Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/862893
4 8 A U S T I N W A Y S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 | M O D E R N L U X U R Y . C O M ere aren't usually gondolas on Lake Austin. But take one look at a stunning Venetian Gothic-style palazzo that stretches across 200 feet of prime shoreline and you may think you've just climbed out of one of the famous boats on the verge that frames St. Mark's Square (after all, it does have two boat slips). e palatial house, designed by Texas-born architect Charles Travis of Chas Architects (based in San Diego and Austin), is an eye-catching masterpiece, emblematic of a style of architecture popular in the 14th century in Italy's city of canals. Commissioned by a Venetian buff , Travis was determined to re-create his client's fervor for the Byzantine-infl uenced palazzo homes. "We were immediately inspired, not only [by] the vision, but [by] the client's commitment to carry this vision to reality," says Travis of the fi ve-bedroom, six-bath, 11,774-square-foot mansion christened Villa Ca' Isola Serena. On the market for just shy of $9 million, the regal home deftly interprets the fusion of East-meets- West and Moorish-shaped elements. Impressively bringing the genre's decorative craftsmanship to play—such as grottesca, an adornment style that juxtaposes human and animal forms with scrollwork painting—the residence includes custom Murano chandeliers, handpainted doors and panels, and built-in china closets. Lavishly modern fl ourishes such as an infi nity pool, a spa and a sleek outdoor kitchen keep things in contemporary Austin mode. Buyer beware: A singing gondolier is not included. Stephanie Nick, Kuper Sotheby's International Realty; stephanienick.com A luxurious Venetian manse on Lake Austin melds authentic Italian aesthetics with sleek modern decor. By Becca Hensley // Photography by Mark Knight PALAZZO From top: The spacious Lake Austin villa, located on its own private island near Mount Bonnell; a colorful fresco and chandelier seen from the winding staircase leading to the second floor leading to the second fl oor. LONE STAR D E S I G N & R E A L T Y o n t h e m a r k e t