The Bohn House — one of the most iconic and architecturally significant homes in all of Austin — is now available for the first time in nearly a decade. Designed in 1938 and meticulously renovated and expanded by architects Dick Clark + Associates in 2014, this Old West Austin showplace is a shining example of Art Deco inspiration elevated for a completely modern way of life.
Inspired by Frank Capra's film "Lost Horizon" and a trip aboard Art Deco masterpiece the Queen Mary, the home initially sketched by Herbert Bohn telegraphs luxurious nautical style with a prowlike rotunda, aluminum stair rails, portholes, glass brick and casement windows. The recent renovation expands the footprint to 6,528 square feet, ensuring plenty of room for indoor-outdoor entertaining while honoring the original intentions of the home. Aluminum handrails have been refinished down to their glass bead embellishments. Geometric light fixtures and iconic steel windows were restored or, where necessary, replaced with period-appropriate lighting and salvaged windows of the same era. To notice that the old and new sections are indistinguishable from one another is the architect and builder's highest compliment.
The refinished original front door welcomes you inside the gracious foyer where new Carrara and Negro Santa Maria marble nods to the home's 1930's origins. Ahead, a beautiful living room flows to a breathtaking round dining room that once served as a greenhouse. The solarium windows have been reconfigured to capture more of the magnificent views and painted black to add drama and intrigue alongside black-and-white marble floors. The circular "magic door" has been a beloved element of the home since its inception. At the touch of a button, doors would seemingly disappear to reveal Santa and a roomful of presents to the Bohn children. Today, the mahogany masterpiece has been re-stained and given updated mechanicals to create an ideal separation between the entertaining spaces and the kitchen. Off the foyer, you'll find an office and a chic powder room. Ahead, the addition adds a new attached garage, mudroom, storage and pool changing room. A bedroom suite here is perfect for guests or staff.
The new gourmet kitchen at the heart of the home has been expanded and reconfigured to accommodate contemporary indoor-outdoor gatherings. Inside, sleek European Arete cabinetry topped with Grigio Carnico marble surrounds a fleet of Miele appliances. The massive center island/breakfast bar welcomes casual dining while a wall of glass doors opens the space entirely to the adjacent covered patio and summer kitchen. Beyond, a sparkling pool and spa overlook the property's terraced lawns, manicured landscaping and towering trees. The lot's extraordinary position above Shoal Creek grants the entire home unimpeded views across the city skyline.
On the upper level of the original layout, an ultra-private owner's suite features a king-size bedroom with views of the University of Texas clocktower, a walk-in closet and a spa bathroom with a frameless rain shower, private water closet and wide double vanity flanked by restored steel windows. A den, craft room and laundry room add convenience nearby.
The new bedroom wing adds a junior suite with a private bathroom and walk-in closet, plus two more secondary bedrooms with roomy closets and a Jack-and-Jill bathroom with separate vanity areas. The adjacent living space is perfect as a playroom or study area, while a terrace adds outdoor space to the level. A curved parapet with portholes above the original entry reinforces the facade's nautical influence while leading to a new roof deck to capture the property's exceptional vistas.
On the home's lower level, a Happy New Year 1940 mural hand-painted by original owner Herbert Bohn has been lovingly preserved as a centerpiece of a vibrant media room with a walk-up bar and entertainment system. The adjacent curved wine room with natural walnut shelving and designer lighting was once used as a bomb shelter. The wine room was professionally designed by Granduer Cellars and stores approximately 1800 bottles.
Ideally located in Pemberton Heights, this home offers easy access to UT Austin, the Capitol and Downtown’s entertainment and shopping districts.
Phyllis Patek
Teresa Jones
