Historically and Architecturally Significant Homes in San Antonio.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Terrell Hills 3-2 Bungalow -
a sneak peek before everyone else!
Architectural History

Architectural Historian
Dr. Shelley Roff

509 Rittiman Rd. is a story- book interpretation of "home" built during a time of crisis, in the midst of the last world war. Pre and post-war housing subsidized by the U.S. government provided young couples with hope for a future and a place to start a family.

These simple vernacular structures were made affordable by their small scale and by stripping the house of traditional yet expensive architectural detailing. Their beauty lies in their simplicity- the architectural form becomes architectural decoration.

The front porch is divided into three bays by slim wood posts supporting a board- and-batten pediment with shallow arches. The symmetrical design of the porch extends forward in contrast to an asymmetrical front façade.

The thin lines of the porch posts, the arches and the woodwork form a minimalist style that is repeated in the dimensions of the window frames and trim work both outside and inside the house. Both the house and the detached garage with its cross-brace wood lattice painted white form a privacy barrier for the back yard beyond.

The simple, slim lines of the house's exterior are reflected in its interior design, however with a subtle elevation in sophistication.

No contemporary middle- income house will provide you with the sophisticated details one can find in a 1940's pared-down bungalow. On the interior, continuous lines of molding and trimwork line the doors, windows and ceilings of every room.

A unique feature of this house is the multitude of corner windows. Virtually every corner of the house is celebrated with pair of windows creating a light-well effect on the interior.

The kitchen sink, paired with a window, is also neatly tucked into a corner, a detail often seen in post-war houses east of Broadway. The original beadboard wainscot and cabinetry of the kitchen have been beautifully restored. Homage to the 1950's is paid in the bathroom with its rose-pink tile lining the walls.

 src=Greetings!

I'm sure you know the drill by now... You get to know about my listings before I put it on MLS or put the sign up. There's an opportunity for your friends and co- workers to take a peek and consider it before the all the Realtors and other buyers.

Who's the first person who comes to mind who might be ready to buy a home? Please feel free to forward this on to them. It's a beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Terrell Hills and in excellent condition. Give us a call at 745-0892 for a peek.



Front

I love the simple lines of the 1940's bungalows. They have the hardwood floors and features of the earlier bungalows, but are built more to modern tastes with the coveted Master Bath and closets and every bedroom. You end up with a home that caters to modern tastes but in a warm, historic frame.

  • 3 bedrooms, 2 baths - $159,900
  • Hardwood floors
  • Large Backyard and detached Garage + shop
  • Conveniently located to downtown and I-35
  • NEISD Schools


  • The Location...
    Living Room

    Here's a link to all the listings in 78209 for 3-2's for under $200,000. Nothing touches this home. That link updates automatically. You can even click it to see what the competition is tomorrow- none. Frankly, when the owners click that link and see there's no competition, I bet they will call me so we can raise the price! [no joking- I expect that call...]

    I love this area. There are so many different types of cuisine to choose from. There is excellent Thai and Korean and there's even a good Mexican restaurant within walking distance. I-35 is a blink away so you can launch to Gruene Hall or Austin. 410 is a blink to the north so you can dash off to The Med Center or whatever it is that people do north of the loop.



    Mike and Megan's Top 10 Memories of 509 Rittiman
    Rear View

    Mike and Megan (& young Finn!) fell in love with their home the first time they walked in door. They have put a lot of work into Caring for their home, so they hate to go, but go they must. I asked them for their Top 10 memories and this is what they shared:

  • Walking to Spectrum for yoga class or a swim
  • Eating at Tong' s Thai, Twin Sisters, Bun & Barrel and Adelante
  • Visiting with neighbors and their dogs over the side fences
  • Sitting on the back porch after work, relaxing with a beer, reflecting about our days
  • Roasting marshmallows in the outdoor fireplace
  • Running to Rittiman Hardware for small projects and Lowe's for bigger ones
  • Quick trips to the AT&T Center
  • Dinner at Mon's Thai Bistro and dessert at Central Market
  • Watching Mike teach Finn the finer points of grilling from our kitchen window
  • Family Sundays at the McNay

  • Please don't hesitate to respond to this email or call me or my team for more information (745-0892). I won't be ready to list this on the MLS for everyone else to see until next week, so you have a brief window of opportunity to tour this home before it is released to the public. Of course, we can also work with your Realtor.

    I hope you can make it to the Open House on Sunday at 2pm!

    Sincerely,


    The Barfield Group of Keller Williams Realty

    email: joe@joebarfield.com
    phone: 210-733-1928
    web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=dhjrh4bab.0.e4fy7yaab.kg998rn6.16301&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.SanAntonioVintageHomes.com

    A referral is when you send someone you care for to someone you trust. If there is someone you care for that may be looking for a move in the near future, please don't keep me a secret. We do things a little differently, and it works!

