A historic Monte Vista home recently listed for sale has reinvented itself many times since its 1897 construction.
First, it was the residence of a city attorney who rode a horse and buggy to the courthouse, according to the listing agent. Later, it spent 20 years as a bed and breakfast. Most recently, it was converted into law offices.
Now, it's back on the market and ready to be reinvented once more, either as residential property, doctor’s office or, well, who knows? Maybe both.
Though the 3,074-square-foot structure is currently zoned for commercial use, it can easily be converted back to residential, listing agent Jennifer Santrock said. Because of its longtime commercial use, the quarter-acre property has ample parking for up to 10 vehicles in addition to the two-car garage.
Santrock imagines the ideal buyer being a doctor or lawyer who wishes to live above his or her practice. She's already received one offer from an attorney, but that was rejected because it undercut the $985,000 asking price by too much.
The property will also appeal to families, Santrock believes, who can either enroll their children in private boys school San Antonio Academy right across the street, or at Keystone, largely considered one of the best private schools in San Antonio, which is within walking distance.
Inside, the house boasts three fireplaces and a dual-zone HVAC system. Between clients, the future owner can enjoy the serenity of a mosquito-free, screened-in porch.
Even the “bones” of the house are uniquely historic, according to Santrock, since it was constructed with balloon framing, a building style involving extra-long, contiguous pieces of lumber requiring very tall, mature trees. “Houses are just not built like that anymore,” she added.
The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home also features large, custom interior doors between rooms and crystal chandeliers hanging from its high ceilings, which add to the bygone opulence of the space.
“It’s just magnificent,” Santrock said. “That’s the word that comes to mind when I walk through the door. Magnificent.”
This home is listed by Jennifer Santrock with Phyllis Browning Co.
