For Cedar & Oak’s personal home project, it’s all about the outdoors. Let’s dive in!
Austinites, it’s that time of year! Summer is in full swing, and while many might flock to Barton Springs or Lake Travis for a quick cool down, design-build firm Cedar & Oak has a different idea. Allow us to introduce the Clawson house—the firm’s recently debuted personal home project turned ultimate outdoor oasis, sitting in the heart of South Austin. Spearheaded by husband and wife duo Holt and Lauren Williamson, Cedar & Oak is a one-stop-shop for designing, building and furnishing custom abodes around Austin. And while their interior work is not to be overlooked, we can’t help but obsess over the outdoors on their new family home. (We blame the Texas heat!)
Hidden from the hustle and bustle of South Austin, the yard showcases a private pool, surrounding deck area, turf lawn and more
Surrounded by lush greenery and enviable landscaping, the backyard boasts an impressive and oh, so inviting pool by da Vinci Pools, a tailor-made deck, lavish Lulu & Georgia patio furniture and more. “Austin summers are so incredibly hot, and with four kids, we wanted to be able to spend days enjoying the cool water without having to pack up and find a place to swim,” says Lauren. “Working closely with our landscaper, Urban Landscape Group, our goal was to fit a lot onto a tight lot. We managed to do exactly that by creatively and strategically placing the pool, surrounding it with decking, incorporating swings under the covered porch and turffing the yard area around the pool for maximum play and minimal upkeep.”
Honing in on the yard’s retreat-esque aesthetic, the duo opted out of luter or stone coping and extended the Ipe decking to the waterline—creating a sleek, seamless transition from the deck to pool. Another design detail top of mind? Landscaping! “There is something enjoyable about thinking through plants, maintenance and function of the space, which is just as important as the interior.” She continues, “Not to mention, a well-landscaped yard is truly something to admire! Urban Landscape Group is creative and efficient, always coming alongside us to make the vision come to life.”
“The overall feel of our Clawson project is English Tudor that looks like a traditional one-story Tudor from the curb, but opens up into two stories in the back,” says Lauren on the home’s aesthetic.
In the end, the backyard proved to be the ultimate watering hole for the whole family to enjoy. “The kids swim almost every afternoon. It is probably one of the most beloved areas of the house,” Lauren shares. “The location of the pool is also helpful because we can see the kids through the sliders in the kitchen and living space, so it really does provide a whole other area of entertainment for our family of six.” Here’s to a summer submersed with underwater adventures and lazy days lounging on the lawn.
Photography by: PHOTOS BY CHASE DANIELS
