05 Mar LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

ARCHITECTURE | Dick Clark + Associates
CONSTRUCTION | Turrentine Properties Inc.
INTERIOR DESIGN | Samantha Voges Design

Luxury is a lifestyle for a Louisiana couple living out their dreams just off the shore of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in the heart of Texas Hill Country. As one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the U.S., the setting comprises 100-mile views over stony hills, steep canyons, and meandering springs colored in the soft hues of nature. At Lagniappe (pronounced Lan-Yap), a home designed for good times, Cajun-chic steps into the spotlight.

“The name of the house, Lagniappe is a Cajun word meaning, ’a little something extra’,” says Kevin Gallaugher, project architect and partner at Dick Clark + Associates (DC+A), an Austin, Texas, firm specializing in custom residential and boutique commercial design. “I’m also from Louisiana, so there was a cultural kinship with these clients, who have a distinct way of enjoying life.”

After the homeowners purchased a lot in Trails of Horseshoe Bay, a luxury equestrian and real estate development, they were referred to DC+A for the firm’s ability to meld form and function with their clients’ lifestyles.

DC+A founder Dick Clark developed design guidelines that allow each home in the Trails of Horseshoe Bay community to reflect the owner’s intent.

“The couple was relocating from an 11,000-square-foot home in Sherman, Texas. So, we inventoried how they lived and what they prioritized. The lot they purchased is steeply sloped, which pointed us toward a split-level ranch with a retaining wall foundation. Lagniappe is about 4,500 square feet of living space on two floors, surrounded by expansive views and decorated with the owners’ impressive art collection,” says Gallaugher. “They love to entertain. So, the house is devoted to having a good time.”

At Lagnaippe, combed hemlock, Lueders limestone, and stucco in cream on the exterior suggest a reprieve from the smoldering Texas sun.

Deep roof overhangs cap a lean, low-slung building to create long, deliberate lines. A stone wall and exterior accents in Lueders limestone add Hill Country hues to the facade. Milky cream-colored stucco in a smooth Santa Barbara Mission Finish suggests a cool respite after a long day on the trail. Combed hemlock, tucked away from the scorching Texas sun beneath overhangs, makes for a welcoming, warm entryway.

The owner’s extensive art collection enlivens every wall. DC+A scanned and placed each piece within the architectural design. The black-and-white photos above the piano are by Herman Leonard, and the artwork over the sofa is Jackie by Russell Young. In the entry hangs the photo Incognito by Barbara Cole.

Throughout, marble, brass, and steel accents add a touch of luxury to the home’s subdued natural materials.

“One of the great things about the Trails of Horseshoe Bay is that DC+A founder Dick Clark wrote the design guidelines dictating what can be done on the exterior of the homes,” says Gallaugher. In addition to the design guidelines, DC+A created the site master plan, infrastructure design, clubhouse, and several other custom homes in the lakeside equestrian community. “Dick was a designer. So, he left a lot of wiggle room in the guidelines to do interesting things on the exterior of houses without causing problems with the HOA.”

Appearing as a low-slung ranch in the front and a two-story party pad in the back, Lagnaippe steps out in style. Distinct architectural volumes create visual interest.

The home’s footprint extends outdoors on the second-floor balcony so the homeowners can enjoy cool Texas evenings outside. A David Yarrow photograph is visible through the window.

Lagniappe is perched on a ridge high above the lake. Upon entering the home, a vestibule of floor-to-ceiling glass connects to the sweeping views overlooking the lake and opens to the living, kitchen, and dining spaces. DC+A designed the home to flow through a series of curated spaces that break the large footprint into three intimate environments: the living area, a primary bedroom wing, and a vertical wing that houses a dedicated casino room and rooftop terrace.

In this guest bathroom, a textural wall covering adds an organic sensibility and looks like aspen trees. The vanity floats above the floor.

Inside, a mix of building materials, such as marble, brass, steel, and smooth limestone flooring, reflects the abundance of daylight from windows on virtually every wall. “The interiors use a lot of different textures,” continues Gallaugher. “Through some of the metals and artwork, we swirled in a tinge of glam over a palette of raw materials with organic accents in rich walnut and white oak. The countertops in the bar area, kitchen, and entertainment spaces are beautiful quartzite and granite choices. The home has five fireplaces. Almost every wall boasts some of their extensive art collection.”

During the design process, Gallaugher, architect Clara Paterson, and interior designer Samantha Voges pre-placed each artwork in the home using modeling software. This allowed the clients to understand the sightlines throughout the home so that their collection would be properly showcased. On one wall, a David Yarrow photo of two male tigers (the Louisiana State University mascot) juxtaposes with the World War II uniform and memorabilia that belonged to the homeowner’s father (an engineer who worked on the LSU stadium).

The textures of nature mingle with a curated art collection in the dining room. The painting is by Kathy Womack, and artist Larry Whiteley created the custom chandelier.

The primary bathroom is awash in daylight, while a standing tub offers relaxation.

“The entryway feels like walking into an art gallery,” Gallaugher continues. “The interior walls are a warm white. Minimalism allows the artwork to be the focus rather than the home and furnishings.”

In letting Lagniappe live big when needed and stay cozy, the home meets the needs of the homeowners, who love to entertain. “During daily living, it feels like a smaller house on the ground floor. The entry, living room, kitchen, dining room, bar, library, casino, and [primary] bedroom suite amount to about 3,000 square feet,” says Gallaugher. “Down below on the lower level, a media room and guest suite are apart from the day-to-day, yet immediately accessible when the party starts.”

As Gallaugher looks back on the four-year process of designing and building Lagniappe, his recollections are fond. “What sets this residence apart from so many others is the intense personal connection these owners had to ensure this house was exactly what they dreamed of and a little more,” he says. “They pushed us, as all the best collaborations do.”