By Angela Rabke :: Photography by Run Media
For residents of Cordillera Ranch, picking a favorite home (other than their own, of course) is akin to picking a favorite child. Each home is so remarkable that it’s difficult to move one to the top of the heap. Even so, the Waring residence, located on Sun River, stands out. Inspired wholly by the French Country design aesthetic, this palatial 7,800-square-foot home inspires builders and ambitious homebuyers with its relentless attention to detail and a clever thought process
The project was brought to life by the Warings and Ray Stadler of Stadler Custom Homes. Stadler has been working on homes in Cordillera Ranch since the turn of the century. “We love to build in places with really cool land, like Cordillera,” says Stadler. “The management here is excellent when it comes to maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood. More importantly, they are just good people who do what they say they are going to do. It’s fun to do business with [Cordillera] because they run a business the way it should be run.” Stadler himself moved into Cordillera Ranch, and takes pride in helping his neighbors realize their dreams in the unique natural environment that the community embraces.
When Stadler met Mr. and Mrs. Waring, they were armed with a magazine article featuring a home that they found particularly inspiring. “They absolutely loved this beautiful house that they found in a publication,” he shares. With the clipping in hand, Stadler and his team, including Gustavo Arrendondo of A-Design, set out to recreate the most important elements of the inspiration home and customize it for the couple on the site that they selected.
The home is situated on the 11-acre site in a way that maximizes the unique topography, sun orientation and generous tree growth. Though the home is large, the Warings and the Stadler team managed to create a sense of warmth and comfort through careful space planning and the use of rustic finishes on both the exterior and interior. On the exterior, the unique application of siding and trim complement the cut stone walls and dramatic, deeply pitched roof. The stone carries through to the interior, with a grand staircase that incorporates a rock wall and vertical cedar siding. All of the interior spaces are very traditional and include an abundance of custom trim work, with 12-inch crown molding in many of the rooms, sweeping curved trusses in the great room and heavy timbers in the dining, kitchen and hearth rooms. Stained Alder judges paneling is thoughtfully installed in several areas of the home, along with custom cabinetry by Hill Country Cabinets.
The kitchen features a unique three-level island. A farmhouse sink on one level and a raised bar on a higher level are situated between two matching dropped butcher block elements. The conversation-worthy island light fixture includes a working clock and was sourced by Lighting, Inc. The oven hood is a custom piece made with hammered copper. The nearby wine cellar conjures up visions of French vineyards, and a hearth room, adjacent to the kitchen, includes an antique mirror-backed bar.
The high ceilings offered the builder and home owners many opportunities to create unique spaces. Each of the five bedrooms was designed with unique details, and the master suite serves up relaxation with natural views and generous creature comforts. The centerpiece of the master bath is a dramatic freestanding slipper tub. A stunning lead glass window provides a backdrop with ample lighting and privacy. Traditional marble countertops with a leather finish, rustic cabinetry and stone floors finish off the space. The spacious his-and-her closets are also noteworthy. Mrs. Waring’s walk-in includes comfy corner seating for a quiet morning book or coffee while catching up on the news from the built in TV. Rolling library ladders help access seasonal clothing from the upper levels of the built-in cabinetry and a tri-fold full-length mirror tops off the unique features of her closet.
The Warings moved to Cordillera Ranch from California after retirement, and the exterior spaces are thoughtfully planned to make outdoor living extremely pleasant despite the rather harsh temperatures that come with a Texas summer. A screened outdoor living space keeps bugs at bay and includes an outdoor Jetstream cooling unit that uses a high-tech misting system to keep the family and their guests cool. An outdoor fireplace and dining table encourage dining alfresco. Outdoor heaters are also handily installed for chilly Hill Country evenings. The ability to utilize this outdoor space through all seasons has made it a favorite area for the couple.
While the large site (a combination of two lots) included many trees, including Heritage Oaks and Cypress, the new owners enhanced the landscape with additional tree plantings. One of the original trees, a beautiful oak with a particular burled appearance, is the visual centerpiece of an intimate courtyard for quiet contemplation outside of the master bedroom suite. Another area, including a fire pit and seating area, maximizes the natural beauty around Swede Springs, which runs behind the home. A negative edge swimming pool with a beautiful view completes the serenity that surrounds the house.
“This was a favorite project,” says Stadler. “Thinking through the details for each room in such depth was exciting. We were proud to take the Waring’s vision, which was slightly outside of our wheelhouse, and create a home that they love, with all of the parts working in harmony.”
Stadler Custom Homes
830.980.4198 :: www.stadlercustomhomes.com
The Springs of Cordillera Ranch
This beautiful home is coming soon to The Springs of Cordillera Ranch. Stadler Custom Homes is focusing on value with this cheerful 3,500-square-foot house. Within a short walking distance to the ball fields and Community Center, the home will be a beautiful option for families looking to enjoy the many amenities of Cordillera Ranch.
The modern farmhouse features an airy floorplan, and clerestory windows will provide ample natural light. Modern details and clean lines will balance with antique wood planking and painted white wood ceilings. The light color palette extends through four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths.
The home will be situated on a 1.4-acre corner lot to maximize the lovely view, and the L-shaped design creates a nice sense of privacy in the backyard. Heritage Oaks complete the immediate landscape, and the miles of surrounding nature trails provide opportunities to explore the spring and canyon areas.
Ray Stadler comments on his team’s involvement in this new development, “We are looking forward to building in The Springs area of Cordillera, as it really has a focus on outdoor living and outdoor activities. With the beautiful Panther Creek common area, the miles of trails and the ballfields, there will be plenty of great outdoor activities and exploring to do. We are excited to build homes that accentuate all of these great amenities.”
