There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Prior to establishing a career in real estate with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty, Kat Brooks was in the wine business. So building foundations and working with people has always been vital to her profession, and now instead of detailing the finer points of a Pinot she touts the pros of buying and selling in Austin.

And Barton Creek, specifically. Kat has been a resident of the stunning neighborhood for the past two decades, drawn to its rolling hills and close proximity to downtown.

"I love how beautiful the Hill Country is," she says, "and there is a wide range of homes here, everything from villas to estates."

Kat offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Barton Creek. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
"The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is practically my second home," Kat says, "and it has Bob's Steak and Chop House, Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar, Jim Bob's Lobby Lounge, and Crenshaw's Bar & Eatery."

Where to play
Besides playingtennis and golf at the Barton Creek Country Club and spending many luxurious hours at the Omni's spa, Kat also spends a lot of time — as do most Austinites — traversing the 13.8-mile Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail.

Where to live
Kat recently represented 7701 Escala Dr., a premier, six-bedroom estate set on 2.85 acres and only five minutes from the Barton Creek Country Club & Resort.

Listing an estate of this stature during the pandemic was a challenge, but Kat delivered concierge service to her clients with focused showings and offering potential buyers access to the Barton Creek amenities, resulting in an off-market sale well over the list price.

"I always love when I have the opportunity to do business in Barton Creek," Kat says. "It's like inviting someone into your living room and sharing with them all the things you love that make your home special."