
A modern ranch house in the Texas Hill Country floats over a
Tucked away on a sprawling acre in the Texas Hill Country, J Christopher Architecture designed this modern ranch house to float atop a rocky cliff that overlooks rushing creek waters. Porch dwellers dangle over the cliff edge on cantilevered decks extending as much as 15 feet. Also visible from the deckside perch, a large lap pool appears to cut through the guest wing.
A long rectilinear basin gracefully connects the entry court to the rear terrace. While the owner desired the simplistic lines and layout of a modern aesthetic, they also wanted to make sure the home felt warm, intimate, and inviting. Several strategies were employed to accomplish this goal.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE J Christopher Architecture INTERIOR DESIGN G. Bradley Alford Designs BUILDER Volaire
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Backbeat Structural Design LIGHTING DESIGN Fourpoint Lighting Design
Thoughtfully proportioned cozy spaces offset larger rooms such as the living area. Natural native materials warm most of the walls. A multitude of windows keep spaces bright, welcoming, and connected to the surrounding landscape. Exterior wood beams and stone penetrate the glass facades to become part of the interior rooms. The result is a soothing light-filled space that feels connected to the place where it resides.
Another unique feature of the ranch is the ample owner’s retreat. Accessed via a narrow glass-lined bridge, it occupies a dedicated wing of the home away from the bustle of company and entertaining. Exceeding normal amenities this fully realized owner’s wing contains a private office, exercise room, indoor/outdoor shower, coffee bar, and private terrace. It can be a home within a home should the owner desire. In all, there are four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms in this dwelling.
Not to be overlooked, functionality was also critical to the project’s success. A detached lodge building and series of “off-loading” rooms provide spaces where returning hunters and fishermen can unpack, clean, and share stories of the day.
These spaces are both social and utilitarian. So is the home as a whole. It is intentionally informal and designed for close family and friends. There is no “front door”. Just a meandering path of covered walkways leading to a compelling destination.
What We Love: This modern ranch house offers a private oasis, perched over a rushing creek in the Texas Hill Country. Large expanses of glazing provide a fabulous indoor-outdoor living experience that is further enhanced by the large outdoor patio and swimming pool with a spa. This home is an entertainer’s dream with its sumptuous living spaces that are styled with sophisticated furnishings and accessories.
Tell Us: What do you find most appealing about the design of this home and what would you change if this were your own home? Let us know in the Comments below
Note: Have a look at a couple of other impressive home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Texas: A sustainable home with perfectly framed views of the Texas Hill Country and Step inside this absolutely beautiful home with major curb appeal in Texas.
PHOTOGRAPHER Chase Daniel