17707 Navigation
$1,299,000
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Stan Barron Properties
is a licensed Texas real estate broker
512.345-8585
Now
here this: if $1.29 million dollars is in your price range,
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING until you see this make-you-melt
residence. It is something to behold. This is one of those
houses like the ones you see featured on the cover of
Architectural Digest. It was created by the architect who
masterminded unique homes for movie stars such as Tom Hanks
and Tommy Lee Jones. This design is in the category of
Art-chitecture.
Located on the north side of
Lake Travis, the address is 17707 Navigation Lane. It was
one of the hillside homes featured in the 2001 Northshore
Parade-of-Homes.
The Secret Woven Into The
Design
The home has an invisible energy--a sensation that washes
over everyone who visits. People take just a few steps
inside--they come to a dead stop, and say, "I love this
house!"
If you have ever dreamed of owning a home like this, here is the underlying secret. To get to the entry door, you must walk through a front gate where you enter a large private courtyard that is laced with trellis-covered vines, stone paths, lush plants and a sunken garden. The courtyard path leads to a gallery walkway made of glass. The front door causes you to enter the house at the center point, and here is the aha! moment: As you stand in the entry and slowly make a 360-degree turn, your line of sight is stretched out along the axial points of a compass with a visual treat at each end point. Looking straight through the entry (to the south) you see through the glass walkway to another courtyard, herb garden, then pool, to manicured grounds, and out to hill country terrain and lake view. Turn to the left (east), and you see all the way through that wing to a massive stone wall with fireplace. Turn west, and the gallery walkway view extends to a large cozy office with bookshelves and fireplace--that can be hidden behind a sliding wall section. Behind you is the original courtyard that brought you to the front door. That makes four unbroken sight lines that extend out from the center of the house. Talk about sensory overload. If you think the principles of Feng-Shui are a little too esoteric to be real, you will be a believer when you visit this home.
With about 5,483 sq. ft., the layout has four bedrooms (each with its own bath), and all are set up like guest suites. For example, the two downstairs guest rooms are set up in the back right wing of the house with their own living area and a separate door that leads out to the pool. There is another guest room upstairs, and the master is upstairs in the corner position for the best view of the grounds, hill country and lake.
Extras Like Outdoor Kitchen,
Sleeping Porch, Herb Garden
There are other interesting spaces--a screened-in sleeping
porch that is attached to the main house next to the spa and
fountain. There is a breeze-hogging outdoor kitchen with
cantina bar and cabana bath. The grounds already
include an herb garden, colorful flower bed, vegetable
garden and fruit trees--along with an inviting little stone
garden house at the rear of the property.
Picturesque Setting Is Ideal For
Weddings
But there is more--behind the pool area is a large section
of manicured grounds which is ideal for events such as
fundraisers or weddings (if you own this house, people you
know will request it for weddings). In the fall, the owners
use a large limestone terrace to sit by a fire and stargaze.
The pool here is positioned close to the house. This adds privacy, and it serves as a water element. At night, moon beams reflect off the water and back into the house. Imagine what it would be like to go to sleep with the windows open--breezes are rolling in and the sound of falling water in the pool will put you into a deep state of relaxation.
Many of the terraces and walkways are made of fossilized limestone--you clearly see the imprints of sea shells and crustaceans--geologic proof that this entire region was a seabed millions of years ago.
A "Garage" Like No Other
Can I get a drum roll please? Is it a garage or a studio?
Pay careful attention when you look at this 3-car garage
(see photo on p.3) because it also functions as a studio or
shaded playroom for kids. Here is how this was done. The
ceiling is extra tall, and the perimeter along the top edge
is lined with large hinged panels that swing open with the
press of a button. This allows light and breezes to pour in.
Additionally, the section of wall common to the interior
courtyard is composed of jumbo-sized doors that slide open
like those on an airplane hanger. How cool is that--a garage
with a moveable wall section that overlooks the front
courtyard--perfect for painting, sculpting or use as shaded
play space for kids.
While the owners could have afforded
waterfront, they intentionally chose this lot for its high
position and view, but
also because it is NOT waterfront. They are experienced with
lake living and unfortunately, Lake Travis is no longer a
quiet retreat. Waterfront houses take in all of the partying
noise that goes on at the lake, especially during the
summer. When the current owners want to go fishing, skiing
or take friends to dinner by boat, they simply walk over to
the marina and get on their boat--lake benefits without the
jarring noise that now dominates Lake Travis.
For just a moment, think about what it would be like to live here. There is something magical about this home--it transports you. In totality, the private setting, all of the vines, the sight and sound of waterfalls, the gardens, and the architecture itself makes you feel like you are staying at a combination spa and hill country vineyard.
Imagine what it would be like to entertain here when you invite friends for dinner. Music is spilling out across the terraces. Candles are floating in the pool. You can grill steaks and mix drinks at the outdoor kitchen and dine at the bar. And attention ladies: this is the ultimate gal pal house--you and your friends can paint, go for trail walks, read or do a yoga session out by the pool.
With the recent news--the latest reports show Austin prices beginning to edge back up and national economists predicting a recovery later this year, this may be your last chance to make a deal on a trophy house.
About the price
If you have been frustrated by other
sellers stubbornly clinging the their 2007 prices, this is
one of those serious sellers with a realistic price. The
stated price is below what it cost to build this home. Keep
in mind this is not a casual asking price. If you are a
like-minded, ready-to-act buyer, here is how you can see the
home. You must use your own agent, and a minimum 24-hour
notice is required. The best times to see the home are
Monday-Friday during business hours.
The seller is represented by Stan
Barron Properties 512.345-8585.
Click here
to see a floorplan, site plan, map and more photos