5 Austin open houses to check out this weekend

In light of our always-overheated housing market, we thought it might be helpful to offer some open-house suggestions to narrow things down—even if you’re not looking to buy, because who doesn’t love a little real estate gawking? Yes, Saturday might be a little damp, we’re aware. But Sunday looks to be sunny and bright, and all most of the open houses listed here have some open hours that day.

This week’s options are heavily concentrated in South Austin and on the new-modern end of the spectrum. It’s not our fault there are so many groovy homes that fit that description. But we’ll go for a little more variety next time nevertheless.

Where: 1007 Barton Skyway

When: 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, January 19

Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms; 1,100 square feet

Selling points: It’s a spacious, new, completely detached ADU in a convenient and sweet South Austin neighborhood (Galindo). Totally detached with lots of private space inside and outside. Bathrooms are ensuite for both bedrooms, and there’s a powder room downstairs En suite baths for both beds, plus half bath down for entertaining and convenience. The kitchen has a walk-in pantry, the home has plenty of windows to keep it sunny, and there’s a patio, too.

Asking price: $625,000

Where: 310 West Monroe Street

When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms; 3,091 square feet

Selling points: A brand-new home by Davey McEathron Architecture and Urban ATX is clean, light, and not without surprises, making fun and inventive use of challenging spaces. The two-story home is clad in some sexy, dark brick, wood, and stucco but boasts tall ceilings and plenty of natural light inside. There’s also an enclosed courtyard with a wooden deck, a heated pool, and an outdoor kitchen.

Asking price: $2,099,900

Where: 4417 Rosedale Avenue

When: noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, January 18

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; 2,410 square feet

Selling points: This two-story stucco home, built in 1941 is neither either midcentury modern (like much of its Rosedale neighborhood) nor minimalist, but it has been remodeled in a way that leans toward the unfussy, retains virtually no original features, and gives it a generally clean-lined look that’s unusual, in a good way.

Asking price: $989,000

Where: 508 Leland Street

When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, January 19

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms; 3,246 square feet

Selling points: Another Davey McEathron-Urban ATX joint, this two-story South Austin home has tall, vaulted ceilings and expansive windows emphasize verticality and spaciousness. There are high-end finishes throughout, including some impressive custom walnut cabinetry and hand-painted clay and cement tile from Mexico and Morocco. There are also top-of-the-line appliances, plumbing, and lighting fixture. The yard features the requisite pool and patio, and it looks like there’s an ample balcony in front as well.

Asking price: $1,695,000

Where: 1811 Collier Street

When: Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, January 18

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; 3,246 square feet

Selling points: MF Architecture is another firm whose name is on everyone’s lips when it comes to stunning, contemporary architecture. The eye-catching breezeblock walls and semi-butterfly roof of this two-story home in Zilker telegraphs this home design’s intentions—deploying some of the most beloved and recognizable elements of the midcentury-modern home with contemporary elements in a relaxed way that evokes a sort of Palm Springs vibe, filtered through a Central Texas lens.

Asking price: $1,624,900