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    Joe Barfield PO Box 90973 San Antonio TX 78209

    Wednesday, April 18, 2007

    Victorian in King William-
    a sneak peek before everyone else!
    Architectural Analysis
    Column

    Architectural Historian Dr. Shelley Roff researches all of our listings.

    924 South Main Street, built in 1907, is a Texas variant of the Folk Victorian. This style is defined by Victorian detailing on simple folk house forms, generally much less elaborate than the actual Victorians. In these more humble Victorians, woodworking detail is usually reserved for the porch and the cornice at the roof's edge.

    The height and proportions of this house are elegant, perhaps even more so due to the spare but elegantly crafted woodwork both inside and outside the house.

    Wide, flat, jigsaw cut trim ornaments the windows, doors and vergeboards under the roof. Rather than displaying Queen Anne- type turned spindles for the porch railing, square posts and minimalist Doric capitals give the porch an Italianate character. This character is enhanced by a deeply projecting classical molding over the front door.

    Although the rusted rooster-bell knocker is not original to the house it certainly adds to its antique character. A local, early 20th-century manufacturer must have provided the diamond pattern divided light widows, which can be seen in many houses from this era in this neighborhood.

    The house is surrounded on two sides by a wide two tier veranda, perfect for rocking chairs, sipping lemonade and watching the neighbors stroll by. The sky blue paint, traditionally found on porch ceilings of this era, was used to prevent wasps and other insects from building nests.

    The original owners went to great expense to ornament the public areas of the house: the vestibule and staircase, front parlor and dining room. Extensive boiserie, a type of carved wood paneling with raised moldings, decorates the piers and walls. This method of ornamenting walls originated in 17th- century France and was made popular in Texas with the influx of French immigrants in the mid-19th century.

    These decorative panels were used not only on the walls but also to embellish doorways, windows, cupboards and shelves. A simple crown molding adds a touch of elegance to the interior windows and transoms, and the minimalist Doric capital seen on the exterior porch is repeated on interior piers and the newel of the upper staircase.

    The second floor has two new additions that enhance the historical character of this house; Two stand-alone closets embellished with classical cornices and beadboard siding give character to a bedroom, and an old-fashioned standing curtain-rod over a claw-foot bathtub give an antique look to the bathroom that has all the modern conveniences and plumbing the original owners would never have dreamed of.

     src=Greetings!

    Just wanted to let you know about a home in King William that's coming on the market before I put it on MLS or put the sign up. There's an opportunity for your friends to take a peek before the rush.

    Please feel free to forward it on to anyone you might know who is looking for a gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in King William. They can give us a call at 733-1928 for a peek.



    King William Victorian - Exquisite Neighborhood
    Front View of Home

    Here is an interesting home in the King William neighborhood. It's clearly a Victorian-style home, but it isn't dripping with all the classic gingerbread details you might associate with Victorian architecture. I prefer this Tex-German simple Victorian style seen around King William.

    As you can imagine, this 2- story home is roomy and has the wrap around porch and balcony that you expect in an older historic home built back when things were built right.

  • 4 bedrooms, 3 baths - $424,900
  • Hardwood floors
  • Big Backyard and detached workshop
  • 2,351 square feet + balcony and porch!
  • Half a block from the riverwalk


  • Clawfoot Tub

    It's amazing how close to downtown you can live, and still be in a nostalgic tree-lined neighborhood. The riverwalk is just a half block away- great for jogging or bird watching. There's even a ramp for easy portage of your canoe or kayak. Consider competing in the annual King William Yacht Club Fourth of July Regatta with local luminaries like Mike Casey.



    Kitchen

    The King William area is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in San Antonio. The architectural history, visual arts resources, and performance arts facilities are amazing. There are a ton of great restaurants, bars and shops to boot. First Friday and Second Saturday Southtown Artwalk emphasize the local art resources every month.

    King William Fair is a favorite Fiesta event for many with its emphasis on local music and art.

    All this within walking distance of home!


    Please don't hesitate to respond to this email or call me or my team for more information (733-1928). I won't be ready to list this on the MLS for everyone else to see until next week, so you have a brief window of opportunity to tour this home before it is released to the public.

    Sincerely,

    Joe Barfield
    The Barfield Group of Keller Williams Realty


    email: joe@joebarfield.com
    phone: 210-733-1928
    web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=pev995bab.0.e4fy7yaab.kg998rn6.16301&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.SanAntonioVintageHomes.com

    A referral is when you send someone you care for to someone you trust. If there is someone you care for that may be looking for a move in the near future, please don't keep me a secret. We do things a little differently, and it works!

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    Joe Barfield PO Box 90973 San Antonio TX 78209
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