A historic stone lodge on the shores of Lake Austin has been listed for sale for the first time, with an asking price of $16 million. Located at 3201 Rivercrest Drive, the property has been owned by the same family for nearly a century and was the first home built in the prestigious Rivercrest neighborhood.
The estate, originally a weekend fishing lodge, is connected to the Bohn family, founders of a prominent Austin department store. It also has a unique link to actor Matthew McConaughey, a former neighbor who reportedly had a friendly relationship with the late owner.
Key Takeaways
- A 4.3-acre estate on Lake Austin is on the market for the first time with a $16 million price tag.
- The property includes a 1930s limestone lodge, a separate boathouse, and 115 feet of private river frontage.
- It has been in the Bohn family, a name tied to Austin's retail history, for nearly 100 years.
- The estate is located in the Rivercrest neighborhood, once home to actor Matthew McConaughey.
A Rare Offering in Austin's Rivercrest Neighborhood
The sale of the property at 3201 Rivercrest Drive represents a unique event in the Austin real estate market. The estate consists of five separate land parcels, totaling 4.3 acres. This size is exceptionally rare for a property directly on Lake Austin.
Four of the parcels are situated on a gentle slope south of Rivercrest Drive, offering over two acres of open, grassy land. The fifth parcel is located directly across the street, providing private access to the water. This waterfront section includes a stone boathouse, a dock, and 115 feet of direct river frontage.
Property at a Glance
- Address: 3201 Rivercrest Drive, Austin, TX
- Asking Price: $16,000,000
- Total Acreage: 4.3 acres across 5 parcels
- Water Frontage: 115 feet on Lake Austin
- Main Structure: 3-bedroom limestone lodge
Cathy Romano, the listing agent with Compass and a resident of Rivercrest, highlighted the property's scarcity. "It's five lots—4.3 acres—this does not come around often on Lake Austin," Romano stated. "It's unheard of."
The Bohn Family Legacy in Austin
The property's history is deeply connected to the Bohn family, a name with significant roots in Austin's commercial past. In the 1930s, Walter Bohn purchased the land to build a weekend fishing retreat and establish a pecan grove.
Who Were the Bohn Brothers?
Walter Bohn's father and uncles founded the Bohn Brothers Department Store in downtown Austin in 1892. For nearly 70 years, it was a major retail anchor in the city. After working in the family business, Walter Bohn transitioned into real estate and banking, playing a role in the development of the area where he built his lodge.
The stone lodge he constructed became the foundational home of what would later become the Rivercrest neighborhood. The estate has remained under the ownership of the Bohn family since its establishment.
The seller is the estate of Walter's son, Conrad Bohn, who passed away in early 2024 at the age of 97. Conrad had a successful career with DuPont in Delaware before returning to his family's Austin home in 1980. He converted the original fishing lodge into his permanent residence and became a well-known figure in the community for over four decades.
A Neighborhood Connection to Matthew McConaughey
The Rivercrest neighborhood is known for its exclusivity and has attracted several notable residents, including actor Matthew McConaughey. For years, McConaughey owned an estate in the area, reportedly purchased from another member of the Bohn family.
Local accounts describe the actor as a friendly neighbor. He was often seen jogging through the neighborhood and would frequently stop to talk with Conrad Bohn. This connection adds a layer of modern celebrity history to the property's century-long story.
The sense of community is a key aspect of the property's value. "If this property weren't on Rivercrest Drive—where we have such a strong community feel—it wouldn't be the same," listing agent Cathy Romano explained.
Timeless Architecture and Natural Landscape
The Main Lodge and Grounds
The main residence is a three-bedroom home constructed from hand-hewn limestone, reflecting the classic Texas Hill Country style of the 1930s. A wide, covered patio framed by stone arches offers shaded outdoor living space, with a balcony extending above it.
A low stone wall encloses the main house, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion. Also on the property is a two-car stone garage, which was originally built as a barn, further highlighting the estate's rustic origins.
The Pecan Grove Heritage
The property still retains its original character as a pecan grove. Mature pecan trees are a dominant feature of the landscape, providing ample shade and natural beauty. These trees line Rivercrest Drive, forming a distinctive leafy canopy over the street.
"It’s what makes our street so special," said Cathy Romano, referring to the tunnel-like canopy created by the historic trees.
For the first time in nearly 100 years, this significant piece of Austin's history is available for a new owner to begin its next chapter. The combination of its size, direct lake access, historical significance, and prime location makes it one of the most notable listings in the city.
