515 Leland St, Austin, TX 78704

Nestled in the heart of Travis Heights, this quiet and charming 2-story bungalow has undergone a complete transformation, blending modern luxury with the timeless appeal of its original architecture. Renovated down to the studs in 2020, this meticulously updated home seamlessly marries historic character with contemporary comforts. The home's transformation was executed with precision, adding a second story and an 8-foot extension while preserving the essence of its 1929 origins. The renovation included a comprehensive list of updates, including a metal roof, hardiboard siding, solid wood doors, new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Original 1929 features such as the iconic doorbell and front door have been retained, alongside meticulous additions like custom molding, elegant crystal and brass doorknobs, and reclaimed wood flooring that seamlessly matches the original hardwood. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting Kitchen-Aid appliances, quartzite countertops, and a 12-foot island with seating for six. The open-concept layout flows effortlessly into the living area, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace adorned with original shiplap. Embrace the tranquility of outdoor living in the private courtyard, featuring custom landscaping, and a fenced yard ideal for entertaining or relaxing in seclusion. A detached 2-car garage with a workshop provides ample storage and workspace. Some of the smart and green home features present throughout the home include a metal roof(2020), Navien tankless H2O heater, August door lock, Kent LED backlit mirrors in primary bathroom, HVAC system, irrigation, and Ring doorbells. Safety features include a security system for the home and garage along with motion sensor lights outside. Situated near Moontower #1 and Stacy Park, this coveted location offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Five-minute walk to SOCO with dining, shops and bars, and the vibrant energy of Travis Heights at your doorstep.

Travis Heights is home to Big Stacy Pool, a free, spring-fed swimming hole that most Austinites have never visited because they are too busy fighting for space at Barton Springs. That hidden quality defines the entire neighborhood. Travis Heights has been here since the 1920s, sitting on the bluffs above Lady Bird Lake, and it has managed to stay more residential and quiet than the buzzing corridors on every side. South Congress is one block west. Rainey Street is a short walk across the bridge. And yet the interior streets still feel like the Austin people romanticize.

The neighborhood occupies the high ground east of South Congress and south of Lady Bird Lake, running from the lake to Oltorf Street, with I-35 on the east. The streets climb and wind along bluffs, creating a layered landscape of old trees and homes with views toward downtown. The Congress Avenue Bridge bats are a five-minute walk. Downtown is across the bridge, ten minutes on foot. Perla's and June's All Day anchor South Congress to the west. Elizabeth Street Cafe serves Vietnamese-French pastries. Lenoir offers a farmhouse wine garden. Odd Duck does farm-to-table small plates. Otoko is one of the most exclusive reservations in the city. Emmer and Rye rounds out with inventive tasting menus.

Craftsman bungalows from the 1920s and 1930s make up the largest category, with wide porches and original wood siding. Tudor homes add steep gabled rooflines. Contemporary builds appear on teardown lots. Mid-Century homes fill blocks farther from the lake. A bungalow needing work starts around $700,000, while renovated or new construction with lake views can exceed $2.5 million. Lots are modest - a tenth to a quarter acre - but tree coverage and topographic variation make them feel larger.

Travis Heights Elementary carries a reputation for strong community involvement and a diverse student body. Students feed into Fulmore Middle School and Travis High School. The schools attract families who actively choose an urban public school experience: diverse populations and neighborhood identity. Parent engagement runs high. Private options are plentiful nearby, including Austin Montessori.

Blunn Creek Greenbelt runs through the interior, providing a shaded corridor for walking and nature play. Big Stacy Park has both the spring-fed pool and a neighborhood gathering point. Lady Bird Lake's boardwalk connects the south side to the east side. The Congress Avenue Bridge bats are part of the nightly routine March through October. Weekend mornings might start with coffee on a front porch, a walk to the South Congress farmers market, or a jog along the Butler Trail.

Travis Heights sits between South Congress's commercial energy and the quieter feel of Bouldin Creek. South Congress properties near the avenue carry a premium but sacrifice residential calm. Bouldin Creek offers similar vintage stock on flatter terrain with less lake proximity. East Austin has seen rapid appreciation but lacks the established canopy and topographic character. Travis Heights benefits from being close to everything without being consumed by it.

Travis Heights is for buyers who want the real, historic Austin experience with a ten-minute walk to downtown and South Congress. It fits families who value Craftsman bungalows and front-porch living, couples who want to walk to world-class restaurants, and anyone who believes the best neighborhoods are the ones that have been quietly getting it right for a hundred years.