News | advice | area guide

Ramp House in Austin Invites a Buyer to Roll On In for .1M

Grab your skateboard and get ready to roll. A fascinating two-level Austin, TX, home with ramps instead of stairs is on the market for $1.1 million.

The aptly named Ramp House was designed and built by MJ Neal in 2002. Neal subsequently moved in for a time before selling the home.

“I think it was kind of whimsical,” listing agent Brian Linder says. 

Ramps connecting the floors are at the center of the home, with bookshelves built around them to hold the architect’s huge collection of books. 

“I wanted people to experience the sequence of space differently than just racing upstairs,” Neal explained at the time.

Instead, the home is kind of an indoor playground, reminiscent of a halfpipe. We’re not the only ones who thought “wheels!” when we saw the design.

Neal’s daughter would shoot down the ramp on a skateboard when the family lived there, Linder says.

“Kids especially love the ramp,” says Neal.

The sculptural slope leading to the second floor begins as you enter the home. The ramp—constructed of steel beams and ipe wood—also doubles as a bookcase with a grid of shelves between the ramps. Red- and yellow-hued glass inserted into the bookcases adds a playful element of light and color. 

It’s not all ramps, though. A spiral staircase leads to a roof deck with views of downtown Austin. 

The 2,245-square-foot layout includes two bedrooms, and a third that could be enclosed, and 2.5 baths. There’s an open kitchen with black stone counters and stainless-steel appliances, a living and dining space, and glass walls that open to a courtyard. Abundant light streams through thanks to the skylights. Flooring is polished concrete.

“This was one of the first pieces of modern architecture in the neighborhood,” Linder says. “It really stands out as signature design.”

The Ramp House first came on the market last spring for $1.3 million, before its recent price reduction. It’s also available for rent for $6,000 a month.

The post Ramp House in Austin Invites a Buyer to Roll On In for $1.1M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Source: Real Estate News and Advice – realtor.com » Real Estate News