This historic Austin home is old, new and amazing all at once
It’s one of those historic homes you drive past and immediately comment on. Surrounded by newer buildings, the home stands on a hill overlooking its Austin neighborhood, a testament to the careful and exacting detail that went into homebuilding a century ago. Such a historic property deserves to be preserved, so that’s just what LaRue Architects did.
Built in 1915, the home was one of the last standing in its historic Austin neighborhood. Most of the other original homes nearby were demolished to make way for newer properties. This house survived because its previous owner lived there for over five decades and insisted on keeping the history intact.
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When the LaRue Architects team began updating the home, they contacted a historic restoration expert to dive into the property’s history. LaRue worked with Foursquare Builders to painstakingly restore and rebuild the house. The project preserved the home’s character and historic beauty without sacrificing modern luxuries. Here, Austin’s past and present blend together beautifully.
Boral siding was used to mimic the original exterior. Stucco, metal, and glass panels were added to the back of the home for a more modern exterior. Meanwhile, the porches and terrace feature new teak decking. The soffit above the house is painted blue in a callback to a more traditional look.
From the front and when you step inside, this home looks like a beautifully restored historic residence. Advance further into the building, and you’ll see its modern additions. The entry hall is flanked by a bedroom and office, rooms that are original to the home. Traditional windows were reconstructed, and the original sidelights still frame the front door.
Two sets of stairs connect the bedrooms and living areas on the main level to the garage and new exercise room. The dining room, kitchen and living room have floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open up to the infinity pool and terrace. Life magazine covers saved from the original basement line the stairwell walls, a tribute to the home’s long history.
Images by Casey Dunn
Written by KC Morgan
