1809 Barton Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78704

In one of Barton Hills’ most coveted pockets on an over 1/3-acre private lot, this is the kind of property that quietly ruins ordinary houses for you. Private, dramatic, and built for someone who wants the city close but not in their face, this 3 BD, 2 BA main home with a separate 1 BD, 1 BA casita lives like a boutique retreat with a seriously good Austin address. Inside, the layout has its own point of view. The raised kitchen and dining area sit just above the living room, giving the whole space a natural sense of dimension while keeping the outdoors front and center. The living room makes a statement with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, a custom 20’ climate-controlled wine wall, and a dual glass door that open to the backyard. The kitchen remodel in 2018 brought a fresh, elevated feel to the heart of the home, complete with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a huge quartz island with waterfall edge. Both baths were remodeled in 2021, bringing the same updated sensibility into the private spaces. Major system upgrades have already been handled, including a roof and solar panels in 2018, solar batteries in 2022, pool equip. replaced in 2021, HVAC in 2024 and an EV charger added in the garage in 2025. The backyard understood the assignment, it’s full resort energy: Infinity-edge pool, spa, multiple decks and patios, outdoor kitchen, covered lounge areas, and layers of entertaining space that spill into a lush greenbelt setting. Whether it’s a laid-back afternoon by the pool or a night that turns into one more bottle and one more hour, this setup knows exactly what it’s doing. The separate casita adds to the appeal, whether used for guests, home office, or to support the property’s current success as a high-performing STR. And for anyone thinking even bigger, there’s potential for a 2nd-story expansion that could offer panoramic city views. This house is for someone who wants privacy without isolation, design without stiffness, and a backyard that absolutely shows off.

At 1809 Barton Hills Drive in Austin's most sought Barton Hills neighborhood, this 2,101-square-foot residence sits on a private 0.3518-acre lot that functions like a personal five-star resort removed from city noise but positioned for downtown access in under 15 minutes. Built in 1984 and substantially refined, the home flows from a raised kitchen and dining area into a living room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and custom 20-foot climate-controlled wine wall, then opens directly to multiple outdoor entertaining spaces through dual glass doors. The 2018 kitchen renovation introduced Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a waterfall-edge quartz island, and an eat-in layout that orients the entire home toward leisure. Both bathrooms were remodeled in 2021, including a soaking tub and double vanity in the primary suite, which sits on the main level for accessibility.

The backyard is the property's defining asset. An infinity-edge pool and attached spa anchor the space, surrounded by multiple decks, patios, and covered lounge areas that tier down into a lush greenbelt buffer. An outdoor kitchen and grilling area support entertaining without leaving the property. Automatic sprinklers, mature trees reaching 30 to 40 feet, and a waterfall feature create a landscaped setting that feels far removed from suburban density while remaining minutes from Congress Avenue, downtown Austin, and major employers across the city.

The lot's sloped terrain created natural layers of entertaining space that work equally well for intimate afternoons or larger gatherings. Interior upgrades span recent years: a roof and solar installation in 2018, solar battery backup added in 2022, new pool equipment in 2021, current HVAC in 2024, and an EV charger installed in the garage in 2025. The wired-for-sound system, recessed lighting, crown molding, and open floorplan support a refined but livable aesthetic. Children attend Barton Hills Elementary, O Henry Middle School, and Austin High School within Austin ISD.

A separate one-bedroom casita on the property functions independently for guest accommodation, home office use, or rental income potential. At $900 per square foot, the property prices at a level reflecting both the resort-caliber outdoor infrastructure and the established Barton Hills address that has proven resilient across market cycles. This is the kind of property that makes ordinary houses feel incomplete once you've experienced it.

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.