Three-panel image of a new Tilson home build, family at ribbon cutting ceremony, and finished kitchen.

May 20, 2026

Build a Custom Refugio Home on Your Land in McLennan County

For the Coats family, building a custom home on their land in McLennan County meant finding a floor plan that offered both function and flexibility. They found the perfect fit with the Refugio by Tilson Homes. This split-bedroom design offers privacy, comfort, and open-concept living, making it ideal for Texas families who want a home tailored to their unique needs. With the right builder and a customizable floor plan like the Refugio, you can build a home that supports your lifestyle, maximizes your land, and welcomes loved ones for years to come.

From planning to the final ribbon cutting, every step brought their vision to life. With its split-bedroom layout, open living space, and thoughtful customizations, the Refugio became a home built for comfort, function, and family.

Building in McLennan County with the Refugio Floor Plan

McLennan County provided the perfect Texas setting for the Coats family’s new chapter. They chose the Refugio floor plan for its practical, spacious design that balances simplicity and comfort. With 1,818 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms, the Refugio offered the right mix of shared spaces and personal retreats.

A Functional Split-Bedroom Design

The Refugio’s split-bedroom layout places the master suite on one side of the home and the secondary bedrooms on the other, offering privacy while keeping the family connected. This design gave the family a peaceful owner’s retreat and practical spaces for family life. The intentional layout supports both togetherness and personal space, a key reason why the Refugio is a popular choice for families.

The Heart of the Home

At the center of the Refugio is an open-concept living area that combines the family room, kitchen, and dining space. This layout encourages connection, whether the family is preparing meals, helping with homework, or hosting gatherings. The open design feels bright and welcoming, creating a space where daily life and special moments unfold naturally.

Thoughtful Customizations for Daily Living

The Coats family personalized their Refugio to fit their needs, adding a 4th bedroom for more versatility and opting for a walk-in shower in the master bath to enhance comfort. These changes made their home uniquely theirs, providing flexibility for growing needs and future plans.

From Agreement to Design: The Journey Begins

Every custom home starts with a decision. For the Coats family, signing the agreement marked the start of turning their dream into reality. At the design appointment, they chose layouts and finishes to make the Refugio truly theirs, building confidence that the home would fit their lifestyle perfectly.

Preparing to Build: The Pre-Construction Meeting

The pre-construction meeting brought everyone together to review plans, confirm details, and prepare for the build. This milestone gave the family clarity on next steps and reassurance that their home was being built with care and communication.

The Foundation Pour: A Major Milestone

The foundation pour marked the first visible step of their home taking shape. The outline of rooms became real, turning anticipation into tangible progress. For the family, this moment symbolized the beginning of something lasting.

Notes of Love During Framing

During framing, the family participated in a meaningful Tilson tradition by writing Notes of Love on the home’s structure. These personal messages remain hidden within the walls, serving as a lasting reminder of their hopes and heart for the home.

A Home with Beautiful Curb Appeal

As construction neared completion, the home’s exterior reflected the same thoughtful planning as the interior. Its clean, inviting design creates strong curb appeal, blending timeless style with the surrounding McLennan County setting.

The Final Celebration: Ribbon Cutting

The ribbon cutting celebrated the completion of the Coats family’s Refugio. This milestone brought their journey full circle, marking the beginning of new memories in their custom-built dream home.

Visit the Refugio Model in Angleton

If you’re curious to see the Refugio model in person, visit our design center in Angleton. Explore the thoughtful design, split-bedroom layout, and welcoming open-concept spaces that make the Refugio a family favorite.

Start Your Custom Home Journey

The Coats family’s Refugio shows how a thoughtful floor plan can become a deeply personal home. With its split-bedroom layout, open-concept living space, and custom touches, their 1,818-square-foot home was built to support their present and future.

If you're ready to create a home that fits your family, land, and dreams, Tilson Homes is here to guide you every step of the way. Explore our floor plans and make plans to visit the Refugio model in Angleton today!