If you’ve ever wanted to see how the other half lives or if you’re just plain curious about your Austin neighbors, Launch 787’s Modern Homes tour last weekend was an eye opening experience. With 16 homes on display, ticketholders went on a scavenger hunt across town to experience these sleek, well designed abodes. Thanks to a friend’s trusty iPhone, my little group was able to navigate our way to about half of them.

Personally, I’m a sucker for clean lines, huge windows and minimal clutter. Some people find modern architecture stark but that simplified, streamlined look just makes me breathe a sigh of relief. My two favorite spots on the tour also happened to be for sale, including the whimsically furnished, five-star green four-bedroom on Bouldin Creek and the sprawling Mount Bonnell five-bedroom with amazing views of Lake Austin (available for a cool $3.5 million). Oh and did I mention it also has a cantilevered cliffside pool off the main deck, complete with a side of glass that actually allows you to enjoy that panorama of Lake Austin while underwater? Wow.

Rather than hit the later cocktail reception and architect panel downtown at Trulucks, I opted for settling down on the front porch of my Hyde Park bungalow, chatting with friends as bicyclists whizzed by. Built in 1938, it’s definitely not modern (the only thing minimal about is the square footage and closet space) but it sure is cozy at the end of the day.

Check out Cory Ryan’s great photos of the Modern Homes (click through each page for the next house). Which one do you like best?


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