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SPICEWOOD RETREAT

A Rustic Plot of Land Transforms into a Peaceful Weekend Retreat
Spacious outdoor pool lounge area at Spicewood custom build house featuring a built-in grill, modern patio furniture, and limestone accents under a wood-paneled roof Outdoor lounge area with ceiling fan, natural stone patio, and poolside seating at Spicewood Retreat, designed by FAB Architecture and built by Texas Construction Company Landscaped stone path leading to the pool and covered lounge area at Spicewood custom home, surrounded by mature trees and limestone retaining walls Shaded dogtrot breezeway at Spicewood Retreat with modern Adirondack chairs and firewood basket, showcasing open-air design by FAB Architecture Interior view of open concept living, dining, and kitchen space at Spicewood Retreat with vaulted ceilings, concrete floors, and minimalist fixtures Dining space with large windows and wood table, flooded with natural light and adjacent to open kitchen in Spicewood Retreat custom home Primary bedroom at Spicewood Retreat featuring vaulted ceilings, iron bed frame, and large windows with Hill Country views, designed by FAB Architecture Bathroom in Spicewood Retreat with black-and-white clawfoot tub, wood vanity, and concrete floors, blending rustic charm and modern style Evening view of the dogtrot breezeway at Spicewood Retreat with Adirondack chairs, exposed rafters, and French doors opening into the interior living space Bright guest bedroom at Spicewood Retreat with iron bed frame, French doors to outdoor landscape, and minimalist furnishings Guest bathroom with white subway tile walk-in shower, wood vanity, and matte black fixtures in the Spicewood Retreat custom home Twilight view of Spicewood Retreat custom home featuring a curved pool, lounge chairs, limestone chimney, and board-and-batten exterior Circular pool with limestone surround and native landscaping, nestled in the Texas Hill Country at Spicewood Retreat Exterior view of custom home in Spicewood, TX at dusk, featuring board-and-batten siding and metal roof, designed by FAB Architecture and built by Texas Construction Company Exterior of Spicewood custom home framed by native Texas grassland and oak trees, showcasing limestone and metal siding in natural evening light
ARCHITECT

FAB Architecture
Patrick Ousey and Pam Chandler

INTERIOR DESIGN

FAB Architecture

THE GOAL

To turn a piece of wild, undeveloped land into a comfortable, modern refuge from urban life.

THE PROCESS

The project began with the discovery of a heavily wooded plot in Spicewood, just an hour from Austin. Despite initial reservations, the owners bought the land and cleared it to reveal expansive views of the rolling Hill Country. They designed a dogtrot house to take advantage of the site’s natural breeze and lovely vistas. In 2017, we built the three-bedroom, two-bath house with a breezy central porch that separates the living and kitchen area from the bedroom wing, creating a natural connection to the outdoors.

The exterior of the house features contemporary yet classic materials, including limestone, corrugated metal, and a soft gray palette. Inside, the clean design features sealed concrete floors and smooth white walls punctuated with black ceiling fans. Highlights include a clawfoot tub passed down from the owner’s father, a custom limestone chimney, butcher block countertops, creative kitchen storage repurposed from Craftsman tool cabinets, and an antique millwork table base with black granite top acting as the kitchen island. The furnishings, from wrought-iron beds to a large wood dining table perfect for gatherings, are comfortable and inviting.

In 2024, the owners expanded the property to meet new needs. The addition included a two-car carport, a pool with a partially covered patio, an air-conditioned utility room, and an outdoor kitchen inspired by Argentinian parrillas. Board-and-batten siding, dark metal accents, and limestone elements ensure the new structures complement the original house.

THE FINAL RESULT

The recent upgrades elevated the already contemporary structure into a fully functional and relaxing retreat that blends modern amenities with timeless charm.