This Texas sanctuary for rescued animals can also be Margaret Hoffman’s countryside harbor. Eighteen Oaks Sanctuary — named for the 18 trees scattered throughout the 28-acre house — is made up of a kennel and an attached home, both built to blend into the magnificent landscape. “I wanted it to fit into the environment and also have little environmental impact on the land about it,” says Hoffman.
Nick Mehl Architects worked with her to design an eco- and – animal-friendly home with a stunning perspective. A screened-in porch, a stunning collection of art and a modern aesthetic blend beautifully in this trendy, tranquil residence.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Margaret Hoffman, her 3 dogs and a variety of foster animals, including 4 horses
Location: Jonah, Texas (just north of Austin)
Size: 1,500 square feet (main house), 1,300 square feet (screened-in pool), 800 square feet (kennel); 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
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Not many homeowners can put valuable art in their own pool area and not be concerned about theft — but that is one of the numerous benefits of having a screened-in pool. “I love that the swimming pool stays cleaner longer without leaves falling into it without a pesky Texas bugs,” says Hoffman. “Also, I do not need to be cautious about applying sunscreen”
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The pool is purified by ionized oxygen no salt or chlorine. The air is not damaging to the skin or the environment; it is like swimming in warm water.
Pool: Davinci Pools, designed by Frank Matusek; display: designed by Nick Mehl
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Concrete floors with a transparent sealant add to the kitchen’s easy aesthetic. Horizontal windows up high near the 10-foot ceilings and low down bathe the room in natural light.
Bar stools: Collectic Home
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The living room is architect Nick Mehl’s favorite area due to the stunning natural light emitting. Hoffman purchased the “Blue Skies” neon sign with an auction hosted by artist Willie Nelson. “My late husband, Jace, and that I chaired the yearly fundraising event for the Corpus Christi Art Museum,” she says. “The theme was Blue Skies and Dark Ties, and also we had the neon sign created for the event.” Hoffman and her husband made it a custom to travel west frequently, because they loved the open heavens. “That inspired us to paint the ceilings of the house sky blue, so it looked like that hint was meant for us. It’s been part of my homes ever since.”
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Metal and Glass railings on the staircase add to the home’s contemporary feel.
Pendant mild: Artecnica Phrena, All Modern
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A one-story home is a frequent alternative for homeowners over age 60, but a second-story view of her house was essential to Hoffmann. She intends to stay in her brand new sanctuary, so an elevator designed by Symmetry Elevators was a sensible design solution.
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The master bedroom is an airy escape with a fantastic view. A white modern dog mattress from DogBar lies at the foot of Hoffman’s mattress. The watercolor above the mattress is by Pat Deadman, a Corpus Christi, Texas, artist.
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The exterior includes a cement facade and bamboo paneling, plus solar panels on top of the enclosed pool. Rainwater barrels gather water to be used throughout the home.
The timber siding was created utilizing a rain-screen technique. “The timber siding is pulled off the house together with 1-by-2 furring strips so air can flow behind the siding,” Mehl explains. “This helps to dry the wood out once it gets wet and ventilates the space behind the siding to help insulate the building.”
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The custom-built fitting shredder is equipped with six matching indoor-outdoor dog runs, a kitty playroom and a dog-accessible shower.
Mehl appreciated the broad expanse of land that his group had to work with because they had the liberty to put the structures — including the main house as well as the kennel — anywhere they pleased.
“I find the ease of this home to be calming,” Hoffman says. “The lines and features of the house are beautiful although not distracting, so it is a ideal place for enjoying the natural beauty of the environment.”
Kailey J. Flynn Photography
The air-conditioned kennel retains the critters cool in the Texas heat while Hoffman works to see them permanent homes. Concrete floors make for easy cleanup.
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