A quietly listed South Austin home once owned by actor Elijah Wood is turning heads again—not just for its Hollywood ties, but also for a backstory that’s pure Texas.
The 1890s Victorian farmhouse, now hitting the market at $3,195,000, didn’t always stand in Austin’s coveted Bouldin Creek neighborhood. According to KC Kitchen of Compass, the listing agent, the three-story home was originally built in Marlin, Texas, and later cut in half and hauled up I-35 to its current location.
“They literally put it on a truck,” Kitchen said. “They cut it in half, built a brand-new foundation in Austin, and reassembled it.”
The house was relocated in 2008, when a previous owner purchased the structure in Marlin, transported it south, and rebuilt it with the help of Austin architecture firm Spaller Glover, known locally for meticulous historic restorations. While the exterior and craftsmanship reflect its 19th-century origins, nearly everything else—foundation, HVAC, plumbing—was rebuilt to modern standards.
“It’s effectively an 1890 home with all new systems,” Kitchen said.
Years later, Elijah Wood—best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Radio Flyer and the FX series Wilfred—bought the home, drawn to its historic character and South Austin location. Wood owned the property until 2020, when Kitchen’s clients purchased it. At the time, the interior maintained a traditional aesthetic: white walls, dark floors and classic millwork.
“They really brought in this fun, whimsical vibe that still nods to the age of the house,” Kitchen said.
Before Austin became a celebrity hotspot, Elijah Wood was just another face in the crowd, often seen grabbing a bite at Franklin Barbecue, catching a show at the Highball, or checking out local music events. Instead of opting for a sprawling Hill Country estate or a gated compound, he picked a charming historic home right in the heart of the city—just steps from coffee shops, food trailers and Austin’s cultural core.
The property spans roughly 3,300 square feet, with four en-suite bedrooms, multiple porches, lush landscaping, a pool and a two-car garage—a luxury so close to downtown. Despite its age, the home is not formally landmarked, meaning future owners aren’t restricted by historic preservation rules.
Now quietly available to buyers, the home’s mix of celebrity history, architectural craftsmanship and literal Texas-sized journey is expected to draw swift interest.
“It checks all the boxes Austin buyers want,” Kitchen said. “Historic, playful, walkable—and with a story you just don’t see every day.”