When Haven moved from Austin in November of 2001, he began looking for a home similar to the wonderful stone houses in the historic neighborhoods of Austin. Additionally, it was necessary for him to be close to work at the UT Health Science Center and to
downtown.
The Straus Nayfach house at 440 Quentin with foot-thick Austin stone, sturdy pier and beam construction, beautiful Mission tile floor and large corner lot was impossible to pass up.
Two weeks later he met Gwen and six months after that they were married. The wedding took place in the living room of 440 Quentin with close family and friends in attendance. With plenty of room in the back yard, a large tent and tables were set up on the rear patio,
's catered and margaritas were served.
Over the past five years, Haven and Gwen have worked diligently updating and improving the property. They have enjoyed visiting the antique shops on Hildebrand, the Old Door Store on Blanco as well as the
's on Callaghan (you always forget something!).
Gwen has filled the yard with low-maintenance,
xeriscape plants, so there is always something flowering and butterflies are plentiful. The bird feeders are visited by cardinals, finches,
blue jays, chickadees, woodpeckers, white winged doves and, of course, squirrels.
The wildlife get their share of pecans from the two large pecan trees, with plenty (hundreds of pounds!) left over for friends, family and passers-by.
The 968 sq. ft. garage they built with workshop and attic storage provides a home for Haven's outdoor gear, power tools, refrigerator and freezer, not to mention the cars....
Haven and Gwen enjoy evening strolls around
Woodlawn Lake and look forward to the July 4th fireworks over the lake. They can be in their seats at the
Majestic Theatre 20 minutes after leaving the house (15 minutes is their record!).
The Riverwalk is minutes away.
Casbeers and
Chris Madrid's on Blanco are favorite hangouts for burgers and beer. They are always amazed at how quickly they can get just- about-anywhere from Monticello Park.
Haven works at the
UT Health Science Center and frequently has to spend time downtown. The home's location places him almost halfway between both locations. After spending many years commuting in and out of downtown Austin, he finds it most pleasant to be close and not having to 'fight the freeway masses'. It is so nice to sit on the patio, enjoy fresh coffee, and read the paper before departing for work. Uptown or downtown, he's there in 15 minutes or less.
Our home's landscape has been a lot of work, but, watching the fruits of our labor come to life has been a great joy. Gwen's knowledge, expertise, and passion for all things living provide a wonderful little oasis for us and the orphan cats that have adopted us as their own.
From the quirky shops on Hildebrand, Blanco, and Broadway to the rich stream of reasonably-priced cultural events
Laurie Auditorium on the Trinity University, there is always some place to explore or discover. We have enjoyed many years of "
First Fridays" in King William, "people- watching" at the
Blue Star Arts Complex, and great food and margaritas at
El Mirador Restaurant.
- Gwen & Haven Young