Houzz Tour: Private Castle in Austin
An endless budget and team of artisans create over-the-top house you have to see to believe
Staff Writer, Houzz.com
Staff Writer, Houzz.com More »
It's safe to say that when designer Mark Cravotta first started working on this Austin home, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. What first started out as a design for a spec house he'd done architectural detailing for ended up becoming a 6-year long project, culminating in an extraordinary castle-like interior with stunning detailing that's almost hard to believe. Research on Tudor, Jacobean and Gothic architectural styles, as well as the clients' love for dark and macabre theater, inspired the décor and finishings for this Texas dream home.
While the luxury in this house seems unbelievable in many respects, every detail is an example of stunning artisanship and historical design. The clients encouraged Cravotta to go for it — and he did. Being able to create such in-depth designs is an unique experience, and Cravotta was thrilled.
The style in this house may be out-of-this-world, but the clients are anything but. This retired couple simply wanted to build their dream home and had the budget to do so. "They're gentle, kind and unassuming," says Cravotta. "Not at all what you might expect from looking at the house. They live a pretty solitary life, and spend a lot of their time at home. But once I had a sense of what was going to thrill them, I started dreaming big on their behalf."
While the luxury in this house seems unbelievable in many respects, every detail is an example of stunning artisanship and historical design. The clients encouraged Cravotta to go for it — and he did. Being able to create such in-depth designs is an unique experience, and Cravotta was thrilled.
The style in this house may be out-of-this-world, but the clients are anything but. This retired couple simply wanted to build their dream home and had the budget to do so. "They're gentle, kind and unassuming," says Cravotta. "Not at all what you might expect from looking at the house. They live a pretty solitary life, and spend a lot of their time at home. But once I had a sense of what was going to thrill them, I started dreaming big on their behalf."
Cravotta had a hand in every detail in this house. Each piece of woodwork and stonework was drawn out and created by skilled artisans. This level of detail in a house was unlike anything that Cravotta had done before. He and his team "were certainly learning and creating as we went along," he said.
The jaw-dropping fireplace in the formal living room is an example of the work that went into the construction. With the help of classically trained stone carvers Joseph and Holly Kincannon, Cravotta designed this limestone fireplace, which took a year to complete. The stone was given a unique aged look with olive oil, applied by hand.
Private Comment
The jaw-dropping fireplace in the formal living room is an example of the work that went into the construction. With the help of classically trained stone carvers Joseph and Holly Kincannon, Cravotta designed this limestone fireplace, which took a year to complete. The stone was given a unique aged look with olive oil, applied by hand.
The furniture is a mix of custom pieces designed by Cravotta, European antiques, and a few pieces from high-end manufacturers. The dining table in this formal dining room was custom designed by Cravotta to fit this space. Oklahoma sandstone lines the walls.
Private Comment
An upstairs bar with a balcony looks down over the kitchen and adjoined family room in the house. The flooring is rift and quartered oak with limestone tile. The fireplace was purchased from a European chateau, and its design and finish inspired almost all of the other millwork in the house.
Private Comment
| French limestone was used for the countertops and backsplash in the kitchen, while the cabinetry is solid walnut. To keep with the castle-like look of the rest of the home, the appliances were paneled with the same walnut as the cabinetry. The result is a kitchen that feels current but could also be right at home in a French chateau. Private Comment
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| The bar, which sits on the upper level above the dining room, kitchen and family room, was inspired by post-Renaissance and Gothic periods. All of the woodwork in this room is American walnut. Private Comment
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The home theater is one of the home's most dramatic rooms. A red carpet leads to an entrance made with custom cast-bronze doors. The doors are part of the vision that Cravotta had for the theater — a design based on elegant Parisian theaters during the Golden Age, taken up a notch.
Private Comment
| Soft velvet chairs, custom millwork and hand-drawn details give this home theater a luxurious, Parisian-opera-house feel. Unlike many other rooms in the house, this theater wasn't based on specific imagery, just Cravotta's imagination. Private Comment
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| A dark wood paneled billiard room adds a debonair air to the home's main floor. The wool carpet is one of Cravotta's designs — he also designed the carpeting in the bedrooms and the stairwells. Private Comment
The home's lighting is a hand-picked combination of antique fixtures and Cravotta's own designs. "I went on exhaustive searches for just the right piece in every detail throughout the house," he said. "If I couldn't find it, I had it made." The chandeliers are British antiques Cravotta found at a dealer in Dallas. |
| The bedroom ceilings are molded plaster. In this guest room, Cravotta based the design on ceilings in an Irish castle. While the walls in this room are also made of plaster, the unique shimmering effect comes from a top coat of mica-infused wax. Private Comment
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The ceiling detail in this guest room is adapted form a ceiling in an English estate. If you're thinking the bed frame looks like something from the Renaissance — you'd be right. This one-of-a-kind bed was made in the 1800s using wood panels from the mid-1400s.
