This house on the banks of Lake Austin is the center of family and social life, a place to raise children and to entertain guests in the area and visiting from far away, and a base for getting to know and appreciate Austin. With strong ties to the city and a love of both the diverse culture and landscape, the family was thrilled to find one of the few remaining large lots on the banks of Lake Austin, only a twenty minute drive from downtown.
The site is unique in its size and character; it is relatively flat with dozens of mature trees providing a canopy of shade that allows the grass below to flourish. It has a large frontage on the lake as well as on a canal that is popular for boating and fishing. The property is also located directly opposite Mount Bonnell, a high point and landmark in the area, which is beautifully illuminated every evening at sunset.
The concept for the house is to embrace the site and the views, work around the footprint of the existing trees and enhance the opportunities for outdoor living. It is to be warm and inviting, yet sufficiently grand, on approach from the entry drive and casual and comfortable on the lake side where most of the family’s time will be spent. Because this house is intended to serve the family for several generations it will be energy efficient and built with high quality, long lasting materials such as local limestone.