An extravagant Venetian Gothic-style palazzo ready for purchase graces the Lake Austin shore.
LONE STAR PALAZZO
A luxurious Venetian manse on Lake Austin melds authentic Italian aesthetics with sleek modern decor. There aren’t usually gondolas on Lake Austin. But take one look at a stunning Venetian Gothic-style palazzo that stretches across 200 feet of prime shoreline and you may think you’ve just climbed out of one of the famous boats on the verge that frames St. Mark’s Square (after all, it does have two boat slips). The palatial house, designed by Texas-born architect Charles Travis of Chas Architects (based in San Diego and Austin), is an eye-catching masterpiece, emblematic of a style of architecture popular in the 14th century in Italy’s city of canals. Commissioned by a Venetian buff, Travis was determined to re-create his client’s fervor for the Byzantine-influenced palazzo homes. “We were immediately inspired, not only [by] the vision, but [by] the client’s commitment to carry this vision to reality,” says Travis of the five-bedroom, six-bath, 11,774-square-foot mansion christened Villa Ca’ Isola Serena. On the market for just shy of $9 million, the regal home deftly interprets the fusion of East-meetsWest and Moorish-shaped elements. Impressively bringing the genre’s decorative craftsmanship to play—such as grottesca, an adornment style that juxtaposes human and animal forms with scrollwork painting—the residence includes custom Murano chandeliers, handpainted doors and panels, and built-in china closets. Lavishly modern flourishes such as an infinity pool, a spa and a sleek outdoor kitchen keep things in contemporary Austin mode. Buyer beware: A singing gondolier is not included. Stephanie Nick, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty; stephanienick.com