1506 W 13th St Unit #16, Austin, TX 78703

At the western edge of downtown Austin in the Clarksville neighborhood, the Escorial is a fully-gated, private Mediterranean style compound. Entering the pool area, Unit 16 is up one floor and to the right. Three balconies give an outdoor aspect to all 3 bedrooms of this recently remodeled home. With interiors redesigned by owner architect Alberto Isunza, AIA, the 2 stories resonate as a Parisian loft, with ornate paneled walls, chair rails, a beautifully wallpapered stairwell, and detailed crown molding. Glossy white walls contrast with custom built-in cabinetry in darkest indigo against the wood floors. The 1st floor welcomes with a fireplace in the living room, opening up to the dining area and chef’s kitchen. Elegant GE Cafe appliances are in all white with brass handles, and there’s an under-cabinet wine refrigerator just within reach. A short hallway from the kitchen leads to a full bathroom and the first of 3 bedrooms. Up the stairwell of golden flowers, a landing shows off a series of folding doors opening to the washer and dryer area with additional storage. To the right is the primary bedroom, with a wall of hidden built-in closets and drawers, and room for a king bed and office nook. French doors open to this room’s private patio. Swoon at the lavish bathtub framed perfectly by the bedroom doorway under glowing skylights. This bathroom allows separation between one room with a black and marble vanity sink and glass linen cabinet, and another with vintage vanity, the separate shower of marble tile, and a walk-in closet with Container Store shelving for ultimate organization. On the opposite side of the bathroom is the 3rd bedroom, the owners’ favorite, paneled in all white with a delicate chandelier. This splendid home of comfort and charm exists with the conveniences of Fresh Plus market, and restaurants Cipolina, Jeffrey’s, and Taco Flats steps away. A coveted one car garage and a covered parking spot add to the livability of this close-in Austin gem.

Clarksville is Austin's most walkable luxury neighborhood — a historic freedman's town founded in 1871, now in 78703, five minutes on foot from downtown. Median home price $2.2M. Austin ISD schools (Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle, Austin High). One of the only Austin neighborhoods where you can walk to fine dining, trails, and downtown without getting in a car.

The housing stock reflects 150 years of history. Original shotgun cottages and bungalows from the early 1900s sit alongside contemporary new builds and sensitive renovations on lots ranging from 0.1 to 0.25 acres. The neighborhood's historic designation (National Register) means you'll see period architecture preserved next to modern infill. Teardown lots trade at $800K-$1.5M for land alone.

West Lynn Street is the commercial spine — Medici coffee, Cipollina wood-fired pizza, Jeffrey's fine dining, Josephine House, and Bar Peached are all within a few blocks. Pease Park and Shoal Creek Trail border the east side. The Whole Foods flagship at 6th and Lamar is a 10-minute walk.

What makes Clarksville distinct: the combination of walkable daily life, historic character, and proximity to downtown that no other Austin neighborhood matches. The tradeoff is small lots, limited parking, and premium pricing for the location. Buyers here are paying for a lifestyle that doesn't require a car.