West Lake Wonderland

Get a load of the stunning views from this luxurious West Lake estate

West Lake Wonderland

Get a load of the stunning views from this luxurious West Lake estate

This 1.21-acre Mediterranean-style estate is located in Nob Hill of West Lake.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
The interior boasts many luxury features, but outside you'll find similar attention to detail.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
Exposed beams create depth and intrigue to the living area.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
Mahogany cabinetry and granite-marble counters in the kitchen contrast nicely with the clean white walls.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
The master suite takes the entire second floor of the home and includes two closets and a fireplace.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
The master bath comes complete with a jetted tub, separate shower, and double vanity.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
The 4,102-square-foot abode offers stunning views of the surrounding Hill Country.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
The pool area has several spaces to lounge and take in the sights.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
The terrace can play host to anything from a sit-down breakfast to a lovely party.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin
This one bedroom, one bathroom casita can function as a guest house or office.Photo courtesy of Realty Austin

Five miles from downtown Austin sits a stunning retreat in the rolling hills of West Lake. This extremely private estate boasts sensational panoramic canyon views 60 feet above street level.

The 1.21-acre abode is bursting with wonder around every corner, and the attention to detail is apparent inside and out. Interior features include vaulted ceilings; exposed beams; concrete, stone, and wood floors; and mahogany cabinetry and French doors.

Built in 2003, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom estate is a total of 4,102 square feet; it also plays host to a separate one-bed, one-bath casita, which can be used for guests or as an office.

The master suite, located on the second floor, delights with a double vanity, jetted tub, two closets, and a fireplace. Downstairs comprises three bedrooms, living room, and dining room. A breakfast bar, center island, granite and marble counters, and updated appliances make for a chef’s dream kitchen.

Facing northwest, enjoy beautiful sunset views with the backdrop of the Mediterranean-style stucco of the home. The exterior space is a total of 2,600 square feet with verandas, an outdoor kitchen, palm terrace, and large pool. Tropical landscaping brings tranquility to anyone lucky enough to call this property home.

Listed by Maggie Falvey of Realty Austin, 1516 Wild Cat Hollow is on the market for $2,199,000.

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Building on a budget

Austin leads the nation for developing private affordable housing

Austin has lots of affordable housing in the works. Photo by Tasha Jolley on Unsplash

Most people like a bargain, particularly money-conscious renters in the Austin area, where rents continue to be stubbornly high. According to RentCafe, the average Austin apartment rent recently stood at $1,691, compared with the statewide average of $1,449. Fortunately, rent relief is on the way: Austin is a hotspot for affordable housing, according to a new study.

The report from data provider Yardi Matrix shows the Austin metro area leads the nation for the number of “fully affordable” apartments and other multifamily housing units under construction by private real estate developers (not by government agencies). Austin ranks first on the list with 2,717 units under construction, followed by Miami with 2,687 and Los Angeles with 2,196.

“With shelter costs a growing issue across the country, construction of affordable multifamily housing is an increasingly important component of the nation’s housing stock,” the report says.

Private development of affordable housing means a privately owned company, instead of a government agency, builds housing for low- to moderate-income residents. However, a private developer might qualify for government incentives or subsidies for construction of an affordable housing project.

Fully affordable housing refers to properties where at least 90 percent of units are income-restricted. Affordable housing is defined as housing where an occupant puts no more than 30 percent of their gross income toward housing costs.

The Austin area also leads Yardi Matrix’s list of the markets where at least 2,000 fully affordable housing units are expected to be ready for tenants in 2025. Austin comes in at 3,452 units, with Los Angeles at 2,752 and Brooklyn, New York, at 2,701.

Taking it a step further, Austin tops Yardi Matrix’s forecast for the most fully affordable housing units being ready for tenants from 2025 through 2027. Austin’s count is 9,528 housing units in this category, with Seattle at 6,289 and San Antonio at 5,581.

At a lunch this week hosted by the Urban Land Institute, Austin City Council Member José “Chito” Vela said the cost savings generated by the addition of affordable housing will greatly benefit his mostly working-class, immigrant-heavy district in North Central Austin.

“That’s [extra] money in their pockets — that’s money going to their kids, to health care, to education, to recreation,” Vela said. “That’s money that’s not going to rent, that’s improving the lives of everyday working-class people in my district.”

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