7 Austin open houses to check out this weekend

In light of our always-overheated housing market, we thought it might be helpful to offer some open-house suggestions to narrow things down—even if you’re not looking to buy, because who doesn’t love a little real estate gawking?

This week we went a little design-happy, with homes that have a special look or feel in one way or another. They’re scattered across central and west Austin and include a midcentury treasure and more than one 1930s Tudor Revival beauty.

Where: 708 Sparks Avenue

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, February 15

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2,874 square feet

Selling points: We recently featured this restored and expanded 1939 Tudor Revival, a brick home that retains a number of unique original details as well as featuring updates including reclaimed wood ceilings and a kitchen with high-end appliances and finishes. The outdoor areas under towering trees look especially lovely. It’s located in Central Austin.

Asking price: $1.595 million

Where: 6900 Daugherty Street

When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, February 15

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,755 square feet

Selling points: While the 1956 home in Allandale doesn’t yet meet the arbitrary design criteria imposed on this week’s exercise, its potential for a midcentury-focused renovation is good. It also has a large yard, a detached garage, and a covered porch area to work with.

Asking price: $624,900

Where: 2200 Forest Trail

When: 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, February 15

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,249 square feet

Selling points: Another Tudor Revival—this one in Tarrytown, two stories high, and wood rather than brick—this 1937 home sits on a large corner lot and has a fireplace, wood floors, and other original features along with updates that look like they took place at various times over the years.

Asking price: $1.075 million

Where: 1204 West 29th Street

When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, February 16

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,437 square feet

Selling points: Located on the Bryker Woods border in Old West Austin, the 1954 home has been completely remodeled and decked out in modern farmhouse style by award-winning Avenue B Design Build. It’s also on a third-acre lot and near the Shoal Creek trail, Central Market, and Bryker Woods Elementary.

Asking price: $1.389 million

Where: 908 Romeria Drive, Unit A

When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, February 15

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,426 square feet

Selling points: Up the road in Brentwood is this freestanding condo/duplex, built in 1938, with hardwood flooors, a clawfoot tub, and lots of updates, including energy-efficiency features. It has a detached garage and a backyard as well.

Asking price: $510,000

Where: 404 West North Loop Boulevard Unit B

When: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, February 15

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,507 square feet

Selling points: A new two-story condo in North Loop—one of Austin’s best neighborhoods to live in right now—offers green features; clean, modern style; custom tile work; and a two-car carport.

Asking price: $535,000

Where: 2401 Jarratt Avenue

When: noon-2 p.m. Saturday, February 15

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,975 square feet

Selling points: It’s a sweetheart of a midcentury home, looking pretty original, in the Pemberton Heights area of Old West Austin. It was custom-designed by a name local engineer and built by a similarly well-regarded builder in 1945. In addition to its unique period features, it’s on a lot surrounded by 40-foot-tall heritage oaks,

Asking price: $1.36 million