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Sweetwater

Photo courtesy of the Sweetwater website
Photo courtesy of the Sweetwater website

Appropriately named “Where Austin meets the Hill Country,” Sweetwater is an extraordinary master planned community nestled among gorgeous canyons, rocky ridges and rolling hills on the southwest side of Highway 71 in Lakeway, Texas.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin recently selected Sweetwater to be the “Best Master Planned Community” for 2014 with its 1400 acres of neighborhood, open spaces, greenbelts, recreation facilities, clubhouse and much more.

Approximately 200 homes have already been built in Sweetwater’s six neighborhood villages ranging from the $300s and up. These areas include:

  • Davenport Summit which is a gated area that offers the largest homesites in the Sweetwater community and boasts fabulous Hill Country views. These homes are priced from the $500s by Drees Custom Homes and River Oaks Homes.
  • Creekside and Canyonwood villages are coalesced and offer spacious homesites with a selection of homes by Coventry, Taylor Morrison, David Weekley and Ashton Woods. Prices in this area begin in the upper $300s.
  • The Highland Lakes village offers homes by Ryland and Chesmar with prices starting in the mid $300s.
  • Stonecreek village includes homes by David Weekley and Ashton Woods and are priced from the upper $300s.
  • Hillcrest, the newest village, offers a variety of homes by M/I Homes and Coventry Homes.

The extensive Sweetwater property offers residents a resort-like 10-acre complex that comprises of a clubhouse with indoor space for events and meetings, an outdoor pavilion with fireplace, a massive pool area, a splash pad, athletic fields, a sport court, a playground with lots of shade and an events lawn.

Sweetwater’s pool facility is actually three pools in one and includes a space for everyone’s needs from the mom and tot and competitive swimmer to the sunbather and rowdy teenager! The three pools include a beach-entry pool, a large family pool with two regulation lap lanes, and an adult pool complete with a waterfall. Additionally, there is a splashpad bubbling with water fountains, spray hoops and water cannons for the younger kiddos’ pleasure.

All of these facilities are included in the Sweetwater Homeowners Association dues, along with an events manager that plans and implements special events throughout the year.

The surrounding area embraces the Texas Hill Country landscape and offers residents 700 acres of preserved canyons with already more than four miles of hiking, biking and wilderness trails that meander throughout the neighborhood. In fact, the nature trail system is planned to extend to approximately ten miles when it is completed.

Just 25 minutes west of downtown Austin, Sweetwater is located in the Lake Travis school district and is 5 minutes from shopping, restaurants and entertainment at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave. Furthermore, residents are in for a treat every spring and summer, as Sweetwater has partnered with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas on a major initiative to restore native Texas grasses and create an abundance of wildflowers (bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, winecups, Indian blanket and lemonmint) on certain areas along their main thoroughfare.

This luxurious neighborhood has changed enormously since cattle herding in the late 1800s and then as the Lazy Nine Ranch from the 1950s to 2007. Sweetwater now caters to the Austinite who wishes to relax, take in the Hill Country view and enjoy the wild life around them.

If you are interested in making your own memories in this year’s “best master planned community” give me a call at 512.431.2403 or email me at austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Austin Challenges & Opportunities

016Recently, we took a look at the 2014 results of a poll conducted on the city of Austin by Paul Zandan and thought you might be interested in what Austinites are thinking about the current condition and future of our city.

The Voices of Austin Community survey was created and designed by Peter Zandan and was conducted between April 15-29, 2014. The poll surveyed 804 Austin-area residents that were 18 and older.

Ultimately, the goal of the survey was to open discussions on the challenges and opportunities that Austin, as a whole, is facing.

The major concerns found were:

  1. Traffic
  2. Population Growth
  3. Rising Cost of Living
  4. Water/Drought

Traffic being the top concern is not surprising. The solutions to this traffic issue that the survey found were that 85% support improving public transportation, 84% support building more roads, and 69% say the City of Austin should increase urban rail routes into congested areas of downtown Austin.

Affordability was another concern that topped this poll. Two-thirds said they were dissatisfied with housing affordability and 59% were unhappy with the cost of living. Overall, the poll showed that Austin is seen as growing faster than it can handle.

However, 87% of those polled said they were satisfied with their jobs and 71% said they were optimistic that if they lost their job, they could find an equal job in Austin within six months.

Moreover, the poll found that Austin is definitely keeping it weird as 89% believe “Austin is weird” and more than half (51%) say it is unique but becoming more similar to other major U.S. cities.

Additionally, the survey found the following to describe Austin:

  • Fastest growing city (93%)
  • Live Music Capital of the World (92%)
  • Best nightlife (90%)
  • Best dining and entertainment (89%)
  • Best city to start a business (84%)
  • Best city to start a career (79%)
  • Healthiest city (78%)

To see the complete survey go to www.zandanpoll.com.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Lake Travis Fire Rescue

ML new 7Mary Lynne Gibbs is pleased to announce that she has been appointed the Co-Chair for the Lake Travis Fire Rescue Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC), which has been established by the Travis County Emergency Services District No. 6 (TCESD No. 6) Board of Commissioners. The role of the CAC is to advise the Board of Commissioners on policy and administrative decisions that guide the operations of Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR). The CAC serves as a link between the TCESD No. 6 Board and the public at large.

LTFR has five fire stations serving an area encompassing over 104 square miles west of Austin, including Bee Cave, Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, River Place (until it is annexed in 2017), Hamilton Pool Road, Hwy. 71 West up until Bee Creek Road, The Hills and Lake Travis.

