
Custom Home Builder in The Hills of Lakeway
A The Hills custom home is a one-of-a-kind, architect-led residence designed for a specific site in The Hills, Texas, a Lakeway-area master-planned luxury golf community in Travis County known for its private golf, hillside topography, and luxury custom home corridor, most are built on golf-fairway, hillside, and view-corridor parcels.
Five things to know about building in The Hills:
- Site response is the primary design driver. The Hills parcels vary significantly in slope, view corridors, and geology, site-specific architectural response separates the homes that age into the landscape from those that fight it.
- City of The Hills or Travis County depending on parcel location permitting governs most builds. Permit timelines, floodplain review, and zoning compliance follow county-specific pathways.
- Hill Country Modern and contemporary dominate The Hills luxury construction. See our catalog of luxury home design styles in Austin for the full architectural style framework.
- ICF wall systems are increasingly specified. Insulated Concrete Forms deliver R-25+ insulation, 200+ mph wind resistance, and four-hour fire-resistance rating.
- Architect-led design-build is the right structure for most luxury work. See our how to choose a custom home builder guide and the architect-led design process for the structural framework.
For the broader Texas luxury market context, see our regional guide to luxury homes in Texas. For the full custom home building process, see our 9-step custom home building process guide. For Texas-wide land-build context, see our statewide guide to custom home building on your Texas land.
Jenkins Design Build specializes in creating luxury custom homes that capture the elegance and exclusivity of The Hills. With our design-build process, we bring your vision to life in this prestigious gated community, offering an unmatched combination of personalized design, quality, and Hill Country beauty.
Building a Custom Home in The Hills of Lakeway
Living in The Hills offers a unique lifestyle that combines privacy, luxury, and access to some of the finest amenities in the area. This gated community is surrounded by natural beauty, championship golf courses, and an array of outdoor recreational options. Imagine starting your day with a round of golf or a peaceful walk through scenic trails, then winding down in your custom-built sanctuary.
With its proximity to Lakeway and Lake Travis, The Hills is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and active pursuits. From nearby marinas to exclusive dining spots, residents of The Hills enjoy a lifestyle that blends elegance with outdoor adventure.
Architectural Styles for Homes in The Hills, TX
Our designs reflect the natural beauty and sophistication of The Hills, with architectural styles suited to its landscape and lifestyle. Here are some popular styles we offer:
Modern Hill Country Estates
- Clean lines and expansive windows for panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country
- Open-concept interiors with minimalist elegance and luxury finishes
- Eco-friendly and smart home technology for sustainable luxury
Mediterranean Villas
- Signature terracotta roofs, arched entrances, and expansive courtyards
- Indoor-outdoor living spaces perfect for entertaining and embracing the natural surroundings
- Native landscaping that blends seamlessly with the Texas terrain
Classic Ranch Homes
- Stone and wood exteriors that capture the character of the Hill Country
- Large outdoor patios with fire pits and custom pools for family gatherings and relaxation
- Sliding glass doors and expansive porches that integrate with the outdoors
The Hills is perfect for those who appreciate a luxury lifestyle with access to resort-level amenities and natural beauty in equal measure.
Experience the Lifestyle in The Hills, TX
The Hills, TX, combines luxury living with the tranquility of Hill Country, offering an exclusive lifestyle centered around privacy, recreation, and beautiful surroundings. Here’s a glimpse into what life in The Hills has to offer:
- Championship Golf Courses, Tee off at The Hills Country Club or Flintrock Falls, where members enjoy top-tier golfing facilities set against scenic Hill Country backdrops.
- Private Club Amenities, Access exclusive member-only amenities, including fine dining, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a full-service spa, perfect for unwinding close to home.
- Proximity to Lake Travis, Enjoy easy access to Lake Travis, where you can indulge in boating, paddleboarding, and lakeside relaxation just a short drive away.
- Hiking and Nature Trails, Discover nearby trails and parks, like Hamilton Pool Preserve and the Hill Country Galleria Trail, ideal for hiking, picnicking, or enjoying scenic views.
- Dining and Entertainment, Experience upscale dining at The Hills Country Club or explore nearby hotspots in Lakeway and Bee Cave for a variety of fine dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Community Events, The Hills hosts exclusive social events for members, while nearby communities offer live music, art festivals, and seasonal celebrations that bring the Hill Country to life.
