When Beau Theriot decided to build his home, he found one of the prettiest pieces of Texas hill country on which to lay a foundation. Sometimes referred to by locals as “Beau’s Mountain,” the 500-acre ranch he purchased in the late 1970’s has been nurtured and developed over the years into so much more than a personal retreat for Beau and his family.With the renowned Oasis restaurant, the newly established Villa Montaña community, and soon-to-be OASIS, TX shopping village, the Lake Travis hilltop is one of Central Texas’s chief destinations, not to mention one of the biggest labors of love one man can share. Perched 450 feet above Lake Travis, Beau’s home is perfectly positioned to take in what he calls “the best show in town” – the spectacular sunset over the rolling hills and ever-changing lake waters. To fully take advantage of the nature’s grandeur, Beau built a long, narrow house with expansive windows, affording all of the bedrooms, living areas and even bathrooms with beautiful views.

“I’m not an architect, so I can do what my whims tell me to do,” Beau teased when he described his design and building process. Unrestricted by convention, he drafted his initial vision of the villa on a cocktail napkin, which holds a staggering likeness to the final result.

He named it “Villa del Sol” because it faces due west and is in its glory as the sun heads toward the horizon, but its meaning runs deeper still. “When I was a little boy, my father called me ‘Sunshine’ because of my particular love of the outdoors,” explained Beau. “Every time I say the name, I think of my father and my relationship with him. So, it is very meaningful to me because he was so much to admire.”

Upon arrival, Beau’s guests are welcomed by an immense façade detailed with intricate stonework by his favorite artisans, including stone sunbursts etched around windows to remind everyone what makes the home so special. Distinctive touches like antique stained glass, gargoyles, statues and fountains are tucked into every corner, giving visitors new delights to discover at every turn.

If that hasn't left you completely overwhelmed, just take a step inside where Beau's incomparable collection of antiques, fine furnishings and master artworks (far too vast to be fully absorbed in one visit) is surely enough to leave you breathless. Harmoniously blending influences from all of his favorite places around the world, Beau included eye-popping touches in Mediterranean, French Provincial, English, Moroccan and Mexican Colonial styles.

The impeccable combination of different styles lends itself to individuality, something in which Beau takes great pride. “It just works better for me to design and create something that is off the cuff and a little bit different than anybody else’s.”

It is important to note that the design choices are more than merely beautiful. Many are deeply sentimental. “My mom cut down an old pecan tree on the property in East Texas where she was born, and that’s what I used for the floors. It’s those things that really touch me and add a great bit of warmth to the house.” It is that warmth that allows Beau to maintain comforting and relaxing ambiance while being surrounded by so many fine, elegant things that could easily belong in the worlds finest museums and galleries.

Beyond the lakeside floor-to-ceiling windows is the sprawling, 73-foot terrace from which the best views are captured. A colonnade frames the terrace, which is a masterpiece of stone, marble and ironwork that comfortably seats more than 100 people. The railings were thoughtfully crafted with iron-rimmed glass panels to ensure unobscured views whether seated or standing. This irresistible setting borders on hypnotic as the lake air caresses your skin and serene clouds float slowly by.With this kind of treasure in his hands, Beau felt compelled to share his enchanting vista with others. The guesthouse, a three-story tower called “the wine house,” and sometimes, “Rapunzel’s castle,” has a romantic, Old World charm. A wine tasting room, which is often used for intimate dinner parties, comprises the first floor. Boutique guest suites make up the second and third floors, each one specially decorated by Beau.

A sincerely genuine person to the core, Beau wanted to share his hilltop with people beyond his friends and family. “I’ve always traveled a lot. I hadn’t found many places that were much more enchanting than this one. Fortunately, I was able to open The Oasis and create the ultimate getaway for folks who don’t have a lake house.”

“I just wanted a little place on the hill so people could come out and enjoy this beautiful view. Before I opened it in 1983, there was only Hippie Hollow and a few other parks, but there were no comfortable vantage points to sit and really absorb and relax and enjoy the breezes, the clouds, the sunsets and the moon glows.”

Naturally, The Oasis, recognized as “the sunset capital of Texas,” became a local favorite and draws visitors from all over the world. It, too, has Beau’s artful design touch that adds to the dining experience. Newly re-vamped after a devastating fire in 2005, The Oasis is even bigger and better, with the familiar cascading decks and live music areas, plus new additions that can accommodate parties of up to 1,200.

As if building a restaurant wasn’t enough, Beau invited outsiders to actually make part of his land their home when he developed his first residential neighborhood jewel -- Villa Montaña, a gated community that reflects a quiet ambiance of serenity, offering only 98 lots and custom homes with spectacular lake and sunset views, lush canyon vistas and uniquely intimate garden style villas. “I love this setting because it’s like an island nestled in the midst of all this green,” said Beau. “You look out and see all green forever, but at the same time, it is the closest gated community on the lake to downtown Austin, so the city is there if you want it.”

Taking every measure to create an enchanting community, Beau dotted the property with delightful features like bronze statues around unique planting and walking paths, koi fishponds and a grape arbor upon a scenic overlook where people can gather and visit with their neighbors. “I wanted to bring it above and beyond the ordinary.”

Beau’s next project in the works is a European inspired shopping village called OASIS, TX. Built alongside the Oasis on the cliff top, the village offers outdoor sculpture gardens created by native artists, waterfalls, grottos and scenic outlooks nestled among winding walkways with 30 one-of-a-kind local shops. Plans are in place to break ground this fall with construction to be completed in one year. “It will be a lot of fun to create it and see it come to life, just like it’s been wonderful to see the Oasis finally come back to life after the fire.”

And Beau’s visions don’t show signs of slowing down. Pouring his whole heart and soul into each project he takes on, Beau continues to improve and develop his lakeside ranch. “What could be more wonderful than this part of the world? I just decided that I want this hilltop to be a really special place that everyone can enjoy, so I want to spend the rest of my life making it neater and neater.” “

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