Future owners of 555 Cortona Dr. get the best of both worlds: a home with a beautifully manicured acre on which to luxuriate, and proximity to downtown Austin, which you can see from the property.

The nearly 5,000-square-foot home is a pristine example of Mediterranean architecture, with all the bells and whistles modern buyers are craving.

An update in 2011 added a pool to the already impressive backyard. Inside, beamed cathedral ceilings make each room feel cozy, while Kolbe casement windows let in the light. Limestone and walnut wood floors, along with Alderwood cabinets and doors throughout, lend a polished touch.

The master and guest suites are on the first floor, while three more bedrooms and a large game room upstairs encourage privacy. Those sweeping downtown views are breathtaking from the second level, where there's an uninterrupted panorama of glittering city lights.

This house was built for entertaining, and there's a wine room to prove it. Balconies and patios galore allow guests to spill out into the evening air, though it might be difficult to get them to leave when the party's over.

Located in a kid-friendly neighborhood zoned for the acclaimed Eanes school district, the home is listed for $2,149,000 with Amy Rung of Wilson & Goldrick Realtors.