4504 Small Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Set beneath a canopy of trees, this single-story custom residence offers the perfect blend of sophisticated design, effortless indoor-outdoor living, and everyday comfort. Thoughtfully crafted with exceptional attention to detail, the home welcomes you with clean architecture, tall ceilings, and walls of glass showcasing the private backyard retreat. An expansive kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, a substantial island with seating, and abundant storage— is perfect for entertaining or gathering with family. The open-concept living and dining spaces flow seamlessly to the outdoor covered veranda through oversized sliding glass doors, creating an incredible extension of the living area. The private primary suite is a true sanctuary, offering generous proportions, serene backyard views, and a spa-inspired bathroom. The opposite wing of the home provides three secondary bedrooms with their own gathering space - perfect for kid hang out, movie watching or an additional extension to the veranda and pool. The home office, overlooking the tree covered front lawn, is not to be missed. Designed for entertaining, the backyard is a private oasis featuring a pool and spa, expansive patio spaces, lush landscaping, and a covered outdoor living area with multiple TVs—ideal for year-round gatherings, game days, or relaxing evenings under the stars. This exceptional home seamlessly combines elegance with warm, inviting spaces, delivering a rare opportunity to enjoy thoughtful living in a peaceful, tree-filled setting. Every detail has been designed to create a home that is equally suited for everyday living and entertaining.

Cat Mountain takes its name from an actual geological feature - a ridgeline along the eastern edge that early settlers thought resembled a crouching cat. Whether you see the cat or not, what you will see from nearly every lot are unobstructed Hill Country views stretching west toward Lake Travis, and those views are the reason people pay what they pay to live here.

Cat Mountain occupies a prime stretch of northwest Austin between Loop 360 to the east, FM 2222 to the north, and the western reaches of the 78731 zip code. Downtown is about 15 minutes via 360 to MoPac, and the Arboretum sits less than 10 minutes north. The 360/2222 intersection anchors daily errands. Lake Austin is accessible from nearby boat ramps, and the western edge backs up to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, which means your backyard neighbor might be a golden-cheeked warbler rather than another family.

The housing stock reflects three decades of custom building on hilly terrain. Texas Traditional and Ranch-style homes account for about 35%, often featuring single-story layouts with limestone exteriors and covered patios oriented toward western views. Mediterranean homes make up 25%, with stucco facades and barrel tile roofs. Hill Country Contemporary designs represent roughly 20% and tend to be newer builds. Lot sizes range from a third of an acre to a full acre. Most homes fall between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet, with pricing from the high $700s for dated homes up to $2.5 million for updated custom builds with strong view corridors.

Cat Mountain feeds into Austin ISD, specifically Doss Elementary and Murchison Middle School, both carrying strong academic reputations. Doss draws families from across the 78731 zip code, and the school's performance is a consistent factor in home values. For high school, most students attend Anderson High School, which offers International Baccalaureate programming. Some families opt for private schools like St. Andrew's Episcopal or Regents School, both within a short drive.

The lifestyle centers on the outdoors. Bull Creek District Park is essentially the neighborhood's back yard, with swimming holes, hiking trails, and shade. The 360 Bridge Overlook sits at the southern edge. Mount Bonnell is a short drive north, and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve offers guided nature walks. For dining, Chez Zee has been the neighborhood bistro for decades, serving brunch and comfort food. Siena Ristorante Toscana handles date nights. Jack Allen's on 360 is the reliable weeknight choice. County Line on the Lake does barbecue with water views, and Roaring Fork serves upscale Western American food.

Cat Mountain is more affordable per square foot than Westlake Hills and Rob Roy to the south, which carry Eanes ISD premiums. It offers larger lots and more mature landscaping than newer developments in Steiner Ranch or River Place. And it provides a more residential setting than Great Hills to the north. The tradeoff is that some homes from the 1980s and early 1990s may need roof replacements, HVAC updates, and kitchen renovations running $100,000 to $200,000.

Cat Mountain makes sense for buyers who want Hill Country views without moving 30 minutes from downtown. It fits families who value Doss Elementary and Anderson High and do not want the Eanes ISD premium. And it works for anyone who prioritizes natural setting over manicured suburban aesthetics. If walkability matters more than views, look at Tarrytown or Rosedale. But if you want to watch the sunset from your back porch and make it to a downtown dinner in 15 minutes, Cat Mountain is hard to beat.