2701 Maria Anna Rd, Austin, TX 78703

On a tree lined, quiet street in one of the Austin’s most desired locations and minutes from the energy and bustle of City Center, this mid-century inspired home rises from the street on a sloped site that affords a treetop view to the hill country beyond. Outdoor gathering areas for groups or quiet solitary retreats are shaded by mature oaks that cover the property. Dry-stacked stone retaining walls create long, horizontal tiers of landscaping and the wide eaves of the home’s architecture echo the linear theme. The pool and deck are rendered private with glass panels all of which evoke influences of Frank Lloyd Wright giving this home a modern feel with design roots in the past. Huge expanses of glass bring light and trees into every room. A large living area with a fireplace in the back spills down three steps into another one with white-washed beaded ceilings that looks out over the pool, allowing for friends and family to congregate or separate during celebrations large or small. Sleek, clean lines of cherry cabinetry in the kitchen under crisp white quartz counters overlook an informal dining area with floor to ceiling windows and wooded surroundings. Working from home means quality time spent in a tree-top setting looking out of corner windows with a line of warm cherry cabinets for storage or display. All bedrooms have attendant baths and look out onto the pool and deck area. The primary bedroom can be opened to a view that is both private and spectacular. Ample storage throughout the house has been well-planned to make living sensible and contemporary metal railings, composite decking materials and natural landscaping make this a low-maintenance offering in a lovely, creative setting. Organically nestled in and above the trees, this brilliant, light design invites the warm reception of entertaining guests and provides nature-filled spaces for peaceful respite. But when action is desired, Lake Austin and downtown Austin are minutes away. The perfect setting.

Tarrytown is a historic Central Austin neighborhood in 78703, five minutes from downtown and bordered by Lake Austin to the west. Median home price $1.95M. Austin ISD schools - Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle, Austin High - and walkability to Deep Eddy Pool, Lady Bird Lake, and Mayfield Park.

The housing stock spans nine decades. Original 1930s-60s colonials, Tudors, and ranch homes sit alongside new construction and gut renovations on lots ranging from 0.15 to 0.3 acres. Lakefront properties on Scenic Drive and streets near Lake Austin command $4M-$15M+. The neighborhood's character has been protected by an engaged neighborhood association and the McMansion Ordinance, which limits building scale.

Daily life here runs on the water and the schools. Morning laps at Deep Eddy Pool (68-degree spring-fed water year-round), school drop-off at Casis, coffee at Tarrytown Pharmacy or Summer Moon, dinner at Jeffrey's or Josephine House without leaving the neighborhood. The Contemporary at Laguna Gloria and Lions Municipal Golf Course are a walk or short bike ride away.

What makes Tarrytown distinct from other luxury Austin neighborhoods: genuine walkability, a 90-year-old neighborhood identity, and Central Austin access that Westlake and Barton Creek cannot match. The tradeoff is Austin ISD instead of Eanes, and smaller lots than you'd find west of MoPac.