8312 Appalachian Dr, Austin, TX 78759

Perched above the Steck Valley Greenbelt, The Sunset House is a study in light, scale, and modern restraint. Originally built in 1976 and fully transformed, this architectural residence embraces its setting with large windows, soaring ceilings, and expansive sunset views that shift with the day. The home’s 2,731 square feet unfold with intention. A tranquil primary suite anchors the main level, while the lower level offers four additional bedrooms, two baths, a den, and a generous laundry room—creating natural separation and flexibility for guests, work, or multigenerational living. Several rooms feature private exterior access, seamlessly accommodating offices, studios, or creative spaces. A comprehensive renovation by House of S+H Interiors touches every system—new windows, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and flooring, paint (some custom plaster walls)—while material choices elevate the experience throughout. Brushed granite and natural quartzite countertops provide quiet sophistication, complemented by custom plastered walls and ceilings in the den and bathrooms. Sculptural lighting fixtures punctuate the home, reinforcing its warm, modern character and making it equally suited for intimate evenings or larger gatherings. Set on a .271-acre lot and featured on the 2025 NARI Remodeled Homes Tour, The Sunset House is a rare blend of architectural clarity, thoughtful flexibility, and an unmistakable connection to its landscape.

Positioned above the Steck Valley Greenbelt, 8312 Appalachian Drive in the Great Hills 04 subdivision commands views that shift with the light throughout the day. Built in 1976 and comprehensively renovated, this 2,731-square-foot residence on a 0.2713-acre lot sits in one of Austin's most established neighborhoods while maintaining genuine privacy through intentional siting and mature trees.

The home's floor plan separates living and sleeping spaces with deliberation. The primary bedroom anchors the main level, facing the greenbelt views with windows that frame the landscape. The lower level contains four additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a half bath, creating natural zones for guests or multigenerational households. Multiple rooms feature independent exterior access, a practical detail for anyone working from home or needing distinct studio or office space without routing through common areas.

A recent renovation addressed every system: new roof, windows, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The finishes reflect restraint rather than statement-making. Brushed granite and quartzite countertops provide durability without visual noise. Custom plaster walls in select rooms add texture without artifice. Beamed ceilings and double ovens in the eat-in kitchen speak to how the home was designed for both daily living and hosting. Lighting fixtures were selected as sculptural elements, not afterthoughts. A smart thermostat and warming drawer show attention to function. Two covered porches and a deck frame the exterior without overwhelming the lot.

This neighborhood sits within the Austin ISD attendance zone for Hill Elementary, Murchison Middle, and Anderson High School. Appalachian Drive connects directly to Steck Lane and sits minutes from Mopac Expressway, positioning commutes to downtown, Domain, or the UT campus efficiently. The surrounding area maintains the quiet character that established neighborhoods in this part of Austin have preserved for decades.

At $1.70 million, or $622 per square foot, the property reflects both the thoughtful restoration and the location's stability. The Steck Valley Greenbelt backdrop is permanent protection. This is ownership with perspective.

Westover Hills sits in the 78759 zip in Northwest Austin, built mostly between 1972 and 1985 on the rolling terrain north of Far West Boulevard. Houses are 2,400-4,500 sqft on quarter-acre to half-acre lots with mature live oaks and the kind of long driveways that came with 1970s suburban planning. Most homes have been updated at least once - kitchens and baths from the 2010s, HVAC and roofs newer.

What makes Westover Hills different from other Northwest Austin neighborhoods is the Westover Hills Club - a private swim and tennis club exclusive to residents. The pool, tennis courts, and family events run year-round. Membership is included with most home purchases in the deed-restricted area, so you don't have to wait for a slot.

Pricing runs $850K for original-condition homes up to $1.8M for renovated and expanded properties. The neighborhood holds value because the lots are bigger than most of Northwest Austin and the school zoning is strong: Hill Elementary, Murchison Middle, and Anderson High School - which runs the International Baccalaureate program that draws families from across the district.

Location works well if you commute to Northwest Austin tech employers: 5 minutes to The Domain, 8 minutes to Apple's North Austin campus, 10 minutes to the Arboretum, and 15 minutes to downtown via MoPac. Great Hills Park and the Bull Creek greenbelt sit at the western edge with hiking trails that connect to the larger Bull Creek system.

Restaurants and shopping cluster on Anderson Lane, Far West Boulevard, and at the Arboretum: Eddie V's, Z'Tejas, Truluck's, Maudie's Tex-Mex, and the Whole Foods at Gateway. The Arboretum walking path makes outdoor dining and weekend errands easy.

Best for buyers who want larger lots than most of Northwest Austin, IB-program school zoning, the private Westover Hills Club, and quick access to both the Domain and downtown.