Emma Stone Just Dumped Her $23M Austin Mansion: Here’s the Real Story Behind the Celebrity Texas Exodus

Emma Stone and her husband, Dave McCary, just broke up… with Texas.

The Oscar winner actress and the former SNL director  had big plans for their historic Tarrytown estate, a dreamy, tree-lined compound in one of Austin’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

But instead of trading Manhattan skyscrapers for Hill Country sunsets, they pulled the plug. The home hit the market for $26.5 million, and sold for around $23.5 million.

Now, the story’s making waves in luxury real estate circles, not just because it’s Emma Stone, but because it taps into a bigger question: Why are some celebrities rushing into Austin’s luxury market… while others are cashing out?

What's Inside Emma Stone's Austin House?

Before we get into why Emma Stone left Austin before she even unpacked, here’s what she’s letting go of:

• Location: Tarrytown, West Austin’s crown jewel, where tree-lined streets meet Lake Austin shorelines.
• Lot Size: 1.25 acres, massive by urban standards, even for Austin.
• Living Space: Around 10,000 square feet across multiple structures.
• Architecture: A 1940s Georgian-style home, meticulously restored over three years.

• Main House Features:
  
• 4 bedrooms with ensuite baths
• Herringbone-patterned oak floors
• Marble fireplaces that belong in a design magazine
• Chef’s kitchen with premium appliances and custom cabinetry
• Leaded-glass windows that filter Texas sunlight into warm, soft tones

• Guest House: 2 bedrooms, ideal for visitors, extended family, or staff.

• Outdoor Space:
• Resort-style pool and hot tub
• Landscaped gardens with mature oak trees
• Multiple outdoor seating areas for Texas sunsets

• Special Perks:
• A three-car garage with a second-story screening room, a nod to Stone’s cinematic career
• Private, gated entry for security and discretion

This wasn’t a “buy and flip” property. Stone and her husband Dave McCary bought the estate in 2021, off-market, and poured time and money into its restoration. Every choice — from the period-correct moldings to the spa-like bathrooms — balanced old Austin charm with modern luxury.

Why Tarrytown Is Austin’s Old Money Magnet?

If you’re new to the Austin market, “Tarrytown” isn’t just another upscale zip code. It’s the neighborhood that checks every high-net-worth buyer’s boxes:

• Location: Just 10 minutes from downtown but worlds away in atmosphere.
  
• Water Access: Many properties are either on Lake Austin or within walking distance of boat landings.
  
• Architecture: A mix of historic estates and discreet modern builds.
• Privacy: Large lots, mature landscaping, and a tight-knit community that values discretion.
• Heritage: This is where Austin’s most prominent families have lived for generations.
  
  

Homes here rarely hit MLS. Most transactions are quiet, off-market deals brokered between well-connected agents and their inner circles. That Emma Stone’s estate even had a public price tag is newsworthy.

Why Emma Stone Stayed in Manhattan

After three years of renovations, Stone and McCary could have moved into one of the most enviable homes in Texas. Instead, they sold it for roughly $23.5 million in August 2025 and stayed in Manhattan, where they own a $12 million Upper West Side apartment.

Why?

• Career Gravity: Stone’s work spans Broadway, film, and TV. New York keeps her close to industry events, rehearsals, and studios.
  
• Family Needs: With a young daughter, access to top-tier schools and shorter commutes to work may have tipped the scales.
• Lifestyle Fit: Austin’s laid-back rhythm and blazing summers can be a big adjustment for anyone used to New York’s pace.

The Celebrity Migration to Texas?

For the last few years, Texas, and Austin, in particular, has been Hollywood’s favorite relocation fantasy.

Here are some obvious reasons why:

• No state income tax: A-list savings run into the millions.
• More house for your money: A $4M California bungalow becomes a Texas estate with acreage.
• Culture and cachet: Austin’s music, food, and tech scenes keep it cool and connected.



High-profile arrivals: Joe Rogan, James Van Der Beek, Elon Musk.

But here’s the twist: For every star moving in, there’s another quietly moving out. The reasons?

• Work for Hollywood Stars still happens in LA or NYC.
• Texas summers are brutal, 2023 was one of the hottest on record.
• Political climate and lifestyle differences sometimes clash with personal values.

Market Impact: What a $23M Sale Says About Austin Luxury Real Estate?

This sale is a perfect snapshot of Texas real estate trends in 2024–2025:

• Balanced Market: Inventory in the luxury segment is up, giving buyers more leverage than during the pandemic frenzy.
• High Demand for Trophy Properties: Anything turnkey in a neighborhood like Tarrytown still moves, especially if it has history, privacy, and amenities.
• Off-Market Dominance: The biggest deals, like Stone’s, often happen without public listings.

Stat Check:

• In the last 12 months, Austin accounted for $4.1 billion in Texas luxury sales.
• The ultra-luxury tier ($5M+) remains a small but highly active slice, with many buyers paying cash

The “Celebrity Effect” on Austin Property Values

Celebrity transactions bring national attention, and with it, more high-net-worth interest. When a household name like Emma Stone sells in Tarrytown, it reinforces the neighborhood’s reputation as a safe, blue-chip investment.

Real estate insiders call this the “celebrity halo” effect:

• Publicity drives curiosity.
• Curiosity drives buyer inquiries.
• Inquiries turn into offers - sometimes even above market value.

What This Means for Buyers Right Now?

If you’re shopping Tarrytown Austin homes or other top-tier Austin neighborhoods:

• Leverage Is Back: You can negotiate, respectfully, on price and terms.
• Speed Still Matters: Trophy properties move fast. Pre-approval or proof of funds is a must.
• Know the Hidden Market: Off-market deals require insider access.

Tips for Buying Luxury Property in Austin

1. Get Off-Market Access: The most desirable estates never hit Zillow. Work with a broker who has private network connections.
   
   
2. Understand Texas Law: Texas is a non-disclosure state. Sale prices aren’t public, so market intel comes from agents, not online databases.
   
   
3. Plan for Financing: Jumbo loans and cash offers dominate. Having proof of funds or pre-approval is essential.
   
   
4. Check Amenities vs. Price: Pools, guesthouses, and gated entries add long-term resale value in Austin’s climate and market.
   
   
5. Think Long-Term: Even with celebrities moving in and out, Austin’s corporate growth and migration patterns ensure sustained demand.
   
   
6. Renovations Pay, But Only in the Right Neighborhood.
   Stone’s three-year restoration likely doubled or tripled her original investment. That’s not typical, but in Tarrytown, the buyer pool can absorb those costs.
   
   

Thinking About Your Own Move?

Whether you’re a celebrity or a serious buyer who wants to live like one:

• Find a Local Luxury Agent: Off-market access and negotiation skill are key.
• Consult a Mortgage Expert: Jumbo financing, portfolio loans, and tax planning are part of the game.
• Act During the Sweet Spot: The market is balanced now, which won’t last forever.