This newly listed Texas mansion combines Art Deco style, modern design elements and…magic?
Back on the market for the first time in about a decade, the Bohn House is considered one of the most architecturally significant addresses in all of Austin and boasts quite a storied history. The historic residence was built in 1938 by architect Roy L. Thomas, before being extended by Dick Clark + Associates in 2014. Stylistically, Thomas is said to have modeled the house after the fictional Shangri-La featured in the film by Frank Capra in 1937. horizon lost and the iconic queen mary ocean liner. He also has a trick up his sleeve: a “magic door” that descends at the touch of a button to separate two rooms.
Sellers Bill and Misty Reid bought the property for $1.4 million in 2013, the the wall street journal. During a 14-month renovation, the couple nearly doubled the square footage of the home, updated all the plumbing and electrical, and added a rooftop deck, three-car garage, media room, and living room. 1,800 bottle wine cellar. Now they’re offering the fruits of their labor for $13 million.
JPM Immobilier
Situated on nearly half an acre, Lone Star Digs offers 6,528 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and three half baths. The interior nods to the illustrious cruise ship with portholes and a bow-shaped rotunda. On the first floor is a large foyer which has been fitted with Carrara and Negro Santa Maria marble as an ode to the house’s 1930s origins. From here you will find a circular dining room that was once a sunroom and a gourmet chef’s kitchen equipped with Miele appliances.
Brian Cole
Downstairs, the media room features a hand-painted mural commissioned by original owner Herbert Bohn. Upstairs, meanwhile, the ultra-private master suite features a walk-in closet, a large bathroom with a frameless rain shower, and views of the University of Texas clock tower. You can also see the swimming pool from the ground floor.
The plush cushion still retains many of its charming original details which have been artfully restored, including the light fixtures, aluminum handrails, steel windows and entrance staircase. “I was going up and down the old stairs and there were two creaks on the way down,” Misty told the WSJ. “I always thought ‘Mrs. Bohn must have had those same creaky steps.’ Of course, the circular mahogany door that magically retracts into the ceiling has also stood the test of time. Hey, who doesn’t? not a house steeped in history?
Phyllis Patek and Teresa Jones of Compass own the list.
Click here to see all the photos of Maison Bohn.