Emma Stone Just Dumped Her $23M Austin Mansion: 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 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 in just 3 months.

Why are some celebrities rushing into Austin’s luxury market… while others are cashing out?

Emma Stone's Austin House: Key Specs

• Location: Tarrytown, West Austin (historic, oak-shaded enclave minutes to downtown).

• Lot / Frontage: ~1.24–1.25 acres (compound with multiple structures)

• Living area: ~10,000 sq ft (main house), plus a 2-bed guesthouse and a garage with screening room.

• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
  
  
• 5 distinct living areas
  
  
• 2 dining rooms for formal and casual entertaining
  
  
• Architecture: Georgian-style brick (c. 1940) reimagined by Cuppett Kilpatrick; herringbone oak floors, paneled library, leaded-glass floor-to-ceiling windows.

• Outdoor: Pool + hot tub, landscaped gardens, breezeway/terraces.

• Timeline & Price: Listed May 2025 at $26.5M → found a buyer in ~3 months at about $23.5M (reports The Wall Street Journal)

Why Emma Stone Sold her Austin House?

Even after turning the Tarrytown  estate into one of Austin’s  most enviable properties, Emma Stone and Dave McCary chose not to relocate.

In August 2025, they sold the home for about $23.5 million and continued life in Manhattan, anchored by their $12 million Upper West Side apartment.

The decision likely came down to several overlapping factors:

Production Company, Fruit Tree

Their production company, Fruit Tree, is firmly tied to partners and collaborators in New York  and Los Angeles.

Relocating to Texas would mean building those networks from scratch.

Stone's Hollywood Projects

Stone’s projects span Broadway, film,  and television.

Staying in New York keeps her close to rehearsals, premieres, and media commitments.

Lifestyle Alignment

Austin’s  scorching summers and slower rhythm  can be a shock for families accustomed to Manhattan’s  pace and cultural density.

What It Means for You?

Stone’s choice was about Hollywood obligations and New York infrastructure, not Austin itself.

If you’re not working in film, TV, or Broadway, Austin can actually be an incredible place to live:

• Lower cost of living compared to NYC or LA
  
  
• Access to space, privacy, and land that’s rare on the coasts
  
  
• A booming economy with strong tech, finance, and entrepreneurial communities
  
  
• Family-friendly neighborhoods with top-rated schools

A graceful red-brick front showcases Georgian-style masonry lines, balanced with black shutters, slender white columns, and a two-tiered portico reached by a stone staircase.

Staircase

The home has two unique staircases leading to the upper floor:

• one beside a wood-paneled coffered wall

• another designed as a white spiral

The upper level includes the primary bedroom, complete with a walk-in closet and a private ensuite bathroom.

Kitchen

The newly renovated kitchen is centered around a large island  with a second sink, extra counter space, and built-in storage.

There’s room for full-size professional appliances, a brown tile backsplash, and windows that open to views of the backyard.

Living & Dining Area

By design, the main living hall spells livability: huge ceilings, built-in wooden shelving, marble-accented fireplaces, and a combination of space suitable for daily life and hosting

Library/Spare Room

In addition to the main common areas, the home features a blue wood-paneled library as well as a playroom, which can also be used as a spare room if needed.

Walk-in Closet

The walk-in closet evokes a refined boutique mood, with lattice ceiling details that cast layered shadow patterns, luxurious yet inviting.

Ensuite Bathroom

Eclectic tile combination energize the bathroom floors and walls, paired with a deep, freestanding soaking tub, marrying quirkiness with relaxation.

Sunroom

Emma Stone's house features a glass-walled sunroom that opens directly to the backyard.

The stone steps and circular raised bed in the foreground lead up to the structure, which connects the main residence to the outdoor spaces.

On the inside, walls of glass usher light into this sun-soaked extension, complete with a kitchen island and seamless pool access. Perfect for breezy gatherings or quiet mornings.

Backyard & Gardens

The estate’s 1.24-acre grounds are designed like a modern country estate, with a manicured lawn, lush gardens, and water features.

The backyard features a cutting garden, which includes flowers specifically grown to be cut and used in floral arrangements, a fairy garden and lawn space for the family to gather and children to play.

Outdoor Pool

The backyard features a swimming pool and hot tub, surrounded by landscaped gardens and shaded patios.

The layout creates a private space for relaxing or entertaining, with direct access from the sunroom.

Guest House

A stone path leads to the two-bedroom guesthouse, which features its own living room and kitchen.

Its placement within the landscaped grounds makes it both independent and fully connected to the compound’s amenities.

Kitchen (Guest House)

The blue-hued kitchen merges bold visual appeal with practical design: navy cabinetry, built-in storage, and room for high-end appliances already planned by the renovation team.

Bar & Entertainment Space

Above the three-car garage sits a bar area with built-in wooden shelving  and a full-sized bar complete with a sink,  and a screening room.

Perfect for hosting friends over the weekend.

Thinking About Your Own Move?

Emma Stone  may have chosen New York  over Texas, but if you’re not tied to Hollywood, Austin offers a rare combination of space, privacy, and lifestyle perks you won’t find in Manhattan or Los Angeles.

At Austin Capital Mortgage, we:

• Shop 50+ lenders to secure your best rate
  
  
• Offer in-house underwriting for faster decisions
  
  
• Specialize in self-employed and jumbo loans, perfect for Austin’s luxury market
  

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 for every star moving in, there’s another quietly moving out. Most cite reasons such as:

• 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.

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.

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.

Here are some stats:

• 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

Get Off-Market Access

The most desirable estates never hit Zillow.

Work with a broker who has private network connections.

Understand Texas Law

Texas is a non-disclosure state.

Sale prices aren’t public, so market intel comes from agents, not online databases.

Plan for Financing

Jumbo loans and cash offers  dominate.

Having proof of funds or pre-approval is essential.

Start your pre-approval here.

Check Amenities vs. Price

Pools, guesthouses, and gated entries add long-term resale value in Austin’s climate and market.

Think Long-Term

Even with celebrities moving in and out, Austin’s corporate growth and migration patterns ensure sustained demand.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Emma Stone sell her Austin home?
   
   While Stone never confirmed publicly, industry observers note career logistics, family priorities, and lifestyle fit as likely reasons. With a young daughter and ongoing film and theater work, New York City provided more convenience than Texas.
   
   
2. How much did Emma Stone’s Austin home sell for?
   
   Reports indicate the property, located in Tarrytown, sold in August 2025 for approximately $23.5 million, slightly below its $26.5M listing price.
   
   
3. What makes Tarrytown Austin homes so desirable?
   
   Tarrytown combines old Austin charm with modern luxury. It offers large lots, tree-shaded streets, proximity to Lake Austin, and quick access to downtown. Homes rarely hit public MLS, with many sales happening privately.
   
   
4. Are celebrities still moving to Texas?
   
   Yes. While some celebrities like Emma Stone have opted out, Austin continues to attract notable figures, including Joe Rogan and Elon Musk.
   
   The draw is strong: no state income tax, luxury homes at lower prices than LA/NYC, and a vibrant cultural scene.
   
   
5. How is Austin luxury real estate performing in 2025?
   
   The market has stabilized after pandemic-era frenzy.
   
   Luxury inventory is up, creating balance. Properties in top-tier neighborhoods like Tarrytown, Westlake, and Barton Creek remain highly competitive, especially for off-market listings.
   
   
6. Is now a good time to buy Austin luxury real estate?
   
   For qualified buyers, yes. Inventory levels mean more negotiating power, while long-term demand is expected to remain strong due to corporate relocations, population growth, and Austin’s cultural profile.