LTFR’s mission is to minimize loss of life and property through emergency response, prevention and community involvement. This essential public service has grown in the Lake Travis area since the early 1960’s after Mansfield Dam was built, which created the Highland Lakes chain, including Lake Travis.

The vision of LTFR is to be recognized by those they serve as exceptional and innovative. They succeed in this endeavor by putting into practice their commitment to Professionalism, Leadership, Integrity, Respect, Compassion and Safety.

According to Fire Chief Robert Abbott, LTFR attempts to seek continued improvement in their services. They never stop looking for ways to improve. Additionally, LTFR continues to pursue innovative ways to serve the community’s public safety needs.

LTFR is funded through ad valorem taxes, sales tax, building inspections, plan reviews and permitting. Moreover, LTFR Community Foundation, which is in its second year, has been created to provide community awareness, funding and resources for Lake Travis Fire Rescue, necessary to maintain the highest level of service possible, safeguarding life, property and the environment. The Foundation will have its first big fundraiser in October 2014.

Mary Lynne is thrilled to be an integral part of such a top-notch program. She is excited to serve her community in this capacity and is honored to have been chosen for this appointment.

Of course, if you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2304 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

 

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21828 Briarcliff Drive

Briarcliff.lakeviewYou don’t want to miss this extraordinary home at 21828 Briarcliff Drive because it offers a slice of heaven sitting atop a hill on the Lake Travis waterfront. This Spicewood, Texas lake retreat is currently listed for $1,450,000 and provides a variety of amenities for its new owner.

The clean lines, commanding details and extraordinary floor plan of this 3929 square foot home that was the design of architect, MJ Neal, attribute to the grand stature of this rare property on one of the deepest channels of Lake Travis.

Briarcliff.backWith four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, an office, formal living and dining room, remarkable views can be had from almost anywhere in this home…even the hallways and the massive iron and wood staircase have a view of the lake!!! In fact, each room and outdoor living area has been strategically placed for the ultimate view of Lake Travis.

Unique details include Maplewood and travertine tile that cover the floors of 21828 Briarcliff Drive and several vaulted ceilings capped with tongue and groove wood. Furthermore, many of the rooms have built-in desks, bookshelves and cabinetry to house a plethora of items.

Briarcliff.arialfrontAnother highlight of the location of this lake property is that it sits on .955 of an acre due to how far the land reaches towards the lake and Briarcliff Marina is right around the corner. However, a marina is not necessary for the owners of 21828 Briarcliff Drive since it has its own private boat dock with boat lift on the property.

Surprisingly, four fireplaces can be found in 21828 Briarcliff Drive! One of them separates the formal living and dining room on the first floor.   These two rooms are open to each other, as well as the kitchen and are situated with a wall of windows overlooking an outdoor entertaining area complete with another fireplace, outdoor kitchen, infinity pool, hot tub and living space. This home boasts approximately 2500 square feet of outdoor patio space. It’s absolutely incredible and an entertainer’s dream!

The kitchen is perfect for the most professional gourmet and is impressively put together with its travertine tile, granite countertops, Thermador appliances, sub-zero refrigerator, and miles of counter space. The extra-large island allows for more cabinetry, work space and seating, along with a comfortable spot to take in the Texas Hill Country views.

The third and fourth fireplaces can be found in the second-level master bedroom and bathroom, which again are both equipped with built-in cabinets for all of your clothes, personal items and necessities. The bathroom has an enormous walk-in shower, a jetted tub and a gorgeous double vanity.

Briarcliff.backoverviewAn office and another bedroom are located on the second level along with the master and each has fabulous views of the lake. The office is fitted with its own desk and bookshelves that are the envy of any executive. The work space is situated in front of windows for a picturesque outdoor scene.

Discover the two other bedrooms on the first level of 21828 Briarcliff Drive and find one of them having its own private entrance which lends well to those weekend guests during the summer season.

Briarcliff.boatdockIn addition to the homes many features, elementary school-aged children in this area are slated to attend the newest Lake Travis Elementary School #6 that is located in West Cypress Hills. Moreover, the Lake Travis Middle School will be moving to its new campus behind the Rough Hollow subdivision.

If you are interested in a private showing of 21828 Briarcliff or have other real estate interests, please contact Mary Lynn Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival

The Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival is a free celebration of our nation’s freedom with live music, art, barbeque, festival food, fair rides, games and fireworks – all amid the Texas Hill Country views in one of the area’s most beautiful outdoor shopping centers.

Join in the fun at the Hill Country Galleria on Saturday, June 28th from 4p.m. until midnight. In addition to shopping over 75 art vendors, make sure you stay for the two firework shows at 9p.m. and 11p.m. The event is produced by Special Events Live, the same people who put on Austin’s beloved Pecan Street Festival.

The Hill Country Galleria, a 1.3-million-square-foot lifestyle center, is located at the intersection of Bee Cave Road, Hwy 620, and Hwy 71 and will be filled with fun festivities for the whole family.

The Galleria not only encompasses 152 acres of the beautiful Texas landscape, but also is mixed with over 100 shops, restaurants and entertainment. It’s a great place to visit on any day, much less one that is filled with fun and exciting family entertainment.

Saturday’s Independence Day party is showcasing unique art, artisans, food and entertainment; and most importantly, it is free to the public and includes free parking!! As with most events around the Austin area, the Hill Country Independence Day Festival is dog-friendly.

Live music entertainers include Dale Watson, Quiet Company, Minor Mishap and more. Be sure to stop by and enjoy a taste of what makes the Austin area such a great place to be!

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business!