Houzz TV: This Amazing Lake House Made a Couple’s Dream Come True
Karen and Grant Richards bought a 5-acre parcel of land between a creek and the shores of Lake Austin, in Texas, with the dream of building a home that would serve as a retreat from their careers in San Francisco and, someday, as a place where they could spend their retirement years enjoying the outdoors. They turned to architect Brian Comeaux of Lake Flato Architects to help them create a modern lakeside home. But quickly, the forward momentum of their dream came to an abrupt stop.
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i don't know, even without the lake, this house is already "complete".
It is Art, everywhere you look.
The highest of praises to the design team, you hit this one out of the park! How could this not be the owners permanent home? If this were my weekend home, I don't think I could ever leave!
A few notes on making this more real world friendly. The garage is really a glorified carport. You can't store anything nice in there because critters have access, not to mention prying eyes of nefarious humans. All that exposed red cedar is pretty but a maintenance headache. I'd go with a lap pool with a small dipping area for kiddos that would wrap to a hot tub. Also, built in nooks for TVs are nice, but technological advancements will date it quicker than your 1970s intercom system.
As to how they afford it, you have to look beyond job titles. Generational wealth, family largesse, selling a business or investment good fortune could all explain how seemingly limited wage earners can afford such a home. Be happy for these folks! They are building a spectacular retirement the way they want to do it.
The only worry I would have is security - it seems very open to the elements and to curious onlookers. Is there protection from these?
anything so open has to have issue with noise not being contained.
Maybe w/no children this isn't a big problem for just two people...
I shudder what it would have cost on the East Coast. I had two bids from plumbers for wall hung toilets. One was $1,700 the other $1,300 and that is just to hang one toilet (I had 7 to hang). Reason, nobody (or I couldn't find anybody) here seems to have ever done residential wall hung toilets and they are not comfortable with it. The same for linear shower drains, no curb showers, etc. It seems we are still stuck in Center Hall Colonial or now Nantucket style design with some transitional elements thrown in.
Not sure about the climate in Texas but it would have been interesting to know how the cooling, heating, shading is accomplished in a space that open with the amount of glass they used.
So I can only look with awe and envy at this house or some of the Australian designs featured on here :-)
how do you keep birds from flying into the reflective windows? I'm imagining some unfortunate groundskeeper having to dispose of the poor things every day.
Raisa
Is that dinning room lamp made of wooden clothes hangers?
ı'm only like kıtchen..
Wow!!!! Amazing. Being a person who spent all my summers at the lake, plus several other days there as well, this is the "ultimate" Lake House. (or cabin, which I've always known a Lake house, to be) I think it's "The Ultimate" for several reason:
This is a VERY well thought out home. A big reason why is because, the attention to detail is on another level and because of the practical size. My parents just sold our lake house & also sold their large home, in order to downsize. This couple not wanting to get in over their heads is brilliant! I believe it will be manageable for many years to come, with no problems or having to sacrifice the home later in life. They utilized every area, to be purposeful and practical. Murphy Beds? Workout Room? Incredible. Not needing to buy furniture or decor, just to fill spaces? That is such a great idea...
~The one thing my parents missed the mark on downsizing was having guests. The separate wing, with 2 separate living spaces is genius! Spending the majority of the day together with others is a lot of fun, but having a place for privacy for an afternoon nap and at bedtime, is priceless.
~The textiles and finishes are outstanding. I love the contemporary feel, but staying true to the Lake Living Lifestyle, by going heavy on the wood. You immediately realize that once again, a well thought out plan gives this space a very modern, current trend of having a great room. Those walls wood walls thought, remind me SO much of our lake home, even though our place was very traditional, in it's style. They both give off that comfortable, warm, inviting lake feel.
~2 more observations: (sorry I'm rambling) -the views and the window placement, paint a picture of perfection, calling for hours upon hours of just sitting and enjoying the view, rain or shine! The sense of peace and serenity you get from that environment are picked up on just by looking at the pictures. I literally can smell the fresh, clean air after an afternoon thundershower. (super corny, but REAL)
~Lastly, (I know! I'm getting sick of me, too) I am blown away by the way they put together the sidewalk/deck/dock! Something so simple, like a vertical pattern give such life and interest to something that is usually, mundane or boring. It brings the outside and inside together seamlessly.
~I know there's more elaborate, luxurious, much larger lake homes in existence, but for the reasons above and so many more (see.. I'm nice, I could've gone on) I think this is "THE ULTIMATE LAKE HOUSE".. (for me). Enjoy your time in there, it's well deserved!! xo
absolutely stunning!
Retirement home???? we should all be so lucky to not suffer from the usual medical throes of aging... this house, though beautiful does not lend itself to accommodating the many physical restraints of aging
I love the tub & lap pool along along with the views.
Amazing, so beautiful and very well planned
This is simply spectacular
I love every bit of it
Beautiful home. Beautiful setting. Idyllic & wonderful!
so beautiful, my dream!!!!
Amazingly beautiful!
Wow. Gorgeous organic modern beauty.
spectacular and amazing! what a talented architect to work around the trees and find creative solutions for his clients! it's a beautiful home....i just wouldn't want to dust that man ray chandelier or the dishes on the open shelving, but i could definitely make it work - lol!
JUST lovely ! The screen to hide the TV ...?
Why ..?
IT is NOT so good looking and actually one notices it more then a black screen ....anyhow ..
EVERYTHING is just beautiful and well made !
A perfect retirement oasis !
