BlantonDesignBlog.com

Stuart Sampley is a great local architect who happens to live down the street. I drive past his gorgeous green craftsman home pretty much every day when I am heading north. Baird and I always comment on it and point it out to friends visiting or are new to the area as a real example of Bouldin Creek architecture (whatever that is!) because it is a classic craftsman home with hip, modern landscaping and an amazing addition on the rear that includes his office. When I describe Stuart’s style in a nutshell, I say that it is “craftsman with a slightly modern flare”. He apparently pitches the roof line a little steeper and adds clean, contemporary elements throughout, while keeping the charm that everyone loves in a craftsman home. That’s not all Sampley does, of course, it’s just what I have mostly been exposed to.

Now, after admiring his home for the last 5 years on my drive downtown, I have finally had the opportunity to work in two of his latest projects. The first was actually a surprise to me, as I didn’t know he was involved until a week or so after the job was complete. This is the gorgeous Monte Castillo Parkway home built by Michael Alwan of RedBud Custom Homes. I have just updated my website with this job listed first under “Projects”. Michael is a real out of the box thinker and stays passionately true to his vision. He built this home in the middle of several “Texas Tuscan” around the corner from The Oasis, as not to follow sheep-like in the pattern of the other builders who are under the impression that this is what the buyer expects and wants in this location. I suppose that is yet to be determined as the houses finish construction and begin to sell! I knew when I entered this house it was something special - and yes, maybe not perfect for everyone - but you can feel the quality, and even though it is all new construction it seems to have a sense of history: perhaps this is where Sampley left his mark.

Monte Castillo Parkway

Monte Castillo Parkway living room

About a week or so after I completed staging the Monte Castillo house, I noticed a new Sampley house come on the market in the neighborhood. It is represented by Rob Albertson with Austin Fine Properties who coincidentally is also a Bouldin Creek resident.

I decided to contact him right away since the newly constructed house was not staged yet. Suprisingly, he told me that none other than Stuart Sampley had given him my information as a contact for staging this home on Johanna, as I had just done another one of his projects with Red Bud Custom Homes.  This is when I officially made the connection to the Monte Castillo house and how it all came together.  Aren’t referrals wonderful?

The Johanna house was a dream, as I can get away with a little more design risk in Bouldin than I can in other parts of town. People who live here are generally pretty progressive thinkers and won’t be deterred by a bright red modern table and some funky art in a craftsman entry.

Johanna Exterior

Johanna Entry

Johanna family room

Artwork in this house is graciously provided by Cheryl Finfrock, Rebecca Bennett & Andrew Anderson.

More of these photos are available in my opening slideshow as well as on Rob and Stuart’s sites I reference above. I look forward to working on more amazing projects with my fabulous neighbors!