2003 Idea House: Harrod's Creek

The welcoming vista gives you a hint of the many special features to be found in Harrod's Creek, our Texas Idea House. When you step under the vaulted, covered entry and walk into the foyer, you'll be greeted with a pleasant surprise--a view all the way to a covered back porch and the rolling landscape beyond. Clearly, this home is designed for beauty and a comfortable lifestyle.

Harrod's Creek is located in Spanish Oaks at Bee Cave, a new environmentally sensitive master-planned community about 15 miles west of Austin. The unobtrusive structure fits perfectly into the site. Many existing oak and cedar trees were saved, while lush grasses and abundant native plants soften the home's rugged facade and lend an established feel to the new construction.

Overall Style

"It's a one-story, U-shaped design with the clean lines and wide-open feel of a classic Texas Hill Country house," explains architect Mark Carlson. "Native materials, such as local stone and mesquite floors, reinforce the style."

The appeal of the interiors is the mix of rustic elements with refined ones. "The color palette features muted golds and greens," says designer Debbi Wayman. Texture changes bring another dimension to the home's look.