Briarcliff Real Estate: Eclectic, Serene Countryside Living Right on the Lake
Located in northwest Austin, tucked into a bend in Lake Travis, Briarcliff is a small community that is actually considered its own village.
Formerly a resort community established in the 1960s, the eclectic mix of houses here is especially distinct — a blend of cottages, vacation-style homes, modern family-size ranch-style homes and opulent waterfront estates with scenic hilltop vistas. The serene countryside living somehow makes the wide variety of homes blend seamlessly together, combining the lavish lakeside lifestyle and spectacular views to form a truly unique living experience.
Situated 30 minutes from downtown Austin and 40 minutes from the airport, Briarcliff is far enough away from the bright lights of the big city to relax, yet close enough to easily enjoy its world-class shopping, gourmet dining and legendary entertainment. Even closer, there is a variety of popular restaurants nearby, and over 80 stores including a local grocer and a Whole Foods Market where many of the locals do their grocery shopping. The Hill Country Galleria is about a 15-minute drive away.
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Contact RobbyOutstanding Community Amenities and Exemplary Schools
On weekends, residents walk to nearby Briarcliff Park, which features basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. Active locals enjoy the biking and jogging trails, and the Briarcliff Community Center is the favorite gathering place for local events and activities.
“This place has spoiled me,” says Jan Libby, a committee member of the Briarcliff Property Owners Association. “It’s so peaceful here, but it never slows down. There’s always something to do!”
Jan’s 8-year-old grandson Daniel attends Bee Cave Elementary School, and she says that she’s delighted with the outstanding education he and the other students from Briarcliff receive. Lake Travis Middle School and Lake Travis High School have both been rated “Exemplary” by the Texas Education Agency. But great schools, Jan adds, aren’t the only reason Briarcliff residents are so happy here.
“I work hard to give back to this place,” Jan says proudly. “I consider Briarcliff my only home because there’s nowhere else like it.”
A Legendary Golf Course and a Special Kind of Fun
On a lazy Saturday afternoon, chatter buzzes among the crowd at Pedernales Golf Club, better known as Willie Nelson’s Cut ‘n’ Putt. The players are practicing for an upcoming tournament hosted by the golf club, and everyone is excited to play, even first-time golfers.
“Of course I had to play,” exclaims Jennifer Woo, a photographer who works in downtown Austin. “You can’t tell people that you live in Briarcliff and don’t play on the course owned by Willie Nelson!”
Purchased by the Redheaded Stranger himself in 1979, the well-maintained 9-hole golf course became legendary when country music legend Willie Nelson converted the clubhouse into his personal recording studio. In fact, a lot of Willie’s family, friends and staff have made their home in houses and condos near the course. Unlike most country clubs, the Pedernales Golf Club has a very casual atmosphere, and the course is open to the public.
“That’s what I like about this course,” Jennifer says as she prepares to tee off. “Most country clubs have their rules. The only real rule here is to have as much fun as possible.”
The Best of Austin’s “Weird” and Wonderful
Surrounded by a beautiful lake and stunning scenery, Briarcliff is quickly becoming one of Austin’s premier neighborhoods with its choice of affordable homes, along with custom, luxury estates, sweeping views and outstanding schools. The community is close-knit, and the lake, the trails and the golf course offer fun and recreational activity for everyone.
“It’s hard to describe what it’s like living here,” says Richard Leech, an IBM programmer who works from home. “Briarcliff is definitely its own area, almost like a village. But at the same time, the ultra-modern homes and the breathtaking views add lots of energy. It makes you want to enjoy everything it has to offer.” Richard says that although his home is quite modest, there are at least three millionaires living on his street, and all of the neighbors are friendly.
“It’s like we’re living in a quiet small town with the most majestic view,” he says. “There’s really nowhere else like Briarcliff.”
