When it comes to the story of Indian Lakes, few families have roots as deep—and footprints as wide—as the Schaefer family. From raising children here to building nearly 100 homes within the neighborhood, Michael and Sandra Schaefer have not only watched Indian Lakes grow, they’ve played a major part in shaping it.

A Foundation Built on Family

Michael and Sandra Schaefer met right here in College Station through a family member and just celebrated 35 years of marriage. The couple raised two daughters—Allison and Amanda—both proud graduates of Texas A&M University. Allison, 33, is married to Sterling Morrison, and together they work in the family business, Schaefer Custom Homes. Amanda, 30, lives in Houston’s Heights neighborhood and works in dental product sales.

In many ways, Schaefer Custom Homes is a true family affair. What began with Michael building his first home at just 18 years old has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in luxury custom homebuilding in the Brazos Valley. Sandra manages the Brazos Cotton Exchange, a beautiful event venue housed in one of the historic buildings Michael helped revitalize in downtown Bryan.

Indian Lakes: Their First (and Forever) Love

The Schaefer family began building their first home in Indian Lakes in 2004, moving in the following year. At the time, Arrington Road was still gravel, internet was via satellite, and their kids were the only ones riding the school bus. Much has changed since then—but their love for Indian Lakes has remained constant.

“We’ve lived in nine different homes in Indian Lakes,” Sandra laughs. “Even twice in one of them!” In fact, they’ve only briefly left the neighborhood—once for five months while a new home was being finished, and a second time a few years ago when their home sold sooner than expected. But Michael couldn’t stay away. “He told me to stop unpacking,” Sandra recalls. “He said, ‘I can’t live outside of Indian Lakes—not even for nine months.’” Within two weeks, they were back.

Trailblazers in More Ways Than One

Michael isn’t just a pioneer in homebuilding—he’s also an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast. If he’s not running the trails that weave through Indian Lakes, he’s biking or hiking them. His passion for the natural beauty of the neighborhood is one reason he finds so much fulfillment in building here. “Building homes is fun and exciting,” he says. “It’s even more rewarding when you build for neighbors who become friends.”

That same passion led Michael to serve two terms on the College Station ISD School Board, including a challenging term as president during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, he spent 20 years as department head at Blinn College, overseeing Business, Accounting, Economics, and Computer Science. He continues to serve as the current board chair of the Blinn College Foundation.

He’s also played a key role in revitalizing historic downtown Bryan, helping to renovate six early 20th-century buildings and earning two Mayor’s Impact Awards. The Schaefer family’s contributions have truly touched every corner of the Brazos Valley.

Poodles, Parade Homes & A Passion for People

No home would be complete without its four-legged residents, and for the Schaefers, that means Bruno, Tiger, and Louis—their trio of beloved poodles. At family gatherings, especially around the holidays, their home comes alive with laughter, conversation, and home-cooked meals, often shared with Michael’s extended family.

The Schaefers also love to highlight Indian Lakes to the broader community by regularly participating in the Parade of Homes. “It’s a chance to not only showcase our designs but to share the neighborhood itself,” Michael explains.

A Legacy of Community

Over the years, the Schaefers have helped foster the kind of community spirit that makes Indian Lakes feel like home. Whether through hosting family gatherings, building homes that turn into hubs for new friendships, or supporting local institutions, their influence runs deep.

“We love the trails, the nature, and the sense of neighborliness here,” Sandra says. “It’s not just about the houses—it’s about the people.”

From Brenham and Anderson to Indian Lakes, the Schaefer family has shown that when you build with heart, a house becomes a home—and a neighborhood becomes a community.