San Antonio Neighborhoods Series ~ Monte Vista
Monte Vista is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is the largest such historical district in the country. The area is located less than 2 miles from downtown San Antonio and borders Trinity University.
Monte Vista prospered and blossomed during San Antonio's "Gilded Age" between 1890 and 1930 when the city emerged from being just an outpost for cattle drives and became the place where many rich people, particularly cattle barons and oilmen, started having elegant homes built in which to live and raise their families. Instead of the usual Spanish style architecture, San Antonio architects designed diverse homes in the style of Queen Anne, Georgian, Victorian, Neoclassical, Moorish, and many more styles that give Monte Vista a unique flavor all its own.
Monte Vista is known as a showcase of architectural diversity with homes designed by more than two dozen architects who adapted national trends to create an interesting mix of distinctive homes built for both the wealthy and for those of lesser means. This resulted in a mix of wealthy ranchers and oilmen living in the same neighborhood as schoolteachers, but with all living in houses designed and built by talented architects and builders.
Monte Vista has never fallen into decline and is the most extensive and intact neighborhood of this historical era in Texas.
Currently, the most expensive home on the MLS is listed at $995,000. This is a 3686 sf, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home that was built in 1929 and set on 1.10 acres. The listing agent says it is a historically significant home, built by famed architect Adams & Adams [for] concrete baron Charles Baumberger. The home has a guest house and maid's quarters.
Below is a photo of Bonner Garden Bed & Breakfast in the Monte Vista district.
Photo courtesy Bonner Garden Bed & Breakfast
Shirley - very nice intro, surely it made me think and want to check the neighborhood out...great job
With smiles,
Bo in Yukon
Shirley - I love your series on San Antonio neighborhoods. I'll have to plan an extra day the next time I'm in San Antonio to see some of them.
Hi Bo, Thanks!
Hi Sharon, Thanks. Give me call the next time you are here and we can do some looking together and have lunch or dinner.
Howdy there Shirley
I sure do like Historic places and Neighborhoods. Your sure doing a fine job of being the neighborhoods in SA to folks.
Hi, Shirley:
I love Monte Vista, especially the huge range of styles and exteriors, from German limestone to Mediterranean stucco to antebellum. It's a beautiful neighborhood.
Cheers,
Robin