Historically and Architecturally Significant Homes in San Antonio.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Castle Hills 3-2 Ranch Modern

Castle Hills 3-2 Ranch Modern 
A sneak peek before everyone else!
Historically and Architecturally Significant San Antonio Vintage Homes
 
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Metal screen with a quatrefoil  pattern

 Architectural Analysis

By: Architectural Historian Shelley Roff, Ph.D.

If you are looking for a 1960s modern Ranch Style home with a bold, minimalist aesthetic, you will love the house at 504 Travertine Lane. It is quintessentially Ranch and tastefully renovated to appeal to those who like modern design.

The house stands out from all others on the street like a piece of white sculpture placed in the midst of an expansive green lawn dotted by native Texas trees. The painted white vertical planes of the house recede under the low, almost horizontal line of two gabled roofs.

At the entryway, the eaves of the first gabled roof are supported by a tall, white brick column and a screen of alternating bricks and voids. This screen stands upright out of a low horizontal planter filled, in stark contrast, with brilliant summer greenery and orange flowers, a detail which is repeated at the mailbox near the street. The line of the second gabled roof extends directly over the garage, incorporating it into the body of the house.

The front door leads you into a narrow, cozy entry tiled with pink terrazzo. From this vantage point, the total layout of the house is immediately displayed before you. The den / dining space to the right opens to you transparently through a metal screen with a quatrefoil pattern, or, looking straight ahead, the white open space of the living room opens directly to the back patio and yard, through large, period sliding glass doors, probably by Arcadia. The view is into a large enclosed yard with a fabulous multi-branched tree in the center.

The interior of the house has the clean, slick feel of a modern art gallery. The metal screen, paneled walls, and built-in bookshelf are painted crisp white, and details such as doorknobs and light fixtures have all been tastefully updated with modern hardware in a contemporary, minimalist style. The dining area can be illuminated by a built-in tray near ceiling height---a modern version of the wall sconce.

In typical Ranch fashion, the more familial spaces of the house, the kitchen and bedrooms, are tucked to either side of the living room and take advantage of the view to the back yard. The kitchen has been completely.... [Follow link to continue reading with illustrated architectural history of Ranch Modern Castle Hills 3-2].

 

 504, Travertine Lane History with Images
 
 
  
 
 

Dear Barfield,

I really enjoy the sleek lines of a modern-style home.  504, Travertine LaneI particularly like the homes with the roofline that mimics the winglines of a B-52 coming in for a landing on the front lawn!

Our newest Silent Market offering is just such a home, a sleek modern ranch in Castle Hills that has been lovingly primped to a glowing, magnificent state. John and Suzanne, the owners, are fine examples of what I lovingly refer to as "OCD Sellers," so you can be sure this spacious home has no clutter and no detail has been left unattended. (Check out the transluscent garage doors!) love a well-kept home!
 
As usual, you have the first sneak peek at this new Silent Market listing. If you know anyone who is looking to buy a home and might appreciate this fine specimen in Castle Hills, please pass it on. I haven't put my sign out front and we haven't put it in MLS so your friends, co-workers and anyone else you care about can see it first.
 
By the way, you know anyone looking to buy or sell? We would love the opportunity to help them.
 
Joe Barfield, Broker, GRI, e-Pro, ecoBroker
210-846-9273
Specializing in Homes of Character & History
The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams
 

  Castle Hills 3-2 Ranch Modern - $219,900


Living Room
Living Room

Clean and modern feel to this updated mid-century home in Castle Hills . It retains the vintage character with a modern twist.

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  Neighborhood

Travertine WalkscoreCastle Hills is an incorporated city towards north-east San Antonio. Located just outside Loop 410, it is just minutes away from excellent restaurants and shopping, the downtown riverwalk, San Antonio International Airport, and South Texas Medical Center.

   The North Star mall and Alamo Quarry market are in close proximity for quick movies or shopping. DOUGH! Pizzeria Napoletana is the only certified "Verace Pizzeria Napoletana" in San Antonio. The Lodge Restaurant, Old San Francisco Steak House and Sushihana Japanese Restaurant are popular restaurants here.

The Castle Hills Elementary School and Jackson Keller Elementary School are located within a mile. And Lee High School hosts several charter schools including the School of the Arts and the International School.

 


 Some Wonderful Memories


Family Room
Family Room

The current owners, John and Suzanne, share their favorite memories of 504, Travertine Lane.

