6815 Cougar Run, Austin, TX 78731

Nestled in the prestigious enclave of North Cat Villas, this stunning custom residence, expertly built by Don Skirrow, offers timeless elegance in a serene, prime location. Meticulously maintained and thoughtfully designed, the home combines refined craftsmanship with peaceful surroundings, creating an inviting retreat just moments from everything. Step inside to soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and custom built-ins that create warm, functional living spaces ideal for daily life and entertaining. The main living area opens to a peaceful back porch with retractable awnings, surrounded by lush woods, perfect for morning coffee, evening unwinding, or outdoor grilling with family or friends. The updated kitchen features premium KitchenAid appliances, including a wine refrigerator, warming drawer, and ice maker for effortless hosting. The primary suite offers two walk-in closets and a spa like bath with dual vanities, a massage tub, and separate shower, plus a private screened porch overlooking the trees. Two additional bedrooms offer its own unique charm, including access to a private balcony for enjoying fresh air and peaceful moments. In addition to three spacious bedrooms and two generous living areas, the home also features a large, dedicated office perfect for working from home or a quiet study space. Residents enjoy nearby community pools just steps away, including a lap pool, plus outdoor gathering areas. A spacious cellar below provides ample storage, with the cabinet conveying. Set within the highly sought-after Cat Mountain community, this private retreat offers luxury, comfort, and natural beauty in an exceptional location.

The recent updates to 6815 Cougar Run make this 1991-built home feel brand new without the price tag of new construction. At $377 per square foot, this three-bedroom, two-full-bath residence in North Cat Mountain Sec 3-A offers immediate move-in appeal for families seeking Austin ISD schools without renovation headaches.

The kitchen anchors the home's turn-key status. Premium KitchenAid appliances, including a wine refrigerator, warming drawer, and ice maker, make entertaining effortless. Granite counters, an island, and an open floor plan connect the kitchen to multiple living areas with vaulted ceilings and recessed lighting. The electric cooktop and built-in oven integrate seamlessly into cabinetry that shows no signs of age.

This 2,625-square-foot layout prioritizes comfort and function. The primary suite features dual walk-in closets, a dual-vanity bathroom with a separate shower and soaking tub, and a screened porch overlooking mature trees. Two additional bedrooms provide flexibility-one offers private balcony access. A dedicated home office with built-in features suits remote workers. Crown molding, high ceilings, and smart thermostat technology throughout signal recent attention to detail.

The covered back porch with retractable awnings extends living space into the heavily treed 0.093-acre lot. Mature trees over 40 feet tall create privacy and shade. Front and rear sprinkler systems maintain the landscaping. A screened entertaining area and wrap-around deck elements define outdoor living without requiring work.

Located in North Cat Mountain off Cougar Run, the property sits within the Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle, and Anderson High School boundaries-all Austin ISD schools serving this established neighborhood. The community includes amenities like nearby pools and gathering spaces. Proximity to tech corridors and Austin employers makes commuting straightforward.

With granite, updated appliances, smart home features, and outdoor living fully functional, this residence requires no repairs or cosmetic updates. The 16 days on market reflects its competitive positioning at $989,000. Families can close and move furniture in without contractors or delays. This is move-in ready living in an established North Austin neighborhood.

Northwest Hills is a family neighborhood in 78731, built in the 1960s-80s on wooded half-acre lots between MoPac and Loop 360. Median home price $1.19M. Austin ISD schools — Doss Elementary and Murchison Middle rank among the district's best. 12 minutes to UT campus, 15 to downtown.

The housing stock is predominantly single-story ranch and split-level homes on lots averaging 0.3-0.5 acres with mature live oak and cedar canopy. Most original homes are 1,800-3,000 sq ft. A renovation wave has been updating kitchens and adding square footage without tearing down — the lot sizes accommodate additions well. Active listings typically number 15-25 at any given time.

Daily life revolves around the schools and the outdoors. Bull Creek for weekend wading, Mount Bonnell for sunset hikes (8 minutes from the neighborhood), Northwest District Park for soccer and the playground. Far West corridor handles weeknight dining — Saffron, 5280 Burger, Yamas. The Arboretum and Domain are 10 minutes north for shopping. HEB on Far West is the neighborhood grocery hub.

What makes Northwest Hills the family value play in Central Austin: Doss/Murchison school quality at roughly half the Eanes ISD price point, lot sizes that rival Westlake, and a 15-minute commute that beats the suburbs. The tradeoff is Austin ISD (good but not Eanes) and 1960s-80s housing stock that often needs updating.