Nestled in a landscape of heritage trees along Waller Creek in the Hancock neighborhood sits a 10,800 SF Italian Renaissance Revival manor. Edgar Howard Perry, a real estate developer, cotton trader, hotel owner, and businessman purchased ten acres, which at the time was a gravel pit. Concerned with the neighborhood's appearance, he hired architect Henry Bowers  Thomson to design the home, adjacent formal gardens, swimming pool, and fountains inspired by his European travels.

This roaring twenties era residence, completed in 1928, is now fondly known as the Commodore Perry Estate. With its beginnings as a large home subject to entertaining guests and large parties, the mansion has served many uses over the last century, including its services as a home to a number of schools, beginning with St. Mary's Academy in the late 1940s, and was even a learning center for an Indian guru. Securing a position as a treasured landmark of local history, the Perry Mansion was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

With an enviable location just two miles from the heart of downtown Austin, the ten-acre property feels like a luxury oasis in its urban surroundings. A combination of renowned and award-winning design firms collaborated to develop the designs for restoration and expansion of the original structures of the Estate. The team was comprised of urbanist architecture firm, Moule and Polyzoides, internationally-known designer, Ken Fulk, and local, award-winning firms, Clayton & Little and Ten Eyck Landscape Architects.

In 2018, RO was selected to join the team as the construction partner to complete both the restoration and upgrades of the original mansion and chapel, as well as construction of a new three-story, 47-room luxury boutique inn and freestanding restaurant adjacent to the mansion. Additionally, the project demanded extensive site-work and landscaping packages to compliment the existing gardens and provide functionality for the commercial use as hotel, event venue and restaurant.

As a 5-star flagship hotel and event venue, the final appearance and quality were of the utmost importance to the Owner. Care was taken at every step to make certain that all renovations and upgrades to the existing structure did not damage or detract from the historic structures, but modernized them in a way that seamlessly maintained the architectural style. This level of detailed finish work extended beyond the mansion to the new inn, chapel, restaurant, carriage house, and the grounds.

The attention to detail on this project doesn't end with the buildings, but extends to the elaborate landscaping and site work across the property. The structure of original formal gardens remain intact, and a greenhouse still stands on the property. Additional pathways were seamlessly sewn into the landscape with materials to match the historical techniques, including brick pavers carefully laid in specific patterns. Original fountains remain on the property in working order, along with two statuesque lion figures flanking the garden stairs.

Those who have had the opportunity to experience The Commodore Perry Estate have described it as whimsical, bepoke, luxurious and more, but all share one over-arching sentiment: There's nothing quite like it in Austin.

While the Commodore Perry Estate has already become the venue for special moments such as weddings and engagements, it is sure to be the future backdrop for many more unique, eye-catching events.