This house is all about the lake and family time. It’s an escape from a fast-paced work life for the Houston-based owners. Situated on the shore of Lake Travis, a bit northwest of Austin, it accomplishes all that with spectacular views from every room. If that weren’t enough, the owner says it’s also special, because it’s where she and her husband started their lives together. For four years, it has been a cherished retreat of the blended family.
The location is perfect for a second home, and the owners loved it at first sight. Yet they knew the dark French Country style would have to be transformed. Now it is light, open and contemporary; an ideal retreat for entertaining family and friends. Another reason for choosing this home: “There are not too many homes on such a desirable part of Lake Travis, especially one from which you can walk to the water,” the owner says. “We don’t need a tram to transport us to our boat dock and jet skis.”
Everything about the décor of this home, located in the Hudson Bend area, was intended to be “simple, casual, modern and organic,” says designer Joel Mozersky of Austin, who oversaw the home’s face-lift and brought the owners’ concepts to life. Anchored by white, neutral tones, its colors and textures allow the outdoors to be the focus. The chromatic palate provides an ideal backdrop for natural blues and greens that are visible from abundant windows.
But let’s start at the beginning. The house was built in 2004, bought in 2006 by the present owners, and then renovated over a period of about five months to fit their needs. Originally, walls were painted dull beige, but builder David Wilkes, whose construction company supervised the massive renovation project, opened up spaces and gave the home a fresh feeling with warm white tones.
Upon arriving at the light-tan stucco home, visitors note the tidy, formal landscaping—trimmed shrubs curve around the walkway, and the front door is flanked by tall, slender arbor vitae trees. “We transformed a dirt patch,” says the owner, noting that the backyard was built up 12 feet to accommodate the addition of a pool and deck. A neutral tan tile roof contrasts nicely with the green scene surrounding the home.
“Basically, every surface inside the home was modernized and lightened,” says Wilkes. His company changed countertops and backsplash in the kitchen, modified the audio system, put in new carpet, updated plumbing fixtures, and installed light fixtures made of organic materials. A wine cellar was added under the staircase, and closets were reconfigured. One of the owners’ favorite amenities is the new theater room, which provides family entertainment away from the water.
Window coverings were removed and replaced with natural shades that reveal calming views of water and trees when raised, although many windows were left uncovered to allow full enjoyment of outdoor vistas.
In the living room, multi-colored striped accent pillows add punch to the white fabric sofa and chairs. Honey-brown alder wood is used throughout the home for cabinetry and trim, and it looks especially handsome framing several sets of double doors that lead to outdoor living spaces and expansive views of water.
Adjoining this indoor sitting area is a large, curved bar featuring sleek silver-sculptured bar stools. White wood components, including a white fireplace with a wood mantle, coordinate all spaces visible from this vantage point. Strategically placed artwork effectively creates additional visual interest.
On the deck, white-cushioned, wood-framed furniture mimics the same white-and-wood décor of the living room. Flowing seamlessly from inside to outside, the style is so well coordinated that the deck becomes an extension of living space, both visually and functionally.
Built-in rock flower boxes sprout seasonal blooms. Multiple shades of tan and brown tile cover the floors indoors and out. Large palms and clay pots loaded with colorful plants invite guests to sit and gaze. From the second story, ample balcony spaces, enclosed by curved wrought-iron railings, overlook the pool and lake and provide additional seating from which to enjoy relaxing panoramas.
To further promote the blending of interior and exterior living spaces, a full-sized kitchen was added on the deck. “It’s our summer kitchen,” says the owner about this outdoor area where meals can be prepared while enjoying lake breezes and watching boats skim the water’s surface. Views of Lake Travis are further enhanced by the refreshing infinity pool that appears to flow into the lake. Arched water spouts provide “cool” decorations (in both senses of the word).
Although visitors and family love lingering on the deck, the comfortable, casual interior harmonizes perfectly with outdoor spaces. Furnishings in the master bedroom are minimal, crisp and white. The bedspread is neatly tucked into a platform bed, while a white Mies van der Rohe chaise provides an excellent spot for reading when outside temperatures rise. Honey-hued wood doors and window frames accentuate simple and clean lines. Nothing more is needed when the view outside is cool, blue water rippling in the breeze.
Amazing sunset views glow across Lake Travis during early evening, providing a fringe benefit for the owners. Orange, pink and gold rays dance across the water—a display visible from all windows in the home, including large triple panes over the tile-encased tub in the master bath. There are no worries about privacy, though, as the house is located on a secluded plot of land. Wood cabinetry, double vanities and a white bench create an elegant bathroom that’s both functional and attractive; the perfect spot for dissolving any lingering cares.
Another reason the owners were attracted to this property is that the original living structure was still there. They turned this building into a guest house for extended family members. Also, given a personal, contemporary touch during the renovation, that house has been used more than the owners anticipated, even as long-term living quarters for a musician member of the family.
Stunning views, comfortable furnishings, friendly ambience and a peaceful setting all combine to make this house a special place for personal and spiritual renewal.