Historic Travis Heights Compound

0.815 Acres | 4,805 Sq Ft | 2 Legal Lots

Tucked away on nearly an acre in the heart of historic Travis Heights, 1503 Newning is a one-of-a-kind property that blends Austin’s creative spirit with Texas history and soulful design. With two legal lots totaling .815 acres, the estate offers 4,805 square feet across a main home and two attached guest houses, surrounded by colorful gardens and shaded by heritage oaks.

A Storied Legacy: Few properties in Austin carry the layered narrative of 1503 Newning. Music legend Robert Plant once called this estate home, weaving rock-and-roll mystique into its legacy. Long before that, the main residence - known as the Zoch house - was originally built in 1886 in Walburg, Texas by German farming Zoch family. In 1996, the home was carefully relocated to Travis Heights, where its preservation and rebirth stand as a testament to Austin’s deep respect for history and creativity.

The Compound: The main house (2,131 sq ft), the 1886 Zoch House, retains its timeless character twith 14’ long pine floors, beadboard walls, and vaulted ceilings. The guest houses (2,674 sq ft) originated as three historic cottages along Cesar Chavez, later combined into two distinctive dwellings.

Renovation & Design: Between 2016 and 2019, the main residence underwent a comprehensive transformation of remarkable scale and sophistication. In collaboration with a distinguished design team — David Bowers, Jack Sanders, Ann Tucker, and the design-build firm Woodeye Construction & Design — the owners re-envisioned the kitchen and primary suite, executed a 350-square-foot addition, and introduced an expansive deck that extends the living space into the gardens. The result is a residence where historic character meets modern luxury. Soaring ceilings and walls of glass flood the interiors with natural light, while the chef’s kitchen showcases hand crafted cabinetry, professional-grade appliances, and hand-selected stone surfaces. Throughout, custom millwork, artisanal finishes, and meticulous detailing elevate every space, creating a seamless blend of architectural integrity and refined design.

Outdoor Living: Landscape architect Mark Word of Word + Carr drew the gardens, where multiple decks and private garden nooks create natural transitions between the homes — encouraging indoor-outdoor flow and offering spaces to gather, retreat, or entertain.
More than a residence, 1503 Newning is a living story — a rare opportunity to own one of Travis Heights’ most intriguing properties, where history, artistry, and music converge.