3304 Cherry Tree Cir, Austin, TX 78731

Perched above a quiet cul-de-sac in coveted Balcones Park, 3304 Cherry Tree Circle is a remarkable mid-century residence designed by renowned architect Leonard Lundgren, whose work includes the iconic Holiday Inn on Town Lake built in 1964 - one of the first cylindrical hotels ever built. Thoughtfully designed to embrace its natural surroundings, the home features a dramatic main living area with Crema Marfil marble floors and a wall of windows that frames the lush yard below and fills the space with natural light.

Offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 3 distinct living areas, the flexible floor plan is ideal for both entertaining and everyday living. The second living room features a marble fireplace and custom built-ins. The third living room provides the perfect setting for a home theater, game room, or playroom. At the heart of the home, the gourmet kitchen is outfitted with stainless-steel appliances, walnut and stainless countertops, a BlueStar range top with integrated grill, Miele ovens / dishwasher and a Sub-Zero refrigerator / freezer.

The expansive primary suite is a private retreat featuring a beautiful stone fireplace, abundant closet space, and a spa-inspired bath complete with a centrally positioned soaking tub and separate walk-in shower. Outdoor living is equally impressive with a private rear patio featuring a Dacor gas grill, hot tub, and FARinfrared sauna.

A rare architectural offering in one of Austin's most sought-after neighborhoods, this distinctive home combines timeless Mid-Century design with exceptional amenities and an unbeatable Balcones Park location. Enhanced landscaping plans are available by Lionheart with offices in Austin, Aspen, and Basalt.

This 3,881-square-foot residence on Cherry Tree Circle in Balcones Park dates to 1956 and reflects the architectural vision of Leonard Lundgren, whose mid-century designs shaped Austin's skyline. The home commands a prominent position on its cul-de-sac lot in the 78731 zip code, elevated above the street with mature trees exceeding 40 feet in height that anchor the property and frame the structure.

The formal living spaces define this home's character. The main living area flows across Crema Marfil marble flooring beneath a wall of windows that captures the heavily wooded slope below. The secondary living room centers on a marble fireplace with custom built-in bookcases, while a third living area offers flexible use as a home theater, game room, or additional retreat. These connected spaces demonstrate the thoughtful separation of formal and informal entertaining zones that characterized quality mid-century construction.

The enduring quality of this home shows in its frame and stone veneer construction, paired with period-appropriate details like ceiling-high bookcases and an entrance foyer that sets a formal tone upon arrival. The primary bedroom occupies the main floor, a practical layout that maximizes convenience and privacy. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop, built-in ovens, and professional-grade refrigeration.

The lot, nearly 0.37 acres on a sloped parcel, includes established landscaping with an automatic sprinkler system. A rear patio extends the living space outdoors, creating a genuine second living environment. The two-car garage completes the practical layout without dominating the property's presence.

Location places this property within the Austin ISD attendance zones for Highland Park Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School. The Balcones Park neighborhood itself sits near the intersection of major retail and dining corridors, with direct access to established commercial areas while maintaining a residential character defined by mature trees and quiet streets.

At $1.99 million, or $511 per square foot, this mid-century property represents the caliber of architecture and land that defines Austin's most enduring neighborhoods. The combination of professional design, structural integrity, and meaningful outdoor space reflects a building era when durability and thoughtful planning commanded equal emphasis.

Highland Park West has the highest concentration of original mid-century ranch homes still standing in any Austin neighborhood west of MoPac. While other areas have torn down their 1950s houses to build new, Highland Park West has largely preserved its character, and that combination of period homes, big lots, and a live oak canopy with 60 years of growth gives the neighborhood a feel that no new construction can reproduce.

Highland Park West sits between MoPac to the east, Mount Bonnell and Lake Austin to the west, Bull Creek Road to the north, and Balcones Drive to the south. Downtown is about 12 minutes south on MoPac. The 35th Street corridor provides walkable access to Central Market, Tiny Boxwoods, and local shops. Mount Bonnell Road runs along the western edge, giving direct access to one of Austin's most iconic overlooks. The location is genuinely central - equidistant from downtown, the Domain, and the Arboretum.

Mid-Century Ranch homes account for roughly 45% of stock, defining the neighborhood's identity. These are single-story, three- and four-bedroom homes built between 1950 and 1970, typically 1,500 to 2,500 square feet on quarter-acre to half-acre lots. Many retain original rooflines, stone fireplaces, and terrazzo floors. Updated Ranch homes with modernized interiors make up about 25% and represent the sweet spot for buyers wanting character without a full renovation. Modern Hill Country builds account for 15%. Pricing starts around $800,000 for unrenovated originals and reaches $2 million for updated homes on premium greenbelt lots.

Highland Park West is served by Austin ISD. Casis Elementary draws families from across west Austin and consistently ranks among the district's top elementary schools. O. Henry Middle School continues the pipeline, and Austin High School completes it. Austin High's central location and strong college placement make it a draw for families wanting quality public education. Many Casis families walk to school along shaded residential streets, adding to the community feel.

The lifestyle is defined by what it is not. It is not a see-and-be-seen neighborhood. Streets curve with the terrain rather than following a grid, and lots are large enough that houses feel spaced apart. Perry Park and Dellana Park provide green space. Mount Bonnell and Mayfield Park are within five minutes. Bull Creek Greenbelt is accessible from the northern edge. For dining, Chez Zee has served comfort food on Balcones Drive for decades. Tiny Boxwoods brings its garden-setting farm-to-table concept. Postino in Bryker Woods does wine and bruschetta. Eldorado Cafe handles Tex-Mex. Bartlett's offers steaks and an old-school bar. Central Market on North Lamar serves as the de facto town square.

Highland Park West threads the needle between Tarrytown's higher prices and Rosedale's more modest scale. It offers larger lots and more character than Northwest Hills' production builds. It is more affordable than the Eanes ISD neighborhoods across MoPac. And it has a more residential feel than Clarksville, which has absorbed more commercial development. The main consideration is that many original homes need meaningful investment - new roofs, updated electrical, HVAC replacement, and kitchen renovations.

Highland Park West fits buyers who value architectural character and mature landscaping over new construction. It works for families wanting Casis Elementary and Austin High without the Tarrytown premium. It suits people who want proximity to downtown but prefer quiet, curving streets. And it draws buyers who appreciate mid-century design and want a home that feels like Austin rather than a suburb. If you need a brand-new kitchen and a four-car garage, you will pay a renovation premium. But if you want to live under a canopy of live oaks in a neighborhood that has resisted tearing everything down, Highland Park West is one of the few central Austin places where that is still possible.