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| The master suite includes a fireplace, hand-embroidered wallpaper, extensive closet and a hand-carved bedframe of Cravotta's design. This extraordinary space has a distinct mix of different patterns and textures, but the neutral color palette keeps the space calm. Private Comment
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| Calacatta gold marble was used for almost every surface in the master bath, which brings to mind ancient Roman baths and overlooks a massive canyon. Private Comment
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This beautiful secretaire designed by Erika Brunson is one of the few new pieces in the house. While this piece might reflect a different era and style than the rest of the pieces in this guest room, the materials and styles still blend smoothly. "I'm not a purist by any means," says Cravotta. "So sticking to one style or period was never my objective, although the house has a definite English feel."
Private Comment
Cravotta scoured the internet for old books and manuscripts, ordered out-of-print copies and took meticulous notes to make sure every detail was accurate. Of course, the craftsman and artisans he worked with were a great source of information, he says. "They provided a wealth of knowledge and historical context."
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| A cellar at the bottom of the house holds the couple's impressive wine collection. Sandstone walls keep the space cool, while tables and chairs from Gregorious Pineo and Elijah Slocum give visitors a place to sit and have a glass. Private Comment
More: Urban Castle in Pasadena |
Comments
urbanexotic says:
Absolutely grotesque; a fine example of what having more dollars than sense will buy someone with no limits, taste, or humility.
4 months ago ·
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leticiashaquana says:
Jaw dropped the whole way through. A real modern day castle. I'm at a loss for words to describe it's ornateness...and i wonder what the outside is like?
4 months ago ·
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sammycat says:
I thought is was just me but urbanexotic echoed my sentiments exactly. Dark, dreary and depressing.
4 months ago ·
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midmodfan says:
I understand that creating a 'home' like this was an interesting task for the team involved. The result is one of the worst design nightmares I've ever seen. But if the owners are happy, that's all that counts.They obviously had the guts to go for it! ;-)
4 months ago ·
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kobishima says:
This is one for those gianormous mansions that people won't be jealous of because they don't have the multi-million dollars to build it !
4 months ago ·
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Heidi Banman says:
I think it's beautiful! I'm generally a fan of brighter colours, but I think this was quite gorgeous. Probably wouldn't want to live there, but to visit would be amazing.
4 months ago ·
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mjntx says:
Not a fan either.... but my concern is ...."IF the owners go bankrupt which is an all to familiar scene these days.... who the heck is gonna wanna buy it???
4 months ago ·
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substance says:
I love the cellar and the bar. I would also not want to live there, however I would not want to live in the super minimal modern spaces some people love either. If you must post about something you hate, lose the angry negativity and simply note that it is not to your taste. Glad the original builders of castles didn't feel the way some of the the posters here do. We'd be less some magnificent structures and tangible history.
4 months ago ·
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patricia beharry says:
the only livable place in the castle is the master bedroom.
4 months ago ·
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sappy4savannah says:
I think what he has done is architecturally amazing. I'm a huge fan of woodwork and trim; and as a fan, I know how difficult detailed trim can be and what skill it takes to make it happen. This home is a piece of art. You do not see this level of skill or detail nowadays and I am thrilled to see that someone chose to capture the work of craftsmen of today, instead of spending their money doing drugs or hosting reality shows. Remember, these 1%ers gave some very skilled craftsmen a JOB!
4 months ago ·
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amandabrett says:
Master bath is the only area I would find a sense of calm. Hello Rose Red!
4 months ago ·
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CJ Sebert says:
It's a castle, and that's they look like. Dark, ornate, wood and stone. Personally, I would get the creeps sleeping there or being home alone. The master bath with the light marble was a stark contrast to the rest of the place.
4 months ago ·
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marmarmish says:
The human element seems to be forgotten in the design of this "home". While I love the style, it would have been sooooo much more inviting if it was toned down and scaled down. And the addition of art, tapestries, flowers, personal objects and some color would have warmed it up. Indeed, it just looks like a museum, does anyone live here?
4 months ago ·
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linbar says:
An excellent example of what not to do when designing a .....home? Way over the top. Cold, impersonal, dark and dreary.
4 months ago ·
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mfrench says:
Stunning!! Absolutely gorgeous in its mixed use of architecture, style and color...eclectic and wonderful. The only room that seems out of place with the rest is that light marble master bath...but the tub is amazing and makes great use of a stunning view. The theatre, bar, wine cellar, dining room...add some color and warmth to that master bath and I'm good to move in! Some random vases of wildflowers, photos and knickknacks would give it that human touch, but it was probably photographed like this on purpose, for privacy.
4 months ago ·
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Susan Jennings says:
Ok, I see all your points about pretense and exorbitance... but it's a fantasy, and it's an incredibly well-executed one. I'm personally obsessed with medieval motifs so I love it, but as mentioned I'm a little unsure who (besides me) would want to buy it after this retired couple have Fully Retired.
4 months ago ·
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kimber11 says:
Not a fan of the majority of this place. Not so much a home as an old world confusion of styles. After so much money spent on this place, I guess the owners have to love it and live in it, what else would they do?
4 months ago ·
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frommycherryheart_1234 says:
I love it. Its so beautiful, all the details are amazing! Two thumbs up!
3 months ago ·
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rebkot says:
I love this. Your home should be exactly what YOU want it to be. If this home makes the owners feel "at home", bravo for them. Think how much the grandkids must love it. It reminds me a bit of Hogwarts.
