296 Overlook

http://www.tourfactory.com/s722084/r_www.blinkx.com Situated within Highridge at Riverhill overlooking the Guadalupe River valley sits the historic Monte Vista Manor, a breathtaking estate that sprawls over 1.78 acres. The 5,089 square foot ivy-covered main house was originally built in 1925 by prominent society woman Mrs. John Leckie of New York City. The Norman style residence was designed by San Antonio architect Richard van der Stratten and was constructed of native stone gathered from the surrounding hills. No expense has been spared in this newly renovated masterpiece; it is an opportunity to own an important piece of real estate in the history of Kerrville, Texas. GENERAL PLAN AND OBSERVATION DECK The craftsmanship is beautiful and magical throughout, featuring five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms of the finest quality and design for the most discriminating client. Large and commodious hallways connect the different sections of the home and the stairways leading to the upper story and to the observatory on the roof are in perfect appointment with the rest of the structure. The general plan of the building is after the old Norman style of architecture, as far as exteriors are concerned. However, instead of the old style towers and turrets surmounting the castle, the roof of the structure is strictly modern, being of the flat variety, surrounded with iron balustrades. The original plans for the building called for a dancing platform on the rooftop. From this vantage point one can gain the most impressive view of the hill country from all directions. ENTRY, FORMAL LIVING AND FORMAL DINING The main entrance of the manor faces south, with a massive portico through which runs the driveway. The main entry to the house is finished off with hand wrought hinges, iron work and a Yale lock. The entire front of the home is devoted to the spacious living room and dining room, which are joined by the foyer entrance so that they can be linked together into one large room 60 feet in length. At the extreme end of both of these rooms are matching fireplaces, constructed of selected native boulders in a manner that is unique as well as pleasing to the eye. There is beautiful natural light from the original metal and hand-blown glass windows (shipped from England) that you will find throughout as well as rich oak hardwood floors. GOURMET KITCHEN The gourmet kitchen is masterfully equipped with top-of-the-line built-in appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Fisher & Paykel commercial range with grill, griddle and four gas burners. The adjoining walk-thru butlers pantry contains extra storage for small appliances and kitchenware in the original stainless steel and glass door cabinetry. The beverage center boasts a dual zone wine chiller, undermount sink and glassware storage. Finishing touches include a basket-weave travertine backsplash, custom tufted cabinets in a pearl glaze, designer fixtures and hardware, granite countertops and polished travertine floors. Offering maximum storage space and optimal organization, this kitchen was designed for the true chef. FAMILY MEDIA ROOM AND BREAKFAST AREA The family media room and breakfast area was designed to be a space that allows for pleasant, comfortable television watching, gathering around the table for games and conversation or for quiet reading. The entertainment system cleverly incorporates the use of a modified original and ornate door to compliment the character of the home and the open floorplan allows you to conveniently access the gourmet kitchen as well as the outdoor patio, grill area (with built-in oven) and gas fire pit with ease for entertaining. SPA Take time from your busy day to relax in the all stone spa room located on the first floor of the main house and accessible from the pool area. Amenities include a separate lavatory, steam shower, dry sauna and an oversized jacuzzi tub. BONUS ROOM Also located on the main floor is a bonus room overlooking the pool area that is currently being utilized as a craft room. This private and flexible space could be utilized as a guest room or a potential home office. UPSTAIRS All the rooms feature copious amounts of space and impressive detailing unlike any other. Architectural details include Juliet balconies, beautifully adorned fireplaces, broad hallways and extra closet storage. There are a total of two fireplaces, four bedrooms and three full bathrooms (including the master suite) on the second floor. Many of the spaces are versatile enough to be utilized for other functions such as a third living area, study, game room or home gym. MASTER SUITE A luxurious master suite beckons with a wood burning fireplace surrounded by a hand carved antique mantel piece and a Juliet balcony for watching sunsets. There is additional room for a sitting area and a large walk-in closet. MASTER BATHROOM This magnificent, expansive space brings the outdoors inside with floor to ceiling French windows with frosted glass and cascading English ivy. For those who like to take their time in the bathroom, a 10-inch waterproof TV/mirror can be viewed from inside the walk-in shower. Additional features include heated tile floors, soft lighting and built-in speakers. A deep pedestal soaking tub and crystal chandelier grace the master bath while a granite-topped dual vanity island simulates the look of free-standing furniture. DETACHED IMPROVEMENTS 1,092 square foot detached guest house with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen, living room, fireplace dining area and utility room. 1,025 square foot pool house with billiard room, cantina bar, bathroom, fitness gym area and additional room for a possible bedroom or extra storage. One-car garage detached with room for a workshop. TENNIS COURT, POOL & GROUNDS The impeccably manicured grounds consist of meandering stone paths, a true diving pool with a depth of 12 feet, tennis court and childrens tree house. The crepe myrtles and verbena bushes date back to the 1920s along the driveway and there is an orchard located between the pool and guest house that has been planted with nectarine, peach, plum, apple, and apricot trees. The fenced garden area will provide a bounty of assorted fruits, vegetables and herbs. DETAILS & RECENT UPDATES Original hardware on doors and windows Majority of the windows feature original hand-blown glass Nearly undetectable cellular solar shades on all windows Pier-and-Beam foundation for main house. All other structures have slab foundations. No sheetrock within the main home. All walls are thick plaster. 2-Zone Commercial HVAC system: Recently replaced (fall 2010). Central Heat for the main home is gas. Central Air Conditioning is electric. 3 gas water heaters for the main house. Spacious Utility Room with washer and dryer hookup within the main house. Automatic sprinkler system throughout the property. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout. Wireless internet. The property is exempt from paying HOA fees (grandfathered) All city services.

Submission | April 2, 2011