The condo towers and high-rises in downtown Austin, Texas stand witness to the decades-long boom that transformed the state capital into an alluring, livable city. For more than a decade, it was the fastest-growing large metro area in the U.S.
Data companies and businesses fed the economy. The live music scene (think South by Southwest and Austin City Limits Music Festival) fed the cultural scene. Some call this the New Austin, a metro area filled with young people, rising from what was once a college town with a folksy, hometown feel.
The 1946 home was taken down to the studs in 2006. (Moreland Properties)
The exception? Pemberton Heights, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods that’s perched on a ridge over Shoal Creek. It’s a throwback to Old Austin, but not in a fusty way.
Leafy canopies of oaks, elms and pecans line the streets of just 600 older homes that range in style from Colonial Revival to Craftsman to Prairie School to Italian Renaissance Revival. The area oozes manicured charm.
Barrel-vaulted ceilings distinguish the formal dining room. (Moreland Properties)
“For longtime residents, there’s a feeling of solidity, of roots, of belonging,” says listing agent Anna Lee of Moreland Properties. It’s also the area of the city that claims the highest per-square-foot home prices. “Lots of people who move to Austin only want to live in Pemberton.”
Now a two-story Pemberton home with five bedrooms is on the market for $4.5 million.
Al fresco dining is an easy option thanks to a covered terrace located just off the kitchen. (Moreland Properties)
The house at 1411 Hardouin Ave was built in the 1940s. A comprehensive renovation was completed in 2006.
The facade and accents inside the home used traditional light-colored Texas limestone. The four bedrooms, including the primary suite, are located on the main level along with an upgraded kitchen with marble countertops, an oversized island for casual dining, double ovens, a Wolf range, bar and walk-in pantry.
The two-story home comprises five bedrooms and four bathrooms. (Moreland Properties)
The high-ceilinged dining room and living room flow with an open floor plan that allows easy access to all parts of the house. Upstairs is a half-bathroom and an additional room that could be used as an office, media room or gym.
The outdoor covered patio with fireplace provides a place for indoor/outdoor dining and entertaining.
The primary suite features two walk-in closets, a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. (Moreland Properties)
The home would be well suited for “a family looking for a supportive environment,” says Lee, noting a number of good schools nearby. “Additionally, the layout with four bedrooms on one level may also attract grandparents looking for a spacious home for their extended family.”
Buyers likely would be year-round residents, Lee says. Over the years, Pemberton has attracted Austin’s wealthiest and most influential, including statesmen and business owners. Current Texas governor Greg Abbott lived in Pemberton before moving into the state mansion.
A second fireplace adorns the backyard terrace. (Moreland Properties)
Pemberton takes its history seriously. This is not a neighborhood that welcomes tear-downs. It’s a place where more than 40 homes boast historic plaques detailing their history. These include such eclectic buildings as the Pemberton Castle, a Gothic revival style fortress with turrets that began life as a water tower in the 1890s. Also here is the 1939 Art Deco style Bohn House with its and porthole-shaped windows.
Anna Lee is the listing agent for 1411 Hardouin Ave.
