The rich earth tones and elegant textures that define the home at 8619 Terra Dale create a buzz of excitement among the stream of visitors to the 2009 Parade of Homes.

“One woman said it was just sexy,” says Deborah Allen, a designer who works for Catrina Hoelke at Catrina’s at the Ranch in Boerne. “I think she was struck by the use of color and texture.”

The colors and textures put in place by Catrina and her staff are, to be sure, welcoming and yet dramatic. Then again, the visitor who made the comment may have been reliving memories of the master suite, which is one of the many high points the house has to offer. The home won best Master Suite in the Parade, as well as Best Exterior Entertainment Area and Best Floor Plan.

Architect Fernando Almendariz and Builder Chuck Powell of CKC Custom Homes provided the master suite’s flowing floor plan, dramatic views, beautiful coved ceilings and incredible spa-like design. Powell’s wife Kristal, an interior design specialist, worked with Catrina to create the perfect balance of elegance and comfort in the bedroom.

The 4,772 square foot home, with brick and rock façade and a brown metal roof, is filled with natural light. Powell had the whole home sprayed with insulation before finishing it, and said that he achieved his goal of creating an extremely energy efficient house.

A side sitting room invites residents to lounge on the sofas, watch television, read or simply gaze at the view of the pool and hot tub from one angle or at the tree-lined hills from another. Almendariz planned the space so that the afternoon sun is behind and to the left of anyone enjoying the view.

“We walked the lot before we even began to think of the design,” Almendariz says. “I wanted to keep it as light and airy as possible, and capture the views, which are north and east.”

A stroll to the other side of the master suite leads into the limestone tile floors of the master bath, with a walk-in shower that circles around to a spa tub. The lengthy counter—a glass top placed over an inset tray filled with smooth river rocks—carries the earthy, Old World feel into the spa space. Three mirrors with metal embellishments hang in front of huge windows that capture the amazing views of the trees and hills below and beyond. Tall windows just above the walk-in shower offer an incredible view of the sky.

“I just love this,” Catrina says. “You could stand here and watch the clouds, the stars, a storm, whatever is in the sky, while you take a shower.”

The home has a certain warm and sexy atmosphere while, at the same time, being livable and comfortable. Catrina notes, “This home is not only spectacular, it is made to live in.”

Step out onto the terrace off the master bedroom and right into the jacuzzi, which sits above the pool with a view to the northern hills. To the left, down a graceful staircase, is the cool and inviting pool, complete with a gently sloping beach entrance leading into the blue waters. A shelf seat allows swimmers to sit under a waterfall that spills from the hot tub above. A few stairs down and the spectacular outdoor entertainment area looms to the left. An outdoor kitchen, complete with a bar and large-screen television, is enhanced with comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture, including roomy chairs with cushions set in a basket weave of saddle leather that has more than one tour guest asking where to find them.

Catrina, whose eclectic compound-shop in Boerne is home to many original pieces, says simply, “We made them. I have collected artisans and craftspeople for 30 years, and I have to say that, by now, I have a man or woman for just about any job you or I can envision.”

Throughout the house, the touch of one of those craftsmen, a faux painter extraordinaire, is seen and felt. Visitors sometimes wonder at certain “rock veneer” walls only to find they are the product of this master craftsman, Barrett Rankin.

There are two game-room areas, the most unusual and interesting a “man-cave” located just off the patio/pool area. There is a bar with “John Wayne” barstools made of leather and cowhide and a plate-glass window that offers a view into a one-car garage, slightly separate from the main garage and an ideal space for showcasing a prize-possession vehicle.

A dumbwaiter, capable of transporting up to 600 pounds between the home’s three stories, is located just off the garage. The third story of the house boasts a comfy media room, the balcony of which offers what Catrina terms the “million-dollar views” of the sprawling Hill Country.

The main floor has a formal dining room that reminds visitors of Tuscany, including a table with a top reminiscent of an ornate wooden Italian door. The main living room is cozy but large, with views out to the pool area and an “air curtain” that makes it possible to open doors without losing air conditioning or letting insects inside. The leather, cowhide and faux zebra-hide themes flow through the room and spill outdoors. A nearby breakfast room area is warm and inviting, with two banquettes that are a combination of leather and faux zebra-hide.

Between the kitchen and dining area, there is a small “wine room,” complete with a high table and chairs custom made for a quiet moment for two. A door that opens to the driveway portico area has a feature seldom seen nowadays—a small “peek-a-boo” door that opens at eye-level and allows a quick look at whomever seeks entry.

The kitchen counters are unpolished granite in the “leather look,” that lends a touch of lightness to the general deep earth tones and Old World style found in the living area. The showstopper here is the hand-carved cabinetry made of Canadian Alder wood. A dishwasher with two separate washing compartments and a hot water swing faucet above the stove are a cook’s dream. Off the back of the kitchen are an office area and a cook’s corner, complete with computer station and plenty of room to organize.

Powell chose the lot, which stands on a ridge at the end of the street that showcased the 2009 Parade of Homes. Almendariz says he actually wanted the lot next door, but Powell was insistent.

“I knew that we could do something special here, build something that would keep its charm and views no matter what,” Powell says. “You can see the way the land falls, the way the house is built. The privacy and views will be here forever; there is nothing that can be built to change that. There is no way to encroach on it.”

Almendariz and Powell point to a huge Spanish Oak behind the patio/pool
area that they used as the focal point of their collaboration and that can be viewed from any area looking north and east.

“In this house, you may be indoors, but you feel like you are outside,” Almendariz says. “I think a home should be like a vacation. It should [feel] like that—not wanting to leave, being happy to be there. This is that kind of home.”