4506 Crestway Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Amazing mid-century modern designed by renowned architect Earl Dillard in 1953. Mr. Dillard, who also built 22 churches throughout his career, brought a distinctive vision to this home, which served as his personal residence, blending functionality with divine inspiration. With 3,000 square feet of living space on a 0.51-acre lot, the thoughtfully crafted layout seamlessly integrates the indoors with the outdoors, a hallmark of Dillard's design approach.

A brick wood-burning fireplace further enhances the living space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The flat roof, red wood ceilings and walls of glass in the main living area provide expansive views of the lush landscaping and the custom-designed pool. Significant updates have been made by the current owners, enhancing the home’s timeless design with contemporary finishes. Notable upgrades include Venetian plaster walls, recent cork flooring, and a gourmet kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, a SubZero refrigerator, and a 48" Bluestar range. The kitchen is designed for both function and style.

The updated primary suite features red wood wood accents, spa-like bathroom with soaking tub and floating wall closet. The floor to ceiling windows and doors create a glass box cantilevered over the yard below.

The second living room features brick floors and is complemented by a half bath. Perfect for home office or 4th bedroom. The space overlooks the beautifully manicured grounds, further enhancing the connection to nature.

The outdoor living spaces, designed by Root Design, create a serene, park-like atmosphere with mature trees. The terraced lot is elevated, providing privacy and stunning vistas, while the custom pool serves as a focal point. The landscape lighting evokes resort like vibes at night.

The two car carport provides protected parking far from the street. Large storage closets flank each side. The carport is connected to the main structure via a covered walkway.

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.