3 months ago ·
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Shelley Lutz says:
I think it's wonderful! The clients wanted to make their home a castle, and that is exactly what the designer created. Beautiful - Old World style and workmanship - something to be appreciated today and for future generations.
3 months ago ·
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Kara Findley says:
I can't even fathom what this must have cost, but the outcome is pretty jaw-dropping! Did it remind anyone else of "the Sims"?
3 months ago ·
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wandm says:
Wow. Over the top, absolutely. But pretty cool nonetheless. Would love to see the exterior. I hope they don't have to continue to rub olive oil on the fireplace!
3 months ago ·
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Claire Ungashick says:
I absolutely LOVE all the wood work! Some of the decor is pretty anachronistic, but still very beautiful and few people would probably notice or care that it spans about 4 centuries of design.
In answer to mjnx, I would buy this house in a skinny minute if they had to sell!
In answer to mjnx, I would buy this house in a skinny minute if they had to sell!
3 months ago ·
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mojtaba10890 says:
its very beautiful.its ritzy
i love it.you are very tact.i love you
i love it.you are very tact.i love you
3 months ago ·
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Carolyn Zone9alady says:
Definitely over the top....but I still love it! I just would need about a staff of 10 to take care of it. Like a previous poster mentioned...I want to see the gardens too!
3 months ago ·
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ombra75 says:
I agree with others, nice experiment for the craftsmen, amazing to visit ... probably unbearable to live in.
3 months ago ·
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runnergrl says:
I'm saddened by the negativity of these comments, and the fact that many are not seeing or appreciating the unbelieveable amount of work, skill, and detail that it took to build this. No, it might not be my taste, but I can still appreciate the beauty and talent that it took to create this. Just because these people can afford such a home, doesn't mean that they didn't work hard for their money and saved to build what it truly "their" dream. Also, as the daughter of a designer/builder, I can't imagine how exciting it was for Cravotta to have landed such an amazing project. For true artists, it isn't about the money, it's about the experience of seeing what your creative mind is capable of achieving (thanks to some else's large budget). Truly a once in a lifetime experience for him. Well done!
3 months ago ·
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scary, very heavy decor, a castle "creation" is different than an original castle itself. Perfect for some Dracula movie.
3 months ago ·
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mrsspronk says:
Nothing against the designer because he obviously did a fabulous job fulfilling his client's dream. BUT could they not have knocked one or two million off the cost to donate to charity? Like say not hand-washing the stone with olive oil, and instead using that money to feed a nation of starving children. Seriously, it's a bit nauseating.
3 months ago ·
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zoomzoom says:
money - no taste. Too over the top, every element doesn't have to be elaborated. It's just too much.
3 months ago ·
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Gabriele Konig says:
nothing new there just somebody with way to much money and no taste. It looks dark and sinister.
3 months ago ·
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luluplus6 says:
What people do with their money is none of our business. The house is magnificent. It is wonderful to see that great craftsmen can recreate masterpieces. It is to bad people like to rain on other peoples parade with rude comments. What do we know about them?
3 months ago ·
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julie165 says:
I'm betting some similar comments were made after the Biltmore or other North American castles were finished. It's not my style for the most part but I do like seeing something made that will last for centuries - your grandchildrens children may walk those halls some day.
3 months ago ·
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Kathy McHugh says:
Beautiful house. If it's the owners money, why can't he/she choose how to spend it? Can't stand these comments about how he/she spent too much money or how they should give to charity. How do you know they don't? Yes, he/she are the 1% probably because he/she EARNED it....might want to try it sometime instead of acting like a jealous child.
3 months ago ·
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sylviasbiz says:
I wouldn't want it if you gave it to me. It's ridiculously over the top. Not to mention ugly. More money than brains....comes to mind....
3 months ago ·
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Kathy Graham says:
WOW! This home is a stunner. Not many can afford such work anymore. It's truly a stunning home. What a glorious place for little ones to run about. What an imaginative world it would create. Can you imagine a dinner party or cocktail party here? How delightful that would be!
Although it's not my personal style - think eclectic-, it would easily become my love if it was part of an inheritance. WOW...the craftsmen that got to work on this must've been very happy and proud of their work. They should be. It's lovely!
Although it's not my personal style - think eclectic-, it would easily become my love if it was part of an inheritance. WOW...the craftsmen that got to work on this must've been very happy and proud of their work. They should be. It's lovely!
3 months ago ·
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rogerhastings says:
Very well done, great architectural gestures and detailing. Fun, uplifting.
3 months ago ·
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coaching says:
Don't know whom to admire more-- the owners or the designer/craftsmen. What
a fusion of human ability. This is the kind of thing that elevates and inspires. No matter what your taste in architecture, recognize that this masterpiece is a display of human skills. And the drive to go for "over the top" is rare. It requires a certain stature of mind and persona.
a fusion of human ability. This is the kind of thing that elevates and inspires. No matter what your taste in architecture, recognize that this masterpiece is a display of human skills. And the drive to go for "over the top" is rare. It requires a certain stature of mind and persona.
2 months ago ·
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