I suppose the years are telling. I still consider a home built around the turn of the millennium a new build. However, 26 years — the age of this Mira Vista manor — is more than enough time to assess whether a house design is still relevant and will hold up over time.
Located at 6901 Ridgewood Drive, the attractive stone structure avoids the principal pitfall that mars many a house in the gated community. Though over 5,000 square feet, the residence isn’t pompous or glitzy.
Eclectic is overused but what if the adjective fits? The listing describes the style as a hybrid mix of Austin Hill Country, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Japanese. I’ll quibble with Austin Hill Country. The exterior is of this Mira Vista manor is covered in Austin stone but the ambiance feels more Anglophile than Hill Country. I get the Frank Lloyd Wright vibe. The floor plan is open with few doors with areas demarcated by columns or changes in levels. Japanese? Well Japanese architecture was one of the principal influences in Wright’s architectural language and the light maple trim and columns do have a Japanese aura.
It’s quite a melange, probably a personal statement realized with the collaboration of the homeowner and builder, which is why, on the whole, I think it works. Ceilings are 11 feet and the finish out is first-rate. The maple millwork has been mentioned, but worthy of notice are the impeccable white oak floors and the Deco-style pendant bowl ceiling fixtures.
The five-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bath house has multiple living areas and many quiet nooks throughout including a library with shelves full of books! Nice to know there are still readers out there.
The kitchen is a broad long galley with slate floors capped by a barrel-vaulted ceiling which emphasizes the long axis. Appliances are top of the line including a cabinet-fronted refrigerator. At the end is a relaxed, intimate sitting area.
White oak floors are continued upstairs. The principle bedroom overlooks the lovely backyard. The remaining four bedrooms are on the second floor and are generously proportioned.
The backyard looks like an estate in old Westover, dense with old-growth trees, elegant hardscape, and a lovely ravine view.
Cathy Taylor of the Helen Painter Group has priced 6901 Ridgewood Drive at $1.48 million.