Beautiful! Looks very Asian.
Outstanding! One comment regarded "Why Texas?" I am aware that a great many California retirees relocate to Texas, especially Austin, because of substantial tax breaks. For me, California's desirable climate and remarkably comfortable weather would be a huge personal sacrifice for the humidity and heat of Texas. However, the tradeoff is space - as this home so perfectly demonstrates. This story and couple clearly exemplifies the Texas Frontier Movement (at least 20 years strong). Certainly, access to a lake was a smart and fortunate move for this couple and the huge windows truly make the house. (Indeed, it will take the endurance of tri-athletes to stick with the enormous upkeep of such a home.) A few beautiful indoor plants and fine art, are all I would add!
So, this house was beautiful, but flooding in Texas and that river. . .and I agree, aging in place seems ignored.
I would love to be one of the dogs. No worries. Jump in the lake when you get hot. Chase squirrels when you get bored. Be comfortable and still in the middle of nature. Sigh.
Amazing... love it... thank you so much for sharing!! What an amazing job by the architects...the trees!! Beautiful!!
This is beautiful. I am envious and wish I could have something like this off Lake Victoria. Can I please have the plans?
Wow
Very well done - I wouldn't know where to be as there are so many beautiful spots! AS far as aging as someone mentioned - these folks are tri athletes - so I think there plan is that this home will help to keep them in tip top shape.....!! Lovely! Simple earthy and natural beautiful work of art.
Admittedly absolutely gorgeous, well designed, top drawer. Edifice to ego, huge, environmentally disastrous lawn right down to the water so every one can not avoid seeing the giant house. Look at me look at me!
Paradise found!
Compliments to the architect.
this is fantastic!
Beautiful place, could you share who made the closet with the bed?
Thanks
Wow! Absolutely beautiful! Just warm, fresh, open--Just spectular making the most of the location! Couldn't ask for any better....
That is absolutely stunning.
Love the lay out of this beautiful home not feeling the lighting design.
Not a fan of links that automatically play music and destroy the tranquility of my workspace. Please make video clips a PART of the presentation, not the whole thing, and let me choose whether to play it or not.
I LOVE when owners really love their homes.
Heaven on earth.
great contemporary house! Fits great with the Lot
Steve and Laurie Dodd got chills throughout this video!! Karen and Grant, you both were naturals in front of the camera!! Que cards? Haha! And a little guitar "noodling" from Grant was priceless!! As we know and love your slice of heaven on Lake Austin, this was an amazing and realistic story about your magic there on the lake. Great job!! :)
We (@ Johnson custom Pools) here in Austin designed and built this pool. It was a wonderful project with really great Clients. It is truly a spectacular project that we immensely enjoyed working on!
So fantastic! I recently watched a show on half price vacation houses on lakes. Moving from California to Texas and building a lake dream house sounds so wonderful, and the architectural features of this house would make it extra amazing. Nice to live vicariously!!
Everything positive that I could written about this superb structure and it's appointments has been published.
What a lovely home!
Like!
Just Fantastic!
What a beautiful use of space and I love the fact that the fallen pecan tree was re-purposed for furniture. Makes the house sit lightly on the land.
The architecture and setting are spectacular BUT people in Austin really need to think about their landscaping, particularly the expanse of lawn. Nearby is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and they have fantastic people there to help residents choose landscaping elements that have a lower footprint and provide much greater wildlife benefits. Not no lawn, just less lawn. That aside, this is my favorite house ever on Houzz (hope they didn't flood!)
Congratulations! An amazing home and so well thought out! An inspiration to many house dreamers for sure!
beautiful!!! But I've lived in Texas and I can't see living with the bugs and snakes that the lake brings.
I seriously am very interested in building a home like this on the water . Have kids in Austin, never thought to build again, but this is seriously tempting.
This house is awesome
love this house as well-wonderful details, views and living functionality. takes full advantage of lake views and lawn area of lot. only thing i would change is the fireplace/tv area-can't enjoy fire while watching tv apparently, and the fireplace is a little too understated for me. otherwise quite an amazing and interesting house.
My longing is so intense I feel nauseous.
good space and good desing.....
This was a beautiful well thought design. I especially loved the glass exposing the outside in and the kitchen idea of putting everything behind a wall. I loved the fold away bed in the bedroom so that you have open space. I'm going to be buying a home in the fall 1500 sq feet and I have got to focus on less but meaningful space.
Wow Wow Wow ... I'm so happy for this couple.
May they always be healthy, happy and blessed.
They didn't talk about the muggy weather in Texas, especially Austin. Summer time in Austin is hot and wet, so how do you spend time outside in this tropical weather.
This is about perfect in every way
loved it....
This is an amazing house! Love how the floor plan is so open! The view is absolutely gorgeous! Love the design of the kitchen as well! Congratulations on your new home! Enjoy!
This is truly a dream home!
AMAAAAAZING!!
Best project I've seen in a long while. Just amazing. Congrats to the owners and the architects. Thanks Houzz for sharing and inspiring us.
Beautiful!
Wow wow wonderful
Love everything about this house!
It's beautiful but I'm still trying to find the laundry room/space
What an inspirational way to enjoy Lake Austin!
Glorious!
This lake house truly embodies the perfect combination of tranquility and luxury. The stunning views combined with the comfortable, well-designed interiors, create an idyllic retreat for any couple. It's a dream come true for those who cherish nature and comfort. Absolutely inspiring what a beautiful place to call home.