The late Larry DeMartino taught landscape architecture at UTSA and had a hand in shaping many of the beloved parks and natural areas of San Antonio. He also advocated for the preservation of the Edwards Aquifer and local waterways.
But when it came to his own home, he was more of a mad scientist.
"It was his laboratory of ideas for 50 years," realtor Keri Neff said. "This house investigates how space shapes people and people shape space."
Contrasting materials and textures create unexpected mélanges in every space inside the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath abode. It's as if the structure is the physical embodiment of improvised jazz — music that surprises and challenges but somehow makes sense.
Downstairs, the 2,684-square-foot dwelling features a two-story living and dining room connected by an open floor plan. The nearby kitchen combines the disparate but complimentary textures of industrial steel and rustic wood. The first floor also features a butler's pantry, a family room and a heated, all-season porch offering year-round views of nature.
Though plywood walls are found in the living room and two bedrooms, they're not indications of unfinished business. Instead, they're intentional choices by DeMartino based on their texture.
Neff refers to the home as "material-forward," meaning DeMartino delighted in playfully reimagining everyday construction materials. Elsewhere in the home, rain gutters and plumbing are used as light fixtures.
Neff refers to the home as "material-forward," meaning DeMartino delighted in playfully reimagining everyday construction materials. Elsewhere in the home, rain gutters and plumbing are used as light fixtures.
Other unexpected details include a bowling ball mounted on the banister at the top of the staircase, as if to affirm that the home's whimsy will continue on the second floor.
The bathrooms also surprise with bold and unexpected choices. In one, DeMartino reimagined the very concept of a sink, which looks more like a small water fountain mounted on the wall. The sink was relocated from the former maid's quarters, one of two casitas on the property. As perhaps the bathroom's most peculiar detail, a lever controlling the water temperature is on the wall where one would expect to find the sink.
DeMartino, who had never stopped tinkering with the home, died of Parkinson's disease in 2021. The home is being sold as-is, with some of his projects still incomplete. The house also doesn't have central air-conditioning.
Though DeMartino's unconventional work begs to be continued, the next owner of the home will have to check with the Office of Historic Preservation before making changes to the exterior.
The asking price for the creative haven is $989,000.
This home is listed by Keri Neff, with North West Sales Office.
All photos and listing info via Realtor.com.
Every house has a story, and our mission is to tell San Antonio’s story through the lens of our community's historic and colorful homes. The San Antonio Current’s real estate features are not ads, and are strictly operated through our editorial department. But we love public input. Do you know of a unique San Antonio home that we should highlight? Let us know, and email [email protected].
All photos and listing info via Realtor.com.
Every house has a story, and our mission is to tell San Antonio’s story through the lens of our community's historic and colorful homes. The San Antonio Current’s real estate features are not ads, and are strictly operated through our editorial department. But we love public input. Do you know of a unique San Antonio home that we should highlight? Let us know, and email [email protected].
