Who Owns Lajitas Resort?

By Robert Palmer

Lajitas Resort is a luxurious vacation destination located in the Big Bend region of Texas. The resort boasts of an 18-hole championship golf course, a spa, a shooting range, and various outdoor activities such as ATV tours and horseback riding. With such amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, it’s no wonder that Lajitas Resort is a popular choice among tourists.

But have you ever wondered who owns this beautiful resort? Lajitas Resort was originally built by Houston entrepreneur Steve Smith in the early 1990s. Smith purchased the land for $4.25 million and spent over $90 million developing the resort.

In 2000, Lajitas Resort was sold to British businessman Sir Bernard Ashley, who co-founded the fashion brand Laura Ashley with his late wife. Ashley purchased the property for $4.5 million and invested an additional $30 million in renovations and upgrades to the existing facilities.

After Sir Bernard Ashley passed away in 2009, his son Guy took over as the owner of Lajitas Resort. Guy Ashley is also involved in various other businesses such as real estate development and renewable energy projects.

In 2018, Lajitas Resort was sold once again to Houston-based hotelier Gerald J. “Jerry” Strickland.

The sale included not only the resort but also over 27,000 acres of surrounding land. Strickland plans to continue operating Lajitas Resort as a luxury vacation destination while also exploring potential opportunities for further development on the surrounding land.

In conclusion, Lajitas Resort has changed hands multiple times since its inception but has always remained a top-tier vacation destination due to its stunning natural beauty and luxurious amenities. From Steve Smith to Sir Bernard Ashley to Guy Ashley to Jerry Strickland, each owner has contributed their own unique vision and investment into making this resort what it is today.