In the backyard of America’s seventh largest city, New Braunfels lures locals and visitors again and again with its perfect blend of vibrant German heritage, verdant wine country and chic, modern luxury set against an Old World backdrop. Whether floating the Guadalupe River, winery hopping, or two-stepping in the oldest dance hall in Texas, New Braunfels exudes Texas Hill Country charisma.

And no one seems to meld these enchanting aspects into an exclusive Hill Country experience quite like Trace Jurica. From his nature-centric urban village of Town Creek to the premier of his gravity-defying SKYHOUSE rising over Canyon Lake, Jurica has redefined Hill Country luxury. “I’ve been building fine homes through my company Jurica Builders for about a decade, mostly in our neighborhood of Town Creek, but we’ve always vacationed using HomeAway and Airbnb, so three years ago I decided to build the first Canyon Lake house as a potential vacation rental,” he says.

Drawing inspiration from Australian architecture firm MODE, which specializes in eco-friendly designs specifically suited for tropical living, Jurica’s flagship property, SKYHOUSE, was born. Shrubby mesquite trees and clusters of hardy grass line the steep drive leading to the edge. Perched on 1.5 acres and clutching a nearly sheer hillside south of Canyon Lake, this lustrous 1800 square foot home combines rugged Texas grit with modern elegance. Smooth steps lead down to the secluded biergarten studded with party lights before you arrive at the front entrance. As you enter, a gleaming mix of polished wood and stainless steel reflect the setting sun beaming in from a seemingly endless number of floor-to-ceiling windows. Exposed bricks and lively fabrics soften the contemporary lines, inviting guests deeper into the home. Beyond the glass, panoramic views of Canyon Lake and the surrounding valley command the eye and draw guests out onto the upper deck.

Downstairs, the industrial-chic master suite capitalizes on the view in from both the suite and the private pool. Step out on the pool deck for grand sunsets followed by prime stargazing opportunities. Since SKYHOUSE’s debut, Jurica has continued to add to his portfolio of exceptional homes as well as expand his SKYHOUSE properties. “I like to find properties with a wow factor… If I’m mesmerized by the view, it’s a good bet our audience will love it too.”

Jurica recently unveiled his latest ultra-trendy cliff side SKYHOUSE. Lodged directly over the emerald, slow-moving waters of the Guadalupe River, this airy sanctuary lies just minutes from the lively historic village of Gruene. While a local herd of whitetail deer graze beneath the shade of scrubby oaks in the front yard, hummingbirds and bees play among the wildflowers that hug the cliff and surround the pool. Inside, the exotic Brazilian granite sparkles turquoise in the bright, lofty kitchen overlooking the private pool and river below. Between the three sprawling bedrooms in the main house and the two bedrooms in the pool house, the Guadalupe SKYHOUSE easily accommodates up to twelve guests.

When asked about his design inspirations, Jurica admits that his taste varies. The first Canyon Lake house was inspired by Australian MODE, the Guadalupe house by the well respected Texan architects Lake Flato. And inspiration for the second Canyon Lake house? “A modern farm house.” Whatever his muse, it’s apparent Jurica believes the view is as vital to a home’s form as it’s foundation. And with each new project, Jurica Builders continues to seamlessly blend the natural beauty of the Hill Country with new and exciting designs.

For reservations at any of Trace Jurica’s properties, visit his SKYHOUSE page or find him on Airbnb or HomeAway.

An internationally published freelance travel writer, blogger, and photographer, Jessica Pickett has been fortunate to call both Texas and Louisiana home. When not traversing the globe, Jessica and her husband can be found on the family farm.
All photography courtesy Trace Jurica | Peyton Kempf of 1778 Photographie