The landmarked Cranfill Apartments in Austin, Texas, are considered some of the best work of modernist architect Harwell Hamilton Harris. Built in the late 1950s, the two-story triplex is organized around a majestic live oak, with loft-like living spaces and dramatic walls of windows. Unit No. 3, the largest of the three, was recently listed for sale—offering an interior that was lovingly restored by its former architect-owners.

The apartments were originally designed by Harwell Hamilton Harris for Thomas Cranfill, an English
professor at The University of Texas at Austin courtyard." layout="wide" credit="Add credit" photoUserId=""/>

Ernesto Cragnolino, a partner at the local firm Alterstudio, and his wife, architect Krista Whitson of Mell Lawrence Architects, purchased the building in 2004. Saving the interior from unsympathetic developers, the couple spearheaded the restoration of each unit, calling the one currently for sale their home for nearly 10 years. The duo also led efforts to have the building designated as national, state, and local historic landmarks in 2013.

Hidden behind a conventional house on a remote street, the concrete block apartments held out Harris’s favorite surprise: a rich and private exposure to nature. Quiet and elegantly functional, they are among his best work.” " layout="wide" credit="Photo courtesy of The Value of Architecture" photoUserId=""/>

“You wake up in the morning and on one side you have an amazing elm tree and on the other side an amazing oak tree. It’s fundamentally engaged with nature in a very powerful way," Cragnolino said in a 2014 interview, shortly after selling the unit to its current owner.

The last time a unit in the building was up for grabs it was 2018, and now the listing of unit No. 3 offers another opportunity to live in this iconic midcentury space. Offering two bedrooms and two bathrooms spread across nearly 1,400-square-feet, the updated interior pays homage to Harris's original design. Keep scrolling to see more of the property, which is currently listed for $770,000.

1911 Cliff Street, No. 3, in Austin, Texas, is currently listed for $770,000 by Brian Linder, AIA, and Rick Grahn of The Value of Architecture.

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.