618 Denson Drive
Highland
Austin, Texas 78752
3 bedrooms + 2 bath Main House
1 bedroom + office + 1 bathroom Casita
2,690 sq. ft
Step into what feels like the pages of Dwell magazine—an artfully reimagined 1950s ranchette turned modern compound in the heart of Austin’s urban core. Thoughtfully expanded and renovated by husband-and-wife architect-design team, this Highland gem effortlessly blends mid-century charm with minimalist design, high-end finishes, and a thoughtful, versatile floor plan.
The light and airy main residence offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms with a ground-floor primary suite, open kitchen/living/dining, and 2 guest bedrooms, a hall bath, plus a flex space upstairs. Enter into the playful foyer, built for living, with a high traffic “drop zone” for bags and backpacks, accented with apple green paint and Farrow and Ball wallpaper. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, Caesarstone countertops, marble tile backsplash, stylish floating shelves, eat-in island, and an adjacent walk-in Martha-Stewart-worthy pantry. The spacious ground-floor primary suite overlooks the private backyard oasis through a massive picture window. Original solid white oak floors were carefully preserved, with new matching oak added through the addition for a seamless flow. The real star of this show is the vaulted living room with exposed beams and illuminated with Velux skylights - seamlessly opening up to the outdoor living space. Bathrooms feature Heath Ceramics tile and Kohler fixtures. Clever plywood storage throughout.
The detached casita offers both space for guests as well as a home office. The flexible casita floorplan could also serve as a granny flat with a ground-floor bed and bath. Currently operating as the Highland Hideaway Airbnb, it generates approximately $30,000 of turnkey passive income annually, with guests praising its “adorable design” and “perfect location—minutes from everything yet peacefully quiet.”
All major systems—including plumbing, electrical, foundation, and HVAC—were replaced during the 2019 renovation/addition, with a new roof installed in 2024. The casita was built in 2020. Additional modern upgrades include dual EV chargers, Nest thermostats, and keyless entry.
Located in Austin’s Highland neighborhood, this property offers unmatched access to everything Austin—walkable to top-rated schools, local coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, and yoga studios.