5801 Valley Cir, Austin, TX 78731

Set among the trees in Austin’s coveted Cat Mountain neighborhood, this architecturally distinctive 3,920-square-foot residence offers a rare blend of privacy, modern design, Hill Country views, and effortless indoor-outdoor living. Ideally located off RR 2222, northeast of the Colorado River, the home is surrounded by mature oaks and thoughtful landscaping, creating a private hillside retreat in one of Northwest Hills most desirable enclaves.

Designed by Merzbau Design Collective / J.C. Schmeil, AIA, and featured on the 2020 AIA Austin Homes Tour, the residence showcases refined modern architecture, walls of glass, expansive decks, a pool, and a seamless connection to its natural surroundings. Updated and meticulously maintained by the same family for nearly two decades, the home offers five bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living areas, and a dedicated private office.

The multi-level floor plan adds both architectural interest and everyday functionality, with a lower level featuring a spacious bunk room suite and a large office with private exterior access. Inside, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows frame the trees and views, while oak hardwood floors, high-end windows, stone and siding exterior details, and striking ironwork add warmth, texture, and character throughout.

Outside, the professionally landscaped grounds, pool, multiple decks, and private outdoor living spaces create an exceptional setting for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying Austin’s peaceful hillside lifestyle.

A rare opportunity in Central Austin offering privacy, views, architectural pedigree, nature, close proximity to downtown, Lake Austin, and The Domain and zoned to Highland Park Elementary and walkable to St. Theresa's Blue Ribbon school.

This 3,920-square-foot residence at 5801 Valley Circle in Northwest Hills commands $2 million and represents one of Austin's rare examples of modern architecture designed by Merzbau Design Collective and architect J.C. Schmeil, AIA, which was featured on the 2020 AIA Austin Homes Tour. The home sits on 0.5564 acres in Cat Mountain, zoned to Highland Park Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School within Austin ISD, positioning it in one of the district's strongest academic neighborhoods.

The design philosophy centers on dissolving boundaries between interior and exterior through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mature oak canopy and Hill Country views across the hillside. Walls of glass open directly onto multiple decks and a resort-style pool, creating visual continuity between the home's five bedrooms and four full bathrooms and the landscape beyond. The architecture employs a split-level floor plan that adds functional separation without visual clutter - a deliberate choice that distinguishes this home from traditional single-story designs in the area.

Material selections reflect decades of thoughtful stewardship. Stone counters, oak hardwood flooring, and board-and-batten siding paired with concrete construction create a palette that weathers gracefully while maintaining architectural integrity. Custom ironwork details and high-performance windows balance the home's modern skeleton with warmth and tactile character. The kitchen features built-in stainless steel appliances and a central island that anchors multiple living areas, while a dedicated study with private exterior access functions as a genuine home office, not a converted closet.

The lower level features a spacious bunk room suite and generously scaled spaces that suggest this home was built for real entertaining, not just display. Professionally landscaped grounds with native plants and mature trees create a genuinely private setting despite proximity to RR 2222. The same family has owned and meticulously maintained this residence for nearly two decades, meaning systems, finishes, and structural details reflect continuous care rather than deferred investment.

Located northeast of the Colorado River in Cat Mountain, this address sits minutes from both downtown Austin and The Domain, with immediate access to the neighborhood's tree-lined roads and established oak grove canopy. This property offers the architectural credibility, design distinction, and landscape privacy that define Austin's most sought Northwest Hills addresses.

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.