Lavaca House, renovated by Lake Flato Architects, transforms an 1870s caliche block home in San Antonio’s historic Lavaca district into a vibrant, modern retreat. The design preserves the original stone structure while introducing contemporary elements that reflect the personality of the homeowner, an artist and collector. Art-filled interiors celebrate local talent, with each room offering surprise and charm. The home balances historic character with modern living, creating an adaptable, light-filled sanctuary deeply connected to its urban and cultural context.
Photography by Douglas Friedman.
Another dream home by D Stanley Dixon Architect. This cottage originates in the 1880s and is located in the lowcountry of coastal South Carolina. Surrounded by massive oak trees covered in Spanish moss, with a large wrap-around screened-in porch at the back overlooking a river that connects to the Atlantic ocean. Yes please! The interiors are designed by Jackye Lanham and are perfectly suited to the casual country vibes. I am completely smitten. Photos: Eric Piasecki.
This may be a simple home consisting of essentially a box with a gabled roof, but the beauty is in the simplicity of it. A burnished stucco exterior, metal roof, Douglas fir framed windows, and a central double height living space make it feel grand and soooo bright and airy. I loooove the large steel trellis added at the back of the house for some much needed shade. Modern, minimal and really cool. Designed by Side Angle Side for photographer Casey Dunn (his photos, obviously).
DREAM HOUSE ALERT!!! Vernacular Barn in Cashiers, North Carolina was designed by D Stanley Dixon Architect (interiors by Barry Dixon) and is my dream house down to every last detail (except maybe relocate it to France or even Canada). A newly built barn-style home, made to look old and it had been renovated into a residence. White-washed wood, reclaimed wood floors, exposed stone, a simple Shaker kitchen…a wonderful mix of primitive sensibilities with rustic finishes. I think this is what heaven looks like. Photos: Eric Piasecki.
I have a loooong list of homes I would LOVE to own one day, and an ancient stone home in the South of France would be at the top of the list. Well, it turns out you don’t need to move to Europe to enjoy this style of living. This home in Barton Creek, Austin TX is newly built, designed by Chas Architects with interiors with a touch of a old-world monastic vibe, by Mohon. Photos: Dror Baldinger & Nathan Schroder.
For this home perched above Barton Creek, great care was taken to apply genuine materials in authentic ways, while expressing contemporary elegance throughout the interior. With its genoise eaves, rustic stone, and aged tile roof, this house recalls the rural hill towns and farm houses of Southern France. The classic material palette transitions inside with reclaimed oak beams, stone floors, walnut wood paneling, and three-coat plaster walls. Meanwhile, transitional elements, like large steel windows and doors, lend an airy feel to the interior spaces and maximize views of the live oak canopy and limestone bluffs beyond. Painted cabinets, contemporary fixtures, art, and furniture all contribute to a sense of luxury and repose.