The House and the Property

This custom house was built in 2000-2001 for two working historian-writers, Robert M. Utley and Melody Webb. Constructed with limestone facades, the single-story house of 4,374 square feet on 1.33 acres is located on a cul-de-sac in historic Georgetown, Texas, about six miles west of I-35 and 28 miles north of Austin.

Wraparound porches and an open deck afford Texas outdoor living.  Prevailing southern breezes and dramatic views encourage outdoor activities for nine months a year. Huge windows on the back of the house provide wonderful unobstructed views of Lake Georgetown and wooded parklands. All utilities are underground. No power poles or visible lines.

The property abuts the Corps of Engineers Lake Georgetown Park, not only allowing an excellent view of the lake but also the wilderness above the lake, locally called the greenbelt. Since the Corps boundary is also the boundary of this sale property, no development can ever intervene between the two. Moreover, only two properties enjoy a ground-floor view of the lake, this and the neighboring property.  There is easy access from the property to a 27-mile nature trail around the lake, and it’s only a five-minute drive to a boat ramp on the lake.

There are three large bedrooms, 3.5 baths, “Great Room,” study/office, and library. The house features a large study/office (45 x 18) with its own bathroom. This room also could be used for a game room, bedroom or other purposes.  Built-in wooden files and bookcases add warmth to utilitarian fixtures.  

The Great Room merges with the dining area and kitchen for a combined space of 56 feet by 21 feet.  The huge open space is ideal for entertaining and flexible living. A gas-log fireplace and built-in entertainment center occupy the east wall, easily visible throughout the space.  Wood floors stretch through the Great Room, kitchen, dining, and hallways.  In the Great Room and separate library, built-in bookshelves accommodate 3,000 books or other contents.

The upscale kitchen, designed for two cooks, has Thermador cook top, Bosch dishwasher, Kitchenaid double ovens, granite counters and backsplash, custom cabinetry from floor to ceiling for extra storage, pull-out shelves, Lazy Susans, microwave, appliance garage, supplemented with an immense pantry and utility room.  A three-car garage, security system and water softener provide additional amenities.

A large master bedroom (18 x 24) has double French and atrium doors. The latter lead to the front porch and a porch swing.  An adjoining master bath contains a large walk-in shower, jacuzzi tub, separate his/her vanity areas, walk-in closet and cedar closet (4 x 7).  Two large bedrooms (16 x 15 and 20 x 13) at the opposite end of the house are connected by bath and two-sink vanity.  Double crown moldings throughout the house add grace to large expanses.

A lawn with an automatic sprinkler system surrounds the house on four sides, and native vegetation extends to the park boundary.  Numerous live-oak trees dot front and back.

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