  • DOUGH! - just up the road from the house is our favorite restaurant. They have great pizza and a wonderful wine list. Margareta pizza is a favorite. I like to keep it simple. Honestly, everything is delicious!
  • My favorite part about living in this particular area of the neighborhood is that the people are humble and genuine.
  • I love the diversity. There are people of all ages and walks of life.
  • The schools are interesting and without a doubt, diverse due to the varying socio-economic statuses. Nimitz Middle School, Lee High School, and Castle Hills Elementary are great schools. Lee, in particular has a phenomenal art program (magnet school) Northeast School of the Arts.
  • Bird watching - for whatever reason there are so many wonderful birds in our area.
  • Watching our 2 year old son play in the back yard - There is so much room!
  • Each room has speakers and we would often listen to our favorite music and crank up the volume - It is such a great way let loose after a long day at work.
  • Sitting out back under the umbrella (eating, drinking, etc.) and reading the paper.
  • Having people over for a BBQ and relaxing in the back - such a great place.
  • Having our closest friends over for dinner soon after moving in - being our first home there was such a great sense of pride.
  • Having our neighbors come over for a beer and just relax - it is great when there is that level of comfort and openness.
  • WE LOVE riding our cruiser bicycles up to dough and sitting outside for dinner and glass of wine - or cruising on our bike to Gallery Nord to take in some art or coffee. If you have not been to this place, please go!
  • Walking to the Alamo Draft House right up the road to catch a film - we do this often.


There you have it. Please don't hesitate to respond to this email or call me or my team if you or someone you know might be interested in this home.

Sincerely,

Joe Barfield

The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams Alamo Heights
joe@joebarfield.com
210-846-9273

www.SanAntonioVintageHomes.com
www.JoesListings.Blogspot.com- Architectural History Blog
www.SAMusicAndArt.com
- Art, Music & Architecture Newsletter



The architectural write-up is provided by Dr. Roff. Any reference to families  is strictly academic. The Joe Barfield Group embraces all Equal Opportunity Housing Laws.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Beacon Hill 6-3 Neoclassical

Beacon Hill 6-3 Neoclassical  
A sneak peek before everyone else!
Historically and Architecturally Significant San Antonio Vintage Homes



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Fireplace
 Architectural Analysis
By: Architectural Historian Shelley Roff, Ph.D.
Once a grand house on the outskirts of San Antonio in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood; this 1911 Neoclassical home is in need of some tender loving care. It could be the perfect house for an architect or a couple who would love to restore the elegance and rich details of an historical house. Just recently, this house suffered from a fire on the upper front porch, whose structure was already sagging from a shift in the soil. Do note that the structure of the house is in fine, stable condition.
1002 Magnolia has a Victorian floor plan with a two-story corner wrap-around porch and adjacent enclosed sleeping porches. It is a typical Four-Square plan with the entry vestibule, kitchen, living and dining rooms each occupying one of the four corner of the house. On the second floor, these spaces are replicated by four bedrooms.
Victorian design, still very popular at the turn of the century, meant one could expect a large entry vestibule with an elegant staircase, high ceilings, wood boiserie wainscots, sculpturally-carved ceiling, door and window moldings and wallpaper. In fact, some of the original floral-patterned wallpaper was found attached to the wall boards upstairs, when the sheetrock was removed.
A traditional cast iron gaslight fixture still hang from the vestibule ceiling, now with modern electrical connections. Transom windows were designed above all the doors throughout the house to open at an angle and allow the air to circulate, without having to open the doors.
The plan may be Victorian, however the exterior style of the house is clearly Neoclassical Revival. Two prominent gables extend boldly over the curved walls of the enclosed sleeping porches and form classical pediments. Carved wood brackets, imitating stone corbels that would have been used by the Greeks, dress the underside of the eaves.
At the front door, slim fluted Ionic columns flank each side of the entry with the bottom third left bare (a detail I have seen in Early French Renaissance buildings). Doric columns dress the ground floor porch, although the capitals are now missing.
Following the correct rules of classicism, the upper porch columns are in the Ionic order, and the massive columns that support the sleeping porches to the north and east sides are also Ionic but adorned with fluting. The feature that most clearly distinguishes Neoclassical design from the earlier Greek Revival is large-scale two story columned entrance facades.
John and Alice Jackson built the house in 1911 and lived there for eight years. There is still quite a bit of evidence of Alice's taste in the home and her preference for classical details. The entry vestibule opens directly into the living room through a broad opening and the classical, rectangular panels of the wainscot extend, like a bar into this opening. (Presently, this detail has been filled in by a contemporary wall.) This opening was centered on the living room fireplace, whose wood adorn has recently been stained dark cherry by the present owner.
The living room opens directly to the dining room through another broad opening, which can be closed off by large paneled sliding pocket doors. The rectangular panel wainscot pattern and the classical molding of the doors and windows is mirrored in the glass-panel doors and ornamental frame of the built-in china cabinet. The fireplace surround and mantle in the dining room is constructed of... [Follow link to continue reading with illustrated Architectural History of Neoclassic Beacon Hill 6-3]
 1002, W Magnolia History with Images
  
