My Houzz: Wide Open Spaces in an Animal Lover’s Texas Sanctuary
Dogs, cats and horses enjoy an idyllic temporary refuge here, but the eco-minded home has a permanent place in its owner’s heart
This Texas sanctuary for rescued animals is also Margaret Hoffman’s countryside haven. Eighteen Oaks Sanctuary – named for the 18 trees scattered throughout the 28-acre property – is made up of a kennel and an attached home, both designed to blend into the stunning landscape. ‘I wanted it to fit into the surroundings and have little environmental impact on the land around it,’ says Hoffman.
Nick Mehl Architecture worked with her to design an eco- and animal-friendly home with a stunning view. A screened-in garden terrace, a stunning collection of art and a modern aesthetic combine beautifully in this stylish, serene house.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Margaret Hoffman, her three dogs and a variety of foster animals, including four horses
Location Texas, USA
Size 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
Nick Mehl Architecture worked with her to design an eco- and animal-friendly home with a stunning view. A screened-in garden terrace, a stunning collection of art and a modern aesthetic combine beautifully in this stylish, serene house.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Margaret Hoffman, her three dogs and a variety of foster animals, including four horses
Location Texas, USA
Size 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
Not many homeowners can place valuable art in their pool area and not be concerned about theft, but that’s one of the many advantages of having a indoor pool. ‘I love that the pool stays cleaner longer with no leaves falling into it and no pesky Texas bugs,’ says Hoffman. ‘Also, I don’t have to be as vigilant about applying sunscreen.’
The pool is purified by ionized oxygen – no chlorine or salt. The oxygen is not harmful to the skin or the environment; it’s like swimming in bottled water.
Pool: Davinci Pools, designed by Frank Matusek; screen: designed by Nick Mehl
Pool: Davinci Pools, designed by Frank Matusek; screen: designed by Nick Mehl
A concrete floor with a clear sealant adds to the kitchen’s simple aesthetic. Horizontal floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the room in natural light.
Bar stools: Collectic Home
Bar stools: Collectic Home
The living room is architect Nick Mehl’s favourite area because of the gorgeous natural light pouring in. Hoffman bought the ‘Blue Skies’ neon sign at an auction hosted by musician Willie Nelson. ‘My late husband, Jace, and I chaired the annual fundraising event for the Corpus Christi Art Museum,’ she says. ‘The theme was Blue Skies and Black Ties, and we had the neon sign made for the event.’ Hoffman and her husband made it a habit to travel west often, because they loved the open skies. ‘That inspired us to paint the ceilings of our house sky blue, so it seemed like that sign was meant for us. It’s been part of my homes ever since.’
Glass and metal railings on the staircase add to the home’s contemporary feel.
Pendant light: Artecnica Phrena, All Modern
Pendant light: Artecnica Phrena, All Modern
A single-floor home is a common choice for homeowners over age 60, but a second-floor view of her property was essential to Hoffmann. She plans to stay at her new sanctuary, so an elevator designed by Symmetry Elevators was a practical design solution.
The master bedroom is an airy retreat with a great view. A white modern dog bed from DogBar lies at the foot of Hoffman’s bed. The watercolour painting above the bed is by Pat Deadman, a Corpus Christi, Texas, artist.
The exterior features a concrete facade and cedar paneling, plus solar panels on top of the enclosed pool. Rainwater barrels gather water for use throughout the home.
The wooden facade was designed using a rain-screen technique. ‘The wooden panelling isn’t flat to the house so air can flow behind it,’ Mehl explains. ‘This helps to dry out the wood when it gets wet and ventilates the space behind the siding to help insulate the building.’
The wooden facade was designed using a rain-screen technique. ‘The wooden panelling isn’t flat to the house so air can flow behind it,’ Mehl explains. ‘This helps to dry out the wood when it gets wet and ventilates the space behind the siding to help insulate the building.’
The custom-built matching kennel is equipped with six matching indoor-outdoor dog runs, a cat playroom and a dog-accessible shower.
Mehl appreciated the wide expanse of land that his team had to work with because they had the freedom to place the structures – including the main house and the kennel – anywhere they pleased.
‘I find the simplicity of the home to be calming,’ Hoffman says. ‘The lines and features of the house are beautiful but not distracting, so it’s a perfect venue for enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.’
Mehl appreciated the wide expanse of land that his team had to work with because they had the freedom to place the structures – including the main house and the kennel – anywhere they pleased.
‘I find the simplicity of the home to be calming,’ Hoffman says. ‘The lines and features of the house are beautiful but not distracting, so it’s a perfect venue for enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.’
The air-conditioned kennel keeps the animals cool in the Texas heat while Hoffman works to find them permanent homes. The concrete floor is a practical solution for the space.