1705 Cliffside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Located in one of the most coveted pockets of the highly desirable Barton Hills neighborhood, this one-of-a-kind mid-century residence is a rare architectural treasure. Originally designed by Robert S. Harris, Architect, and rumored to have been built by Stenger, the home was originally built in 1966 and underwent a meticulous renovation and thoughtful addition with architecture by Dob and Eel and build and interior finish out by Cary Paul Studios (awarded 2026 Best Builder by Austin Home)

Set on an expansive .33-acre lot beautiful oak trees, this 3,144 SF home showcases a distinctive mid-century layout with bold angles, dramatic lines, and a dramatic central kitchen with celestory windows. The reimagined floor plan offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 living rooms, and a dedicated study.

Enterting thru the restored front door, a striking restored stand-alone fireplace anchors the main living area along with limestone block walls which were restored during the full-scale renovation. The home was fully gutted, with all major systems replaced, offering the rare combination of historic design integrity and the peace of mind of a near-new build.

Perfectly positioned within walking distance to Barton Creek Greenbelt trails, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, and Barton Hills Elementary, this location offers the quintessential Austin lifestyle. This is a rare opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of Austin’s architectural history - ready for the next era.

The original 1966 Robert S. Harris design at 1705 Cliffside Drive in Barton Terrace Section 03 retains its mid-century soul while functioning as a completely modern home. The bones here matter - bold angles, dramatic ceiling lines, and that central kitchen anchored by clerestory windows define the space, but what makes this 3,114-square-foot residence distinctive is how the recent renovation by Dob and Eel architecture and Cary Paul Studios balanced restoration with smart systems replacement. This is authenticity married to functionality.

The character lives in the details. Original limestone block walls frame the main living area, where a restored standalone fireplace provides both visual anchor and genuine warmth. The terrazzo, tile, and wood flooring throughout refuse to apologize for being lived-in materials that show patina rather than hide it. Vaulted ceilings soar over multiple living areas, while recessed lighting and that kitchen island keep the flow intentional rather than precious. Four bedrooms include a primary on the main level, three full bathrooms plus a half bath, and built-in bookcases throughout suggest a home designed for people who read, work, and gather.

The kitchen itself is the spine of daily life here. Quartz counters, stone counters, and a wine refrigerator signal hospitication ready, but the open floor plan to the dining areas means cooking isn't isolation. A dedicated study, walk-in closets, and pantry storage don't whisper about themselves. The spray foam insulation and tankless water heater mean this 1966 structure operates at contemporary efficiency.

Location anchors everything. The 0.33-acre lot is densely treed with oaks exceeding 40 feet, sloping down to create natural privacy on Cliffside Drive in the Barton Terrace neighborhood. You're walking distance to Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park via the Barton Creek Greenbelt trails, genuinely close enough for regular visits. Barton Hills Elementary, O Henry Middle, and Austin High School serve this Austin ISD address. The Barton Hills area remains one of Austin's most established central neighborhoods, where house design matters and tree canopy is protected.

At $867 per square foot, this represents the rare convergence of architectural integrity, complete systems renewal, and proximity to Austin's most valued outdoor amenities. The home doesn't require apology or explanation - it requires owners who understand what mid-century thinking looks like in practice.

Barton Hills is South Austin's Greenbelt neighborhood in 78704, where the Gus Fruh trailhead sits on a residential street and Barton Springs Pool is a five-minute bike ride. Median home price $1.49M. Austin ISD schools, 10 minutes to downtown, direct access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Zilker Park.

The housing stock is mostly 1950s-70s ranch homes on generous lots (8,000-12,000 sq ft) with mature live oak and pecan canopy. The terrain is hilly and the streets wind without sidewalks — everyone walks in the road and waves. Some original homes have been updated; others are teardown candidates for new builds. Active listings typically number 5-10 at any given time.

South Lamar corridor runs along the eastern edge — Uchi, Odd Duck, Loro, Matt's El Rancho, and the Alamo Drafthouse at Lamar Union are all within a mile. Zilker Park (351 acres) is the front yard. The Barton Hills Neighborhood Association actively protects the environmental features that make this location work — the springs, the Greenbelt, and the creek.

What defines Barton Hills: trail access from your front door, spring-fed swimming, James Beard Award-winning food a mile away, and a 10-minute downtown commute. The tradeoff is hilly terrain, no HOA-maintained common areas, and older housing stock that may need significant updating.