When Steph Steele first set eyes on a modest house on two acres of Southwest Austin land in 2011, she knew she had found something special. “The area felt like a secret neighborhood,” said Steele, owner of Tiny Grocer and the adjacent Bureau de Poste, a charming French bistro. It was both part of the city and a serene country retreat.
More than a decade later, that house has transformed into an innovative, self-sustaining oasis designed to fit Steele and her wife Margaret Tucker’s lifestyle. However, the journey had challenges, including time spent living in a yurt in their backyard.
Finding a Home in Uncertainty
After purchasing the property, Steele initially rented the house out, opting to live elsewhere with Tucker, a family law attorney. However, the land always called to them. To use it, they erected a 6-foot bamboo fence and built a yurt, which is a round, one-room dwelling, as a weekend escape. Steele, who describes herself as someone who “likes to build things,” added a swimming pool, workshop, and a tent platform over time.
When the pandemic hit, they were in search of space and tranquility. The couple relocated from the East Austin home to the 525-square-foot yurt full-time. With three dogs in tow, they navigated the challenges of off-grid living. They endured two major ice storms that left them without power. “Those experiences pushed us to create a home that could sustain itself no matter the circumstances,” Steele shared.
From Yurt to Dream Home
The journey to their dream home wasn’t without sacrifices. While some might balk at the idea of living in a yurt for months, Steele and Tucker saw it as an opportunity to refine their vision and adapt to the rhythms of the land. It also allowed them to allocate resources toward their $1.1 million renovation. “We learned to prioritize what truly matters to us,” Steele noted. “This isn’t just our house; it’s our sanctuary.”
Designing for Resilience
The couple’s vision for the Southwest Austin property required more than a fresh coat of paint. They turned to architects Annie-Laurie Grabiel and Arthur Furman of Side Angle Side Architects for a complete redesign. Their priorities? Sustainability and functionality.
The renovations included solar panels paired with a Tesla battery storage system, an 18,000-gallon rainwater collection system, and energy-efficient features to ensure the home’s independence from the grid. The result was a spacious, light-filled 2,350-square-foot residence tailored for entertaining and modern living. “Since it’s just two of us, we decided to open the middle of the house entirely for gatherings,” said Steele. The space also includes a single primary bedroom for the couple, while guests enjoy a unique stay in the yurt or tent on the property.
An Artistic Touch
Every element of the remodel reflects Steele and Tucker’s personalities. The central living area has soaring ceilings and skylights and features a steel fireplace, reflecting Steele’s welding hobby. The layout is an open invitation to linger, converse, and connect.
“We want the house to feel like it fits us perfectly,” said Steele. “From the rain catchment system to the custom steel details, everything is built to meet our needs.”
Community Roots
Steele’s entrepreneurial journey mirrors her approach to home design: thoughtful, intentional, and community-focused. After a 24-year career at Whole Foods Market, she pursued her dream of opening Tiny Grocer, a bespoke natural foods market, reflecting her love of food and people. “The goal was to create a space that feels special, both for the products we sell and the connections we build,” Steele said.
This philosophy extends to her home, where sustainability meets hospitality. “Guests always tell us how much they enjoy the yurt,” she laughed. “It’s a little unconventional, but it’s uniquely ours.”
Lessons Learned
Looking back, Steele reflects on the lessons learned throughout the process. “Resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community got us through,” she said. “Whether it’s building a business or building a home, you have to trust the process and the people you work with.” As they settle into their self-sufficient sanctuary, Steele and Tucker find joy in the journey that brought them here.