Greetings!
Artists rendition after rehab
1002, Magnolia Avenue
The home at 1002 W. Magnolia is the iconic home in Beacon Hill that has its upper porch supported by 2x4's while awaiting some serious love.
Unfortunately, the current owner is not in a position to provide it after a fire dashed his plans last year.  Given the architectural significance of this property, the neighborhood, the owner, the San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation and the SA Conservation Society are all pulling together to help find a new steward for this home that has been designated "Historic Significant".
Although the interior and structure are surprisingly intact, this property will take some significant rehabbing estimated from $150,000 and up.  If you know someone who is interested in this sort of project, please pass this on to them.
Any reasonable proposal will be considered, but please understand that a project of this nature won't qualify for a normal mortgage and will have to proceed in a manner appropriate to a home designated a historic landmark. There are two apartments in back that may be useful during the rehab.
If this is the sort of property that interests you, then I invite you to read the Illustrated Architectural History of this Neoclassical as well as view additional photos online.
Take care,
Joe Barfield, Broker, GRI, e-Pro, ecoBroker
Specializing in Homes of Character & History
The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams
   Beacon Hill 6-3 Neoclassical - $89,900

Living Room
Living Room
Restoration opportunity. Neoclassical home in Beacon Hill, with wraparound porches, awaits new steward. Exterior appearance aside, interior & main structure in fine, stable condition.
  • 6 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms - $89,900.
  • 3,746 square feet + walk-up attic. 
  • See the photos.
  • Built in 1915.
  • Front porch suffered fire. Minimal damage to interior. Historic architectural integrity of the interior retained.
  • Large corner lot in Beacon Hill.
  • Wraparound porches.
  • 2 beautiful fireplaces on first floor.
  • Dining room with built in cabinets.
  • Massive pocket doors.
  • Elaborate door surrounds.
  • High vaulted ceiling - 11-12 ft ceilings on main floor.
  • 2 small apartments in back building.
  • Garage parking.
  • Living room, Dining room and Family room.
  • Hardwood Flooring.
  • Laundry area inside.
  • Located in San Antonio Independent School District.
  • Convenient to Trinity University, San Antonio College, Brackenridge Park, Woodlawn Lake and downtown San Antonio.
  • What else is Nearby?

  Neighborhood
Walkscore TileBeacon Hill is a wonderful array of architectural styles with the finest neighbors. It is wonderful in that you are 8 minutes from downtown, a dash to Trinity University or San Antonio College, and I-10 or Fredricksburg Road can zip you up to USAA, The Med Center, or UTSA (downtown or 1604). Brackenridge Park beckons to the East while Woodlawn Lake is a skip to the West. What a great location!
   You have San Antonio's top burgers within a half mile, including Chris Madrid's and The Cove. Vegetarian? Try Green Restaurant or The Cove. It is located in San Antonio ISD with some great schools nearby including Aspire Academy, Monte Vista Montessori and the Keystone School.



Built-in Cabinets
Built-in Cabinets

There you have it. Please don't hesitate to respond to this email or call me or my team if you or someone you know might be interested in this home.
Sincerely,
Joe Barfield
The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams Alamo Heights
joe@joebarfield.com
210-846-9273
www.SanAntonioVintageHomes.com
www.JoesListings.Blogspot.com- Architectural History Blog
www.SAMusicAndArt.com
- Art, Music & Architecture Newsletter


The architectural write-up is provided by Dr. Roff. Any reference to families  is strictly academic. The Joe Barfield Group embraces all Equal Opportunity Housing Laws.

New Silent Market Listings + $30k price reduction

Joe Barfield

The Joe Barfield Group

210-846-9273
of KW Alamo Heights 


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Here's a quick update. $30k price reduction.
Greetings!

My client is lowering the price on her 4-plex from $229,900 to $199,900. I though I would share that with you before I put the change in the MLS tomorrow afternoon. At $199k, that roughly ends up netting $1150 per month after mortgage, taxes & insurance are already paid.
Feel free to forward this on to anyone you know who might be interested in a cash-flowing investment property.
By the way, who do you know who is planning to move now or in the near future? Give me a call.
Joe Barfield - 210-846-9273


805 SummitBeacon Hill 4-plex

Fully rented - nets $1150 after mortgage, insurance & property taxes.
 Kitchen
Listing Price: was $229,900

This 1920's colonial has 4 large 1 bedroom units with seperate dining room or computer room. Includes hardwood floor, front loader washer & dryer in each unit. It has an excellent metal roof and foundation. These units are fully occupied and go for $575 per month. There are several colleges & universities in the area for easy leasing.
Tomorrow's listing price: $199,900Units: 4
Sq.ft: 2,988
Acres: 1/4 acre
   

Joe Barfield | 5170 Broadway, #11 | San Antonio | TX | 78209
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