Amarra

The community

Amarra is the newest major section of Barton Creek, and it reads differently from the older enclaves: contemporary architecture — limestone, steel, glass — on half-acre-plus lots along the greenbelt and preserve, rather than the traditional Mediterranean stock the area built in the ’90s. It’s a collection of gated streets and enclaves off Amarra Drive plus Amarra Villas, a 20-home lock-and-leave enclave developed by Stratus Properties.

This is one of the few places left inside the Austin city limits proper where you can still buy a lot and build fully custom at this level, roughly 15 minutes from downtown.

The homes

Pricing as of Q1–Q2 2026: finished custom homes typically trade between $2M and $6M, with newer view-driven estates reaching $8M+, and current listings clustering around a $4M median — verify availability, because inventory here is measured in single digits. Homes run roughly 3,000 to 7,600+ square feet. Amarra Villas offers the turnkey route: developer-built, custom-finished homes with optional pools, aimed at buyers who don’t want a 24-month build.

There is no production roster here — this is approved-custom-builder territory (Heyl Homes and others have active projects), and builder lineups rotate by enclave and lot, so confirm the design-review and builder requirements for the specific street. Every enclave has its own HOA flavor and architectural controls; assume a real approval process, not a rubber stamp.

Location, schools, and the drive

Amarra sits off Southwest Parkway/Barton Creek Boulevard: about 15 minutes to downtown Austin outside rush hour, 10 to the Barton Creek Country Club gates, and an easy shot to the airport via 71/290. That downtown proximity is the fundamental advantage over comparable-dollar communities like Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club further out.

School zoning in Barton Creek splits by section between districts — verify the assignment for the exact parcel before you contract; many buyers here also weigh private options nearby. One more thing to price honestly: Barton Creek Country Club membership is separate from ownership. If the club is your reason for being here, get current initiation and dues in writing during your option period.