An extraordinary opportunity awaits luxury home buyers in Austin, Texas, as a lakefront compound with an asking price of $50 million emerges as a potential record-breaker for the state. Bridget Ramey, the esteemed listing agent from Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, has revealed that this magnificent property spans approximately 6 acres on the pristine shores of Lake Austin. What sets this estate apart is its direct adjacency to the expansive ranch owned by technology magnate Michael Dell, adding to its allure and exclusivity. Texas’ Potential Priciest Home: Be the first to know about the biggest and best luxury home sales and listings by signing up for our Mansion Deals email alert.
Encompassing a lavish 7,000-square-foot main house and three guesthouses, this compound epitomizes opulence and grandeur. It boasts a private boat dock capable of accommodating two boats, allowing residents to indulge in leisurely waterfront activities. The current owner, Brett Ames, a respected real-estate developer, and his wife, the talented musician Carolann Ames, acquired the land in 2014 with a vision of creating an extraordinary haven for their family. Though the exact purchase price remains undisclosed due to Texas’ status as a nondisclosure state, construction costs were estimated at an impressive $1,250 per square foot.
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From an aerial perspective, the estate reveals itself as a captivating series of interconnected pavilions adorned with midcentury modern-inspired, cantilevered roofsStep into Luxury: Awe-inspiring 10-Foot Glass Entry Door Welcomes Guests to Three Lavish Bedrooms in the Main House The residence also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a relaxing dry sauna, an inviting media and game room, and a music room perfect for composing or performing.
The estate was completed in March 2020, and Brett Ames said the couple moved in just as “supply chains were getting really messed up.” They had to order temporary furniture and lighting fixtures to use until theirs finally arrived, which took years in some cases.
The property consists of three parcels of land, one of which possesses permits for the construction of an impressive 9,000-square-foot house, as confirmed by Brett Ames. Initially considering the idea of building a spec home on this lot, the Ames ultimately decided that the allure of a larger undeveloped acreage was more appealing, further enhancing the estate’s magnificence. Additionally, there are permits in place for an additional boat dock, reflecting the remarkable potential and flexibility this property offers.
While their four children have now grown and left the house, the Ames have made the heartfelt decision to simplify their lives, making the estate’s grandeur excessive for just the two of them. Brett Ames shared, “We probably way underuse it,” shedding light on their motivation to sell this extraordinary property.
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Ramey said high-end home sales in Austin so far have topped out at around $30 million. Texas’ Potential Priciest Home: Be the first to know about the biggest and best luxury home sales and listings by signing up for our Mansion Deals email alert.
The listing comes at an interesting moment in the Austin luxury real-estate market, which saw one of the country’s biggest booms during the height of the Covid pandemic. More recently, the market has softened, though prices remain higher than they were prepandemic, Ramey said.
In April, Austin home prices were down 12.3% from the same period of last year, selling for a median price of $570,000, according to Redfin. On average, homes in Austin sold after 47 days on the market in April, compared with 26 days in April 2022. Texas’ Potential Priciest Home: Be the first to know about the biggest and best luxury home sales and listings by signing up for our Mansion Deals email alert. Stay informed and seize the opportunity to embrace a life of unrivaled luxury in the heart of Austin, Texas.