Thread by @WSJRealEstate

High on a hill above the trees, but within walking distance of downtown, sits a house that epitomizes the city of Austin’s radical transformation.

It appears to be a traditional craftsman, but with a very contemporary surprise in the back. wsj.com/articles/this-…

On one side, it's a traditional craftsman. On the other, it's a glass-lined contemporary with an infinity pool and skyline views.

“You wake up and you know where you are,” says Sylvia Sharplin, who renovated and built the house with her husband, Dan. on.wsj.com/3p0XGty

It took the Sharplins more than 4 years, over $7 million, and lots of tea to create their new home.

They were checking out a small, rundown duplex when Mr. Sharplin glanced up the steep hill and saw a woman outside another small, rundown house. on.wsj.com/2SBQwzY

At first, Ms. Huntley, who grew up on the property, said she wasn’t interested in selling. After five months, the Sharplins convinced Ms. Huntley and her sister to sell both properties to them for $2.3 million, which they did in March 2016. wsj.com/articles/this-…

Then the real work began.

“It was falling apart, a crumbling bungalow on a crumbling hill,” says James LaRue of LaRue Architects. “I thought you just couldn’t save this thing. But then the city said you’re going to have to save this thing.” on.wsj.com/2SBQwzY

The home is in a historic district, so the Sharplins had to assure Austin’s Historic Landmark Commission that they would maintain the historic style and keep its character-defining exterior. It would cost around $1M.

The couple decided not to compromise. on.wsj.com/3uyuFqm

“When I look at the house, I smile,” says Ms. Huntley, who is now living in a one-bedroom condominium in a community just north of Austin that she says she loves. “The house has soul.” wsj.com/articles/this-…

Read the rest of @nkeates's story right here: wsj.com/articles/this-…