Archive for March, 2011
Home Design Trends for New Homes in Austin
Posted by:
I was recently asked by a client, “What is the latest home design feature that you’re seeing in your custom new homes in Austin?” That question prompted me to recall several features that have become popular over the past few years. Below, I’ll countdown the Top 5 Sterling Custom Home Features of the Past 5 Years:
#5… The Casita – This popular space is a Guest Room on the main level of the house that is accessed from an outside entrance. It can be incorporated into a beautiful courtyard or situated near the swimming pool with a view of the Lake. We have incorporated Casita’s into many custom homes over the last five years.
#4 … The Combination Media Room/Game Room – This versatile space was born of the desire to have more public, social access to a large, main viewing screen. Opening up the Media Room to the Game Room has created a fresh new way to entertain for our clients. In many applications we have included a heavy theater curtain that can close the Media Room off from the Game Room when the true theater experience is desired.
#3 … The Outdoor Living Space – This area has become more important to our clients as they create an area to relax and/or entertain outside of the home. The Outdoor Living Area has become more spacious with nicer finishes and more substantial furniture. With misters for cooling and heaters for heating, it’s viable year-round. Read More→
Lake Travis, Wonderful Spring Destination
Posted by:
Our current beautiful, warm weather is perfect for outdoor adventures filled with sunshine and entertainment. Imagine fun-packed weekends full of fishing, sailing, basking in the sun, picnics and water sports all in the backyard of your new homes in Austin. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the popular weekend destination Lake Travis.
Spanning more than 60 miles, Lake Travis is located approximately 20 miles above Austin. Its shores are lined with a bevy of parks and recreation areas, many with boat launching capabilities, making Lake Travis the perfect setting for outdoor, water and exercise enthusiasts to enjoy a day of sailing, diving, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing and more.
Pack a picnic and your kite, and stretch out for a relaxing afternoon. Or, visit one of the popular restaurants that dot Lake Travis’ shores for a special treat. You’ll have your pick of tasty dining options with locations such as The Oasis, Carlos and Charlie’s, Johnny Finns and the Iguana Grill at your disposal. Read More→
Luxury home builder Sterling Custom Homes was recently invited to address the Advanced Marketing Class at The University of Texas at Austin. Duke McDowell, Vick Pope and Gary Grambley shared real-world marketing strategies and discussed the practical application of long-term marketing plans with 40 senior-level marketing students at a UT lecture hall.
Having operated a successful custom homebuilding company for more than 20 years, Sterling was able to discuss the evolution of the marketplace, the shifting dynamics of the information age and strategies that combine traditional marketing with modern technology, giving students insight to the world they will face after graduation.
“The interaction with the students was the fun part,” says Gary Grambley, Sterling’s Sales and Marketing Director. “Helping them understand the real challenges facing our industry and openly discussing potential marketing solutions was insightful for all.” Read More→
Good food and drink, warm weather and time with family and friends: Who could ask for more? If this sounds like your ideal weekend, then make sure to visit Fall Creek Vineyards Saturdays in March. Visitors will enjoy the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country while relaxing on a blanket with a glass of award-winning Fall Creek Vineyards wine and gourmet picnic by Kingsland Coffee Co. Owners of new homes in Austin should take advantage of this wonderful spring activity, right in their own backyards.
For $10, you’ll enjoy a picnic boxed lunch selection including chicken salad spinach wrap or turkey sandwich on artisan wheat bread served with fresh gourmet potato chips, pickle spear and decadent cheesecake brownie for dessert.
Reservations are required to enjoy a day soaking up the sun in the picturesque surroundings of Fall Creek Vineyards. Call the Winery at 325-379-5361 to reserve your spot. For more information, visit the Fall Creek Vineyards website.
Do you like the idea of outdoor living this spring? Sterling Custom Homes, a new homes builder in Austin, designs homes with unique outdoor living spaces. Currently, we have a rare opportunity to purchase a completed home at Escavera at Flintrock Falls. The fantastic one-story home offers unique styling that features contemporary flair and a large outdoor covered living are that boasts breathtaking golf course views. Read More→
March is definitely the month for festivals in Austin. From kites and St. Patrick’s Day to the best food and wine that the Southern United States has to offer, owners of new homes in Austin have their pick of some of the most exciting events scheduled this spring; and this weekend will be no exception.
From Friday, March 11 until Sunday, March 20, music, independent films and cutting-edge technologies will converge to create a unique launching pad for up-and-coming creative content at the South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festival.
This year, the SXSW® Music and Media Conference is celebrating 25 years as one of the biggest amalgamation of all things music. During the day, attendees can meander through the Trade Show and gain key insights through panel discussions by industry leaders. At night, the conference is transformed to a musical wonderland, showcasing hundreds of acts from around the world. Listen to the SXSW® player on SHOUTcast to hear a sampling. Read More→