Whether you’re looking for a private retreat or an active lifestyle, The Hills offers the perfect blend of elegance, recreation, and community in a peaceful Hill Country setting.
Communities We Serve Around The Hills, TX
Our custom home building services extend across several sought-after neighborhoods near The Hills, each with its own appeal:
Lakeway (78734, 78738)
Known for its luxury lakefront homes and active lifestyle, with access to marinas, golf, and outdoor recreation.
Rough Hollow (78734)
Offers lakefront living and resort-style amenities, including a yacht club and private marina.
Bee Cave (78738)
A vibrant community near Lake Travis, known for its upscale shopping and dining experiences.
Buying a Lot or Teardown in The Hills of Lakeway
The Hills of Lakeway is an established, gated golf community, which means most available parcels are either a remaining view or fairway lot or an older home on a desirable site that a buyer intends to replace. Both paths carry realities worth understanding before you commit. Building inside a mature master-planned community means your design will go through the community’s architectural review before permitting, so the site plan, exterior materials, height, and setbacks all need to clear that process. We plan for that review from the first concept sketch rather than treating it as a hurdle at the end.
Infill and teardown sites bring their own questions. An existing home means an existing foundation, existing utility connections, and mature landscaping, some of which is an asset and some of which is cost. On a hillside lot, slope and geology drive the foundation approach and the budget more than almost any other factor. Before you buy, a site review tells you what the parcel will actually support and what the design can and cannot do there. If you already own a lot, our build on your lot guide walks through the same evaluation step by step.
Building Custom vs Buying Resale in The Hills of Lakeway
Resale in The Hills of Lakeway moves quickly and the inventory is limited, so buyers often face a choice between an existing home that is close to what they want and a lot where they can build exactly what they want. The trade is real. Resale gets you in sooner and lets you see the finished product before you commit. Building custom takes longer and asks more of you during design, but you control the floor plan, the finishes, the energy systems, and how the home responds to its specific site.
That last point matters more in The Hills than in a flat subdivision. A resale home was designed for the previous owner’s priorities and for the lot as it was understood years ago. A custom build is designed around your view corridors, your entertaining patterns, and current construction standards, including wall systems like ICF that older homes in the community rarely have. Many buyers who tour resale first come back to building once they realize the homes on the market do not match the site’s potential. If you are weighing both, walking a few candidate lots with a builder before you decide is the cheapest clarity you can buy.
The Hills of Lakeway vs Greater Lakeway
The Hills of Lakeway sits inside the greater Lakeway area, but it is not the same as building elsewhere in Lakeway, and the difference shapes your project. The Hills is a gated golf community with its own architectural review and a build corridor concentrated on fairway, hillside, and view parcels. Greater Lakeway includes waterfront neighborhoods, non-gated pockets, and a wider mix of lot types, from lakefront to interior view lots, each with different rules and different price behavior.
Which one fits depends on what you are optimizing for: golf-community privacy and a controlled architectural standard, or waterfront access and a broader range of lots. If lake access is the priority, the distinction between a true waterfront lot and a view lot changes the budget significantly, and our waterfront vs view lot guide breaks that down. For the full picture of building across the area, see our Lakeway custom home page. If The Hills of Lakeway is already your target, the sections above cover what building here specifically involves.
Why Build with Jenkins Design Build in The Hills of Lakeway
At Jenkins Design Build, we specialize in creating custom homes that embody the luxury and character of The Hills community. Here’s what sets us apart:
Precision and Personalization
Our design-build process is crafted around your vision, ensuring that every detail reflects your lifestyle and preferences.
In-House Design Team
From concept to completion, our in-house architects, designers, and builders work seamlessly to deliver an exceptional experience.
Local Knowledge and Expertise
With over 30 years of experience in Austin’s luxury market, we have a deep understanding of the unique requirements and permit processes involved in building within The Hills.
Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Homes
We use eco-friendly materials and smart technology to create homes that are not only luxurious but sustainable for future generations.
Concierge and Relocation Services
For those relocating to The Hills, we offer full concierge services to make your move effortless. From lot selection to move-in day, we handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your new home.
