Spicewood at Balcones Village Real Estate: Eclectic Homes, Beautiful Hills, Comfortable Living
As the suburbs of Austin began developing, neighborhoods started to grow among the hills and lush native trees about 20 minutes northwest of the downtown area and 30 minutes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The new communities were planned to include golf courses, parks and schools. These days, that scenic area is known as Spicewood at Balcones Village.
Anchored by the Balcones Country Club built in the late 1950s and the Spicewood Golf Course built in 1975, this area has a distinctive character with mature landscaping and one-of-a-kind homes built on wide, shaded streets.
Development of Spicewood at Balcones Village began in 1970 and continued through 2000. The 30-year time span during which these homes were built lends a unique quality to the neighborhood. An eclectic mix of styles, homes reflect wide variations in age and influences. Many of the older homes have received extensive remodeling, luxurious upgrades, and modern design features.
Take a private neighborhood tour, or receive detailed neighborhood market information. Contact our local expert for all you need to know about Spicewood at Balcones Village and the Real Estate opportunities that exist.
Contact JohnCountry Club Amenities and Two Bob Cotton-Designed Golf Courses
Known as an affordable and family oriented club, the private invitation-only Balcones Country Club serves as a physical and social hub for the Spicewood at Balcones Village neighborhood. Hosting a full slate of golf, tennis and swimming, as well as dining and social activities, the club also offers a golf pro shop, golf academy and a large array of “clubs within clubs,” for those with special interests.
A challenging course dedicated strictly to the membership of Balcones Country Club, Balcones Golf Course was designed by Bob Cotton, and it offers 6,360 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70.
Spicewood Golf Course at the Balcones Country Club is open to the public, though members do receive preferred tee times. Recently leased for 99 years to the Arnold Palmer Golf Management team, the Bob Cotton-designed course opened in 1975. The 18-hole course offers 6,769 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.
“Balcones Country Club is the front door to this community” says J.J. Jennings, the country club’s General Manager. “We were built in 1959 and have really nice facilities. We like to say we are ‘friends inviting friends’ but we are also ‘neighbors inviting neighbors’ to enjoy the golf course, pools, meeting rooms and restaurants.”
Community Parks, Outdoor Recreation and a Dynamic Social Scene
The community’s Mountain View Park provides eight acres of green space for the Spicewood at Balcones Village residents. Part of the upper Bull Creek area, the park serves as a picnic area and recreational center, with tennis courts, a children’s playground, fields, and picnic/barbecue facilities. The entrance to Spicewood Valley Trail is located within Mountain View Park, a short (1.3 mile) but beautiful hiking and jogging option for exploring the Bull Creek Greenbelt.
The Pickfair Community Center hosts a wide variety of recreational activities, including programs for all ages. Once a fire station, the Center uses the old fire department garage as a “micro-gym.” The Center is located next to the one-acre Pickfair Park and connected by a footbridge over part of Bull Creek. Another small neighborhood park, Talleyran Park features a short trail, and also offers a playscape and baseball field for area residents.
A tightly knit community with a strong and active Homeowners Association, neighborhood block captains help maintain the special character of this lovely and desirable area while also playing an active role in keeping residents connected to each other.
The community has a dynamic social scene. Among the most beloved annual traditions at Spicewood is the holiday tree display. Since the early 1980s, “Tree Elves” have delivered Christmas trees to residents for display in their yards, creating a magical, seasonal event that many families participate in and everyone enjoys.
Highly Rated Schools and Too Many Stores and Restaurants to Mention
Spicewood at Balcones Village offers convenient access to shopping, dining and entertainment at several nearby shopping districts. In less than 10 minutes, homeowners have over 260 stores and restaurants at their fingertips in the nearby Lakeline Mall, The Arboretum at Great Hills and 1890 Ranch.
In addition to the convenient location, homeowners are attracted to the excellent Round Rock Independent School District. Neighborhood students are assigned to Spicewood Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School and Westwood High School. Both Spicewood Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle have received the acclaimed “Exemplary” rating by the Texas Education Agency, while Westwood High School was given the well-regarded “Recognized” rating.
Casually Luxurious Living among Hills, Trees, and Unique Austin Charm
Spicewood at Balcones offers a unique and charming lifestyle in a lovely residential neighborhood. Close to downtown, residents enjoy wide, shaded streets lined with homes in a variety of styles that reflect Austin’s evolution and a neighborhood that cherishes its history.
With several area golf courses and parks, residents have abundant recreational and social amenities that bring value to the homes of this tightly knit neighborhood. Seasonal activities arranged by residents, block captains and the HOA enrich the lives of those who live here and create a tangible sense of community.
Top-quality schools attract families with children and several private schools in the area meet the educational needs of local students. From the well-maintained exterior of the area’s unique homes to the holiday tree event held by residents every year, Spicewood at Balcones is one of Austin’s most unique and most coveted neighborhoods.
“This is a very desirable area near what will be the central corridor to Downtown Austin,” says J.J. Jennings. “This is a great location with great schools. People love living here.”