Screenwriter Warren Skaaren Designed and Built This $6.5M Tuscan-Inspired Home in Austin

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Warren Skaaren, the late screenwriter behind huge hits like Beetlejuice and the 1989 Batman, was undoubtedly imaginative. If, for some reason, his movies aren’t convincing enough, this Texas home is certainly proof. “Il Monastero,” the personal writer’s retreat Skaaren built for himself with inspiration from his travels to Tuscany, is on the market for $6,499,000.

Various architectural choices bring the look of an Italian villa to life in Austin’s West Lake Hills neighborhood. Arches, columns, and warm tones on the exterior all contribute. Inside, a hand-carved stone staircase is a focal point, while landscaped gardens, private courtyards, and a covered terrace overlooking the swimming pool impress outside.

Skaaren, who is also a producer in fan-favorite Top Gun, built the residence in 1984 before his death in 1990. It’s been a while since the screenwriter lived in the 5,697-square-foot home, and some modernizations in the interiors seem to have occurred in the decades since. You can see nods to the recent trends of minimalism and transitional style with fashionable light fixtures and bold neutrals. Comfort is certainly still a priority. There’s a private guest suite downstairs and a large primary suite upstairs, with five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms in total.

Katherine Beckworth of Compass holds the luxurious listing, which is also nice and close to the liveliness of downtown Austin.

This article appears in the October 2023 issue of DailyDeeds.