Inside an Architecture Fanatic’s Dream Home: Midcentury Marvel From Austin’s Maverick Architect Hits the Market

Austin is no stranger to beautiful homes built when the city was still a small town, known for good music and being a blue spot in a sea of red political leanings. Now, one of those homes — one built and designed by the famed Austin-based architect A.D. Stenger — is on the market with a cool $949,000 asking price.

This mid-century modern home at 416 Ridgewood Road in Austin’s West Lake Hills was built and designed by Stenger in 1960, using his own creative take on mid-century design. In many ways, Stenger is known for being Austin’s most eccentric self-made architect, and he built more than 100 homes around the city.

Two of his most famous designs are The Butterfly House, built in 1964, and The Faulk House, which was built in 1951 for local comedian John Henry Faulk.

Stenger was well known for marching to the beat of his own drum, remaining true to himself by staying focused on what his clients wanted in design; often creating contemporary designs; and using locally sourced goods and budget-conscious homes. Many of the homes he designed cost between $18,000 and $22,000 at the time, (around $200,000 in today’s dollars).

Now, one of his designs in West Lake Hills is on the market for $949,000 — a noticeable decrease from the $1.125 million that was asked for another West Lake Hills house Stenger designed that went on the market in January.

The West Lake Hills one-story now on the market has been completely remodeled but remains true to the essence of Stenger’s design and 1,377-square-foot floor plan with three bedrooms and two baths. While it is a relatively small house by today’s standards, it was considered spacious at the time.

Architecture fanatics will love the house’s vaulted ceilings, large windows, and stacked-stone fireplace, which remains the focal point of the large living room and open galley kitchen.

The beautiful space also features wood and tile floors, built-in bookcases, recessed and track lighting, and new appliances. The house sits on a .21-acre lot with a large fenced backyard and a serene stone patio.