2500 Forest Bend Dr, Austin, TX 78704

A truly rare opportunity in the heart of Austin's iconic 78704. Perched on one of the most coveted lots in Barton Hills, this custom-designed home sits on a quiet section of Forest Bend, offering breathtaking views of Barton Creek and the dramatic limestone cliffs beyond. The unique topography, including a natural saddle across the canyon, enhances the sense of openness and frames a stunning panorama of native landscape, rugged limestone formations, and the natural beauty that makes Barton Creek so special.

Lovingly maintained by its original owners, this custom home was designed by an architect rather than built from a standard neighborhood floor plan. Recent improvements include updated electrical, solar-powered attic vents, updated lighting and fans, and new kitchen appliances. Move right in or bring your vision to create a spectacular modern showplace.

The home is set back from the street, creating exceptional curb appeal, a spacious front yard, and an extended driveway with ample parking for guests. The surrounding section of Forest Bend is known for its beautifully maintained and remodeled homes.

Step into the serene backyard and enjoy direct access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt and miles of trails, including the Violet Crown Trail, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and exploration. When Barton Creek is flowing, the soothing sound of rushing water creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal retreat.

Living here means embracing the quintessential Austin lifestyle. Walk, hike, or bike to Taco Deli, and enjoy close proximity to Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, Matt's El Rancho, Phil's Ice House, Amy's Ice Cream, Terry Black's BBQ, and more. Forest Bend residents also enjoy annual neighborhood gatherings, including a Fourth of July parade and street celebrations.

Properties offering this combination of privacy, greenbelt views, location, community, and long-term value rarely come available in Barton Hills.

This 1,870 square foot home at 2500 Forest Bend Drive in Austin's Barton Hills subdivision sits on one of Barton Hills' most strategically positioned lots, offering direct views into Barton Creek's natural canyon system. Built in 1973 by an architect rather than following standard plans, the residence reflects intentional spatial thinking from the ground up. The design moves away from conventional floor layouts to work with the property's natural topography, particularly a saddle formation across the canyon that frames the landscape rather than fighting it.

The material palette combines brick and HardiPlank siding with parquet and tile flooring throughout, creating visual texture that shifts purposefully across spaces. The kitchen anchors the home with Corian counters, stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop and built-in oven, and an eat-in configuration that connects to multiple living areas without traditional corridors. Recessed lighting and ceiling fans provide practical detail work, while the primary bedroom sits on the main level. This layout eliminates interior steps and maximizes sightlines toward the backyard.

The 0.2789-acre lot slopes gently and is heavily landscaped with mature trees exceeding 40 feet. Automatic sprinkler systems front and rear maintain the grounds, while a full gutter system protects the structure. The home presents a set-back profile from Forest Bend itself, creating substantial curb appeal and guest parking off an extended driveway. A covered deck and front porch extend the living footprint into outdoor space.

Recent updates include rewired electrical systems, solar-powered attic ventilation, refreshed lighting fixtures, and new kitchen appliances, signaling that the original owners maintained the property for long-term livability. The home sits at $871 per square foot, positioning it within reach of buyers seeking authentic Austin neighborhood character rather than newer construction.

Location anchors everything here. Barton Creek Greenbelt access connects directly to miles of trails, including the Violet Crown Trail system for hiking and biking. Barton Springs Pool sits less than a mile south on Zilker Park's grounds. Taco Deli, Phil's Ice House, Amy's Ice Cream, and Terry Black's BBQ fall within walkable range. Austin ISD schools serving this address include Barton Hills Elementary, O Henry Middle, and Austin High School. Forest Bend residents gather annually for Fourth of July parades and neighborhood street celebrations, creating community infrastructure many newer subdivisions lack entirely.

This property represents a 78704 opportunity where design intention meets greenbelt proximity and established neighborhood stability.

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.