At the end of a winding cul-de-sac in one of Austin’s most prestigious neighborhoods, private gates open to an extraordinary estate ($5,950,000) with over 13,000 feet of luxury living designed for the current owners by architect Francisco Choi, founder of FTC Architects, who at one time worked under the legendary I. M. Pei. The owner’s passion for detail and commitment to Romanesque style is manifested at every elegant turn in this graceful mansion that has served comfortably as a base for intimate gatherings of family and friends as well as large fund raising events where hundreds of guests can mill about in sumptuous surroundings with ease. Music has played an exciting role in the history of this home, whether it is one opera singer or three bands or 7 bands during South by Southwest; and in private moments, a sophisticated sound system provides a backdrop melody for any occasion. The ceilings were designed and built to enhance the acoustic sounds throughout the home. It is mesmerizingly phenomenal. Bronze colored Granite, carefully selected and cut from a mountain in India, was shipped over to grace the main floors. Mosaic medallions are strategically inlaid in each room.The heart of the home and the soul of its decor sparkles in splendor above the main living room. A jaw-dropping, motorized 650 lb. shimmering Swarovski chandelier with multi-tiered brilliant lights heralds the exquisite beauty of rooms radiating from its center. It is truly one of a kind! Swarovski sconces
cast their glow over the smooth walls of spacious rooms framed with over a mile of intricately carved, imported moldings. Fully outfitted for master culinary efforts, the kitchen is separated by a wall of glass from an equally equipped catering kitchen, a brilliant idea enhancing the entertainment potential and allowing light from exterior windows to bathe the Granite counters. The entire open glass walls bring the nature of the gardens into the kitchen.Suspended above the formal dining room is another Swarovski crystal wonder. This is the owners’ favorite piece. The ceiling in the dining room has been created to accommodate the outline of the chandelier which is elongated to follow the rectangular lines of the dining table, glistening above any special occasion and making it something to remember.The master bedroom wing provides the ultimate in definitive luxury. Pocket doors
open to a large attached study or library with windows open to the view outside. Double lavatories and double water closets in the master bath frame granite steps up to a hidden, mirrored, elevated alcove with the ultimate bubbly escape in a deep and wonderful jetted tub. Rich and luxurious tub fixtures plus two antique stained glass panels from Spain complete this spa where you can wind down into a trance so that you are relaxed and refreshed at the end of a stressful day. The shower walls provide a powerful steam sauna with multiple heads that will massage away all impurities.A really great dream of a closet provides so much space and so much built-in storage! Multi-tiered bars can easily be lowered for seasonal clothes and are definitely on every woman’s wish list.Off the master is a large exercise room with bamboo floors and a high, groin ceiling. With a TV and scenic views, quick or extended work outs are a few steps away.From the master, an elevator ride to the lower level opens to a large game room with wet bar and full size refrigerator. Behind doors is a large, comfortable media room with Sony projector and massive screen for full immersion into the movie experience. Up a level from the main floor are 5 bedrooms with views and terrace access, each an attendant bath with granite surrounds and lavish tile designs on a par with the rest of the home. One wing of the upstairs has an office with terrace views and a large private conference room including a full bath. A bedroom and full kitchen with direct access to stairs leading to one of the garages could serve as nanny or housekeeper quarters, a guest suite or even a home business office (unless it is commandeered by an independent teenager).An elevator ride to the fourth level yields a magical surprise that brings a smile to young and old alike: a dance studio with continuous mirrors flanking both walls, bamboo floors and, oh yes, a disco ball. With a sound system built in, you could be dancing.yeah, you could be dancing! Windows and doors at the end of the huge room lead to a large patio that looks out to downtown Austin and provides an unparalleled view of fireworks displays on holidays or starry peaceful nights on a clear Texas evening.Before entering double bronze canterra doors, the front entry features a perimeter fountain and a central 3 tiered fountain in the middle of the courtyard. The back yard and greenbelt views are due east where sunrise greets the day and all is sheltered and shaded from the western setting sun. Expansive stone patios with large scale polished granite mosaics spill down to a luxury pool, five waterfalls and a spa. An outdoor kitchen and plenty of entertainment spaces framed by magnolias and fan palms lure both the weary and the adventurous outside for recreation or relaxation.Built to commercial standards, the structural bones of this magnificent home are as solid as the stone on which it is constructed. Allwalls are framed with 2 x 6 studs and critical support beams are steel. The third level floors are made of two layers of ¾ inch tung and groove plywood for extra strength and a better sound barrier.Sound and security systems are state of the art and lights are centrally controlled with a Lutron programmable system.This home, with its well-planned spaces, is artistically stunning and situated to ensure cul-de-sac privacy. Gleaming surfaces on floors and counters, glowing crystal chandeliers overhead, custom ironwork on Juliet balconies and a sumptuous sense of exquisite detail evoke the owners’ joy of design, demand for quality and love of romance.
