Austin rent comparison: what you can get when price is no object

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent for a set dollar amount in various Austin neighborhoods. Is one person's studio another person's townhouse? Let's find out!

Just to mix things up (and to be honest, purely out of voyeuristic interest), this week we’re looking at the most expensive rentals we could ferret out. Today's prices: $8,500–$25,000/month.

We’re still trying to stay true to the Curbed Comparison concept—taking a look at a variety of homes in different neighborhoods—so these aren’t the five most expensive rentals on the market right now. Those are all clustered west or downtown.

Still, it was difficult to find anything in these ranges very far east or north, and the farthest we could range—even dipping down to five instead of six figures—was Far Southwest Austin.

Another caveat: Some of these homes might also be for sale, and in many cases the terms of the lease aren’t listed.

↑ 2505 Stratford Drive, four-bedroom, four-bathroom house, 5,623 square feet, $25,000/month. A three-story, contemporary West Lake Hills estate overlooking Austin's skyline, this home was designed by Dick Clark Architecture, and is rife with that firm’s unique style—meaning lots of concrete, steel, and glass. There are three bedrooms and three full baths full bathrooms, living areas, and a terrace and pool on the main level. Upstairs is a second living area a super-luxe master suite with massive walk-in closet and rooftop hot tub. There is also an elevator.

↑ 15900 Chateau Avenue, six-bedroom, six-bathroom, three-half-bathroom house, 7,430 square feet, $17,000/month. Located on the south shore of Lake Travis, the house is on 1.2 acres with an infinity pool that overlook the lake. It has an open floor plan, walls of windows, and very high ceilings!. There are two club houses and lighted tennis courts, and it’s within walking distance to a marina with a dedicated boat slip.

↑ 2103 Nueces Street, 20-bedroom, six-bathroom house, 7,178 square feet, $16,000/month. This West Campus house and former home of German House was built in 1915 but is receiving a remodel (ergo, only one photo). Since it’s two blocks from the University of Texas campus, it’s obviously being marketed to student groups who need large entertaining, dining, cooking and living spaces as well as a number of bedrooms. Pets okay!

↑ Ashton Austin, 101 Colorado Street, two-story, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom penthouse apartment, 2,957 square feet, $11,512. We can’t verify that these are photos of the apartment in question, but the Ashton site does list a penthouse apartment available that matches the specs. The Downtown high-rise advertises its penthouses with such luxury features as spacious master suites with spa-inspired baths, hardwood and travertine flooring, and open kitchens with European-style cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. And let’s not forget those spectacular views.

↑ 8801 Young Lane, six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom house, 5,526 square feet, $8,500/month. A palatial home in far southwest Austin’s Cedar Valley area, this rental on 2.1 acres includes a tennis court, a vaguely hotel-like, private balconies, plenty of parking on a circular drive, and what look like several other recreational opportunities.