Modernist Highland Hills beauty hits the market for $999K

UT staff architect’s home was built in 1966

By Cindy Widner@CurbedAustin Updated Jun 5, 2018, 12:45pm CDT

Dusk shot of a two-story, modernist-style split level brick home with carports underneath — 5947 Highland Hills

As much as Austin loves its modernist and midcentury design, the stock of extant local homes designed and built in those styles and during that period isn’t huge. Even rarer are large homes built during the time that are in superb condition, such as this Highland Hills beauty, designed and built in 1966 by UT staff architect O. Carl Happel for his family.

As local modernism expert and real estate agent Creede Fitch notes, Happel’s name isn’t known or bandied about like that of, say, legendary Austin architect A.D. Stenger’s because he worked as the University of Texas’ staff architect for decades. Nevertheless, when he turned his attention to designing his residence, he created a home that easily rivals those of his more well known peers.

Located in leafy West Austin enclave Highland Hills, the 3,243-square-foot house has been home to only two families. It has been well-kept as well as nicely updated. The two-story house has a second level entrance and walkway that puts residents and visitors at treetop level and is located next to a small creek in its woodsy surrounds. It has five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.

There will be an open house on Sunday, June 2, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.