On a latest journey to Texas, I fell down a rabbit gap into this very unconventional Airbnb—a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house that appears prefer it fell out of a mind-bending cartoon.
Where are we:
The Bloomhouse in Westlake Highlands, Austin, Texas
How this place obtained right here:
The ’70s, child. Two University of Texas structure college students, Dalton Bloom and Charles Harker, got down to construct a fairytale-like construction that will function a spot of peace and isolation, residing harmoniously alongside the atmosphere. Per a Good Morning America segment from 1979, the house took eight years to develop and was made with then unusual supplies like polyeurathane foam. “The forms in the house are designed much like music, so that they form flowing lyric patterns,” mentioned Harker within the interview, who referred to his properties as “habitable sculptures.” He additionally mentioned he sees properties as psychological shelter in addition to bodily, and as such tries to design homes which are soothing and calming.
Back then, Bloom and Harker could not have identified the explosion of development the town would see just a few many years later, however given the house’s massive lot and lack of quick neighbors, it is made the spot all of the extra attractive to guests looking for some peace and quiet, and an opportunity to take a look at this one-of-a-kind abode for themselves.
Fast ahead to 2017 and The Bloomhouse was purchased by Dave Claunch and his spouse Susan, who spent 18 months renovating it earlier than itemizing it on Airbnb. They’ve maintained all the unique allure, however added in comfy West Elm furnishings, a BBQ grill for the again deck, and extra fashionable creature comforts.
What the keep was like:
The images are one factor, however strolling as much as this house is totally one other. It’s the form of place you blink at to ensure your eyes aren’t deceiving you, and that appears just a little bit completely different from each angle. Is it formed like a canine? A dragon? A seashell? Was the inspiration extra Flintstones, or Cat within the Hat, or Alice in Wonderland? A little little bit of Willy Wonka power? Inside, the enjoyable continues: Everywhere you flip there’s one other nook and cranny to find. Take a spiral staircase upstairs to the studying nook and balcony or wind your approach downstairs to the residing space, kitchen, bed room, and toilet.
I used to be stunned at how purposeful the house was—it is sensible even in all its impracticality—with loads of cooking necessities and small home equipment, a dishwasher and microwave, towels, toiletries, and shops the place you want them. In most locations, these issues would not essentially be noteworthy, however in an area that might simply relaxation on its laurels and merely present a visually cool expertise, the homeowners have arrange the house to be someplace you possibly can keep for just a few days or every week and make your self at house.
There’s a stunning and huge out of doors house house to a eating desk, seating, and grill, plus some ever aesthetically pleasing twinkle lights. The out of doors bathe is a enjoyable addition, and there’s sufficient greenery round the home to really feel protected (although probably the most shy will not love with the ability to see different backyards far throughout the way in which). Other candy touches embody a butterfly-shaped mirror within the lavatory and a comfy studying nook upstairs.