Down to the Details

No front porch is complete without a good set of rocking chairs. A pair of teak rockers underscores the neighborhood feel of Traditions. Rustic materials including native limestone, cedar, and pavers cut to resemble flagstone, reflect Texas country house style. Fiber-cement shingles and horizontal plank siding complement the mix of materials and offer maintenance-free living.

Featured here: Outdoor furniture by Smith and Hawken

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Interior designer Patche Pratt took advantage of the small entry with a chest of drawers. This thoughtful addition gives owners an extra bit of storage and a convenient drop spot for purses and keys.

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One of the two bedrooms reveals a private outdoor entrance, making the rental program at Traditions even more enticing for the homeowner of this Casita. Owners may use the entire house, or rent a portion during game weekends.

Featured here: James Hardie siding

A wood-and-iron king-size bed is the centerpiece of this master suite. With a private entrance, this particular bedroom and bath would easily serve as a weekend rental.

A small alcove adds a buffer layer between the great room and master suites. Each vestibule conceals a small coat closet opposite the bedroom door.

Pavers surface paths and the stairs leading to the front porch. Man-made–but cut to resemble natural flagstone–the material is durable, and the versatility of cuts are amenable to a variety of aesthetics.

Featured here: Belgard pavers

A variety of exterior finishes―limestone; rough-cut cedar; and horizontal, fiber-cement siding―keeps maintenance to a minimum.

Featured here: James Hardie siding

A counter bar in the kitchen gives guests a fun place to linger over breakfast and the morning news. During parties, it becomes the perfect buffet. With its ample countertops and storage space, this wide galley space lives large.

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Enhancing the great room, a vintage-looking map of Texas lends a sense of place to the Casita. Throughout the house, framed photographs capture the Texas landscape.

A pair of wood French doors opens onto the back porch and visually expands the interior to this outdoor room.

Featured here: French doors by Jeld-Wen

Made for weathering the great outdoors, teak furniture suits both entertainment and low-maintenance needs―two especially important attributes of second-home ownership. A round mirror, a modern interpretation of a wagon wheel, rests on the mantel reflecting the prairie beyond.