Villa Morada is a singular architectural residence where extraordinary design, dramatic topography, and complete immersion in the landscape come together to create a home that feels entirely removed from the city around it.
Designed by renowned architect Winn Wittman as his personal residence, the home is an expression of his belief that architecture has the ability to elevate not only the way we live, but the way we feel. Set along an Austin canyon, Villa Morada opens to extraordinary views stretching more than 35 miles toward Oak Hill, San Marcos, and the surrounding Hill Country. The experience is one of remarkable privacy, quiet, and perspective, with nature filling nearly every sightline.
Wittman believes that “altitude affects attitude,” and Villa Morada gives physical form to that philosophy. Floor-to-ceiling LuxView glass with custom bronze anodized frames creates an uninterrupted relationship between the interiors and landscape. Architectural details have been reduced to their purest form, with no traditional door casings, trim work, or visible hinges, allowing the eye to move effortlessly through the residence and toward the views beyond.
Material contrasts give the home its distinctive character. Dark brick and walls of glass, raw concrete and refined marble, European oak and steel create moments of tension that feel both dramatic and remarkably harmonious. The dark exterior brick reveals subtle purple undertones as the light changes, inspiring the name Villa Morada.
At the heart of the residence, a Molteni Italian kitchen pairs sculptural design with exceptional functionality, featuring Gaggenau appliances and a completely concealed pantry. Integrated lighting reinforces the clean lines and considered simplicity throughout.
The primary suite is surrounded by glass and expansive canyon views, creating an extraordinary sense of seclusion. The adjoining bath features floating travertine vanities, a travertine steam shower, and walk-in closet.
Outside, the mood shifts to an almost Malibu-like sensibility. A turquoise pool and spa, flat lawn, and private outdoor living areas sit against seemingly endless vistas.
The three-car garage offers two separate zones of air conditioning and black glass frameless doors, allowing part of the space to transition into a gym, yoga studio, workshop, or creative space.
Separate from the main residence, a detached studio and guest house features 14-foot ceilings and massive walls of glass against raw concrete. A bedroom, full bath, kitchenette, and laundry allow the space to function independently as guest accommodations, an art or music studio, private office, or creative retreat.
Engineered on substantial steel piers that respond to the canyon topography, the residence also presents compelling possibilities for future expansion. For a buyer seeking five bedrooms within the main residence, Wittman has designed a conceptual addition beneath the home incorporating two additional bedrooms and a playroom while remaining true to the original architecture. Additional square footage may also be possible above and below the existing structure.
Villa Morada is ultimately defined not by any single material, room, or view, but by the experience of being there. There is space to breathe, space to think, and a rare sense of calm created by the relationship between architecture and nature.
A deeply personal work by one of Austin’s most distinctive architects, Villa Morada is architecture designed not simply to be seen, but to be felt.