Family-Friendly Living in The Hills, TX
Families building in The Hills benefit from access to the Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD), one of the top-rated districts in Texas. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and a wide range of extracurricular programs, LTISD provides outstanding educational opportunities that support children’s growth and development.
In addition to quality schools, The Hills offers a safe, close-knit community with family-friendly amenities, including parks, recreational facilities, and organized community events. This makes The Hills an ideal location for families seeking a luxurious yet welcoming environment focused on both family life and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Hills of Lakeway?
The Hills of Lakeway is a gated master-planned golf community in the Lakeway area of Travis County, Texas, west of Austin near Lake Travis. It sits within the 78734 and 78738 zip codes and is known for its private golf, hillside topography, and custom home corridor.
Can you build a custom home in The Hills of Lakeway?
Yes. Most opportunities in The Hills of Lakeway are view, fairway, or hillside lots, or older homes on desirable sites that owners choose to replace. As an architect-led design-build firm, we design to the specific parcel and plan for the community’s architectural review before permitting begins.
Is The Hills of Lakeway a gated community?
Yes, The Hills of Lakeway is a private gated community. Building inside it means your home design goes through the community’s architectural review in addition to city or county permitting, so the site plan and exterior are reviewed before construction starts.
What school district serves The Hills of Lakeway?
Homes in The Hills of Lakeway are served by Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD), one of the top-rated districts in Texas, which is a frequent priority for families building in the community.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in The Hills of Lakeway?
Cost depends heavily on the lot, since hillside slope, geology, and site access drive the budget as much as the home itself. The most reliable first step is a site review that tells you what a specific parcel will support before you set a budget.
What makes The Hills a desirable place to build a custom home?
The Hills is a prestigious gated community known for its exclusivity, privacy, and access to resort-level amenities, making it a top choice for luxury homebuyers.
Do you assist with lot selection?
Yes, our team guides you through the lot selection process to ensure you find the perfect location for your home.
How long does it take to build a custom home in The Hills?
Build time varies depending on the project’s complexity, but we provide a clear timeline and consistent updates throughout the process.
What architectural styles are popular in The Hills?
Modern Hill Country estates, Mediterranean villas, and classic ranch-style homes are some of the most popular architectural styles in The Hills.
Do you offer sustainable building options?
Yes, we incorporate sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and smart home technology into all of our custom builds.
What’s the best wall system for a The Hills custom home?
Many of our The Hills builds use Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for exterior walls. ICF delivers R-25+ insulation, 200+ mph wind resistance, four-hour fire-resistance rating, and significant sound dampening.
Which county handles permits for The Hills custom homes?
Most The Hills luxury builds fall under City of The Hills or Travis County depending on parcel location. Permit timelines and floodplain review follow county-specific pathways.
What architectural styles work best in The Hills?
Hill Country Modern and contemporary dominate The Hills luxury construction. See our catalog of luxury home design styles in Austin for the full style framework.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“What a pleasure it has been to build a house with Jenkins. We enjoyed going through this process – even when I was stressed out, they were all incredibly patient and reassuring. The result is a fabulous.”
Kristen Manzu003cbru003eAustin“After answering extensive questions, the resident architect designed our home. The design was so well done, we only changed approximately 10%. Even though we were not present during the construction.”
Cathy Leblancu003cbru003eAustin“We worked with the Jenkins team to design and build our home and would highly recommend them. The team was easy to work with and very attentive to detail. One thing that really impressed us.”
Scott Andersu003cbru003eHorseshoe Bay“They wanted to build what we wanted not what they wanted, and that’s what I liked! After we got our first set of plans, I understood it all. Their process saved a lot of time…and we hardly changed anything from that first design.”
Bill Eppsu003cbru003eAustinWe can, without a doubt, recommend Jenkins Design Build to anyone thinking of building a home. You have a great reputation in our subdivision and many neighbors have commented on how beautiful all your homes are.
Bethany Shineuu003cbru003eLakewayThe Jenkins experience gave us the design we wanted and the home we desired. Working with them creates a solid relationship with a builder you can trust. We are proud of our Jenkins home and most of all, the Jenkins experience.
Jim and Karenu003cbru003eAustin
Tell Us About Your The Hills of Lakeway Project
Whether you’re envisioning a luxurious retreat or a full-time residence, The Hills provides the perfect setting for your home. With prime lots available, there’s never been a better time to begin.
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