Westlake is an area located in the rolling hills on the west bank of Lake Austin whose boundaries are defined by the Eanes Independent School District. Situated on the Edwards plateau, this close-knit, family oriented community is naturally beautiful with many homes having spectacular views of the downtown skyline and the rolling hills of Travis County.

Golf, cycling, hiking, boating and waterskiing are popular past times as the area includes the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and Lake Austin as well as three private golf clubs. An easy downtown commute and excellent schools make this area a popular residence for professionals and families with school-aged children.

There is a heavy emphasis on education with strong community involvement and support for the Eanes Independent School District. The district serves approximately 7,100 students in grades K-12 in six elementary schools, two middle schools and Westlake High School. All schools in the district have earned an exemplary rating—the state’s highest academic designation. Westlake High School has been recognized as a United States Blue Ribbon School, having the best AP physics program in the world by the College Board in 2005, and was #37 on Newsweek magazine’s list of the nation’s top schools. There is also a heavy emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities. The chaps have won 26 state titles in nine different sports since opening in 1969. The Westlake football team holds the national record of 72 consecutive district victories, including this year’s district championship win.

Families typically move to the Westlake area for the excellent schools, the welcoming social climate and strong community spirit.

The family of Westlake Chaparrals’ senior kicker, Kolton Lye, have been Westlake residents for 28 years. Making their home at Rob Roy on the Creek, the Lye children—Travis now 25, Whitney, 22, Kolton, 18 and Rogan, 15—have all attended Eanes schools from Forest Trail Elementary through Westridge Middle School and Westlake High School.

Karen and Tom Lye are owners of Touchless carwash systems. Of life in Westlake, Karen says, “As far as living in Westlake, there are so many things we love about it. The schools are what first attracted us to this area but it goes so much further than that. What keeps people here long after their last child has graduated from Westlake High School are the people. Everyone is so supportive of each other. It is truly a caring community.”

Shopping in Westlake is convenient with most shops located in three retail areas—along Bee Caves Road, in Davenport Village and Barton Creek Mall.

One of the latest and most unique shopping hot spots is Sanctuary, the creation of Westlake entrepreneur, Hanna Curran. A former science teacher, Hanna felt the need to express the ‘artsy shopkeeper’ side of her. “I wanted to fill a niche that I thought was missing in Westlake. I had a vision for a shop with unique items for home décor so I set out to buy things that I wanted for myself. Gradually I have responded to the needs and wants of my clients and added gift items, jewelry, some clothing, linens, stationery and cosmetics. I have a lot of independent artisans and jewelry makers, mostly local as well as national lines that you don’t find at other places in Austin. I think of Sanctuary as high-end and luxurious, but I think people are surprised to find many items under $50.”

Curran has recently added a partner, Westlake mom, Jennifer Mazuelos. Mazuelos’ shop, Izzy and Ash, (named for her children), is located within Sanctuary and features unique designs for children from infant to size 12. Special emphasis is on fashion forward clothing for boys and girls in the 7- to 14-year-old age range. “I have lived in Westlake for over 20 years and I love this area. I have been online for three years and my clients have been begging me to have a retail presence. This location is a natural for me.”

Westlake offers a wide variety of dining choices from the bar-b-que of County Line to the upscale Mexican food of Maudie’s Milagro and Las Palomas to Asian favorites the Thai Kitchen, Chinatown and Bistro 88.

After moving to Westlake two years ago, contractor Beth Lesita recognized a need for a neighborhood bar, so she partnered with Reed Clemons (formerly of Mezaluna, Reed’s Supper Club and the Granite Café) to create The Grove. Westlake’s upscale version of Cheers, this wine bar and restaurant quickly became the hot spot to meet after work, a round of golf, a concert at One World Theatre or a girl’s night out.

Owner Beth Lesita says, “From the get-go our goal was to provide a comfortable, casual place to hang-out and experience some first-class wines. Our wine list starts at $5.50 a glass, and featues over 250 bottles with 50 available by the glass and 10 wine flights. We also have a full kitchen with food that complements the wines or vice versa. In any case, we wanted The Grove to be a place where you could come relax and laugh with your friends and loved ones.”

Judging by the menu—pastas, panini, pizza, bruschetta, mussels—and the crowded bar, patio and restaurant, The Grove is set to celebrate mission accomplished after their first year in operation.

Bound by tradition, social ties and schools, Westlake residents have an intense pride in their beautiful natural surroundings. Close in proximity to downtown Austin, Westlake has a small town feel with a big city attitude. Most residents love the area and
say they wouldn’t live in any other part of the city; a sentiment echoed by a long time resident, “Its a few square miles of heaven.”

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