else follows from that.
We built Element Ranch to be more than a seasonal stay. Our vision has always been to position it as a year-round destination—one that people feel confident choosing, whether they’re planning a wedding, a corporate retreat, or a quiet weekend with family. That sense of trust and satisfaction is central to how we measure success.
We’re also intentional about how we grow. Guest feedback shapes what comes next—from design updates to new amenities and experiences. Our goal is to evolve Element Ranch without compromising what makes it special: privacy, beauty, and the feeling that every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
Pricing:
- The Villa (sleeps 16) is ideal for large families, private celebrations, or retreats, with rates starting around $2,500/night depending on season and length of stay.
- The Retreats (three cottages, sleep 18 total) may be booked individually or together, with rates per unit starting around $650–$800/night.
- Full Estate Buyouts are available and commonly booked for weddings, milestone gatherings, and corporate groups. Custom pricing applies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elementranch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ElementRanch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elementranch
