Surreal Wrightian Forest Dwelling in Westlake Hills is All Drama
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If we were to stare into Maleficent’s mirror and ask it to tell us “What home in Austin is the coolest of all?” it would make up some weird rhyme to tell us all about this absolutely rad structure in Westlake Hills. Designed by architect John Watson, a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, the “Grotto Dome” house might be the coolest house in all of Central Texas. And you can quote me on that.
It’s an escape in the city, a home tucked into a ravine with a narrow little creek that runs beneath it. Jump to see more photos of what could be either an amazing second home, a vacation home, or a primary residence that’s cool enough to feel like a vacation. We don’t care what you call it, really, as long as you invite us over to sip cocktails and play pool by the pool in the grotto.
Truth be told, this isn’t even the weirdest home that Austin-born architect has designed. He’s the same one who designed the “Mushroom House,” and the “Nautilus Residence,” built in 1981. The structures are built not unlike how a pool is constructed — metal skeletons are surrounded by gunite, with rebar forms cross-hatching a web to create a strong and yet curvaceous building.
This home, though, is less gimmicky than the Mushroom and Nautilus versions, and has huge windows and a sexy free-standing fireplace that reminds us of a supervillain’s lair. There are two bedrooms, two full and one half bath, and more than 2,500 square feet over two floors. The asking price for this sculptural beauty is $1.9 million. Guys, it’s so worth it. Just look at those windows! That kitchen! The cool shower! The awesome infinity-edge pool! Yeah, I might love this home a little.
But not only is this a fantastic pad, consider that there’s a little spot out back with an Airstream that you could lease out through Airbnb, so that has to put a dent in the mortgage payment, right?
I agree. This is a great house. My only objection is the exposed ceiling lattice. Smooth it out and I’m there (with winning lottery ticket)!