West Lake home with stunning views asks $8M

It is almost impossible to describe convincingly the widespread wonder of the views from this home, which underwent a major redesign by Austin’s Alterstudio in 2011.

Many luxury Austin homes in the western hills advertise (and have) great views, but the reinvention and precise execution of this West Lake Hills house, which practically cascades down a hillside, really does have stunning ones from pretty much every room. Even more remarkably, it’s also designed so that residents and guests can enjoy them while being assured of complete privacy—they can see out, but no one can see in (unless they’re in a helicopter or rappelling down the building, one supposes.

The house had us at “custom mother-of-pearl terrazzo floors throughout,” but that’s just the beginning of its appealing amalgam of well-executed modernist tropes, classical and Beaux Arts touches, and, seriously, working wonders on the best spot one could imagine for its sweeping sights of the ever-changing city.

The lovingly designed, 5,366-square-foot home has four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half-bathrooms.

In addition to the lovable, embraceable terrazzo, there is ebonized oak flooring, Calcutta marble on countertops, and custom, cut-stone patterned walls, among many other fine features.

Matched walnut and anigre wood panels mixed with zebrano wood also occur throughout the home.

Custom cut-stone patterned walls out of Lueder's Limestone are also a distinctive feature. Be sure to check out the retro-yet-updated bar, too—a classic.

The home features a gorgeous kitchen open to the main living area as well as a caterer’s kitchen.

• 1404 Wild Cat Hollow [Cord Shiflet, Moreland Properties]