When Haven moved from Austin in November of 2001,
he began looking for a home similar to the wonderful
stone houses in the historic neighborhoods of
Austin. Additionally, it was necessary for him to be
close to work at the UT Health Science Center and
to Christus
Santa Rosa downtown.

The Straus Nayfach house at 440 Quentin with foot-thick
Austin stone, sturdy pier and beam construction,
beautiful Mission tile floor and large corner lot was
impossible to pass up.



Two weeks later he met Gwen and six months after
that they were married. The wedding took place in
the living room of 440 Quentin with close family and
friends in attendance. With plenty of room in the
back yard, a large tent and tables were set up on
the rear patio, Pappasito’s catered and margaritas were served.



Over the past five years, Haven and Gwen have
worked diligently updating and improving the
property. They have enjoyed visiting the antique
shops on Hildebrand, the Old Door Store on Blanco as
well as the Lowe’s on Callaghan (you always forget
something!).

Gwen has filled the yard with low-maintenance,
xeriscape plants, so there is always something
flowering and butterflies are plentiful. The bird
feeders are visited by cardinals, finches, blue jays,
chickadees, woodpeckers, white winged doves and,
of course, squirrels.

The wildlife get their share of
pecans from the two large pecan trees, with plenty
(hundreds of pounds!) left over for friends, family and
passers-by.

The 968 sq. ft. garage they
built with workshop and attic storage provides a
home for Haven’s outdoor gear, power tools,
refrigerator and freezer, not to mention the cars....




Haven and Gwen enjoy evening strolls around
Woodlawn Lake and look forward to the
July 4th fireworks over the lake. They can be in their seats at
the Majestic Theatre 20 minutes after leaving the
house (15 minutes is their record!).

The Riverwalk is minutes away. Casbeers and
Chris Madrid’s on Blanco
are favorite hangouts for burgers and beer. They are
always amazed at how quickly they can get just-
about-anywhere from Monticello Park.



Haven works at the UT Health Science Center and
frequently has to spend time downtown. The home’s
location places him almost halfway between both
locations. After spending many years commuting in
and out of downtown Austin, he finds it most
pleasant to be close and not having to “fight the
freeway masses”. It is so nice to sit on the patio,
enjoy fresh coffee, and read the paper before
departing for work. Uptown or downtown, he’s there
in 15 minutes or less.



Our home’s landscape has been a lot of work, but,
watching the fruits of our labor come to life has been
a great joy. Gwen’s knowledge, expertise, and
passion for all things living provide a wonderful little
oasis for us and the orphan cats that have adopted
us as their own.



From the quirky shops on Hildebrand, Blanco, and
Broadway to the rich stream of reasonably-priced
cultural events Laurie Auditorium on the Trinity
University, there is always some place to explore or
discover. We have enjoyed many years of “Blue
Star Arts Complex, and great food and
margaritas at El Mirador Restaurant.


- Gwen & Haven Young