All That is Gold Does Not Glitter

Touring the Dominion Hills in 78257

While touring the Dominion Hills Condominium Subdivision with a client, we ran across an interesting property that seemed a bit out of place. Typically, you’ll find that homes for sale in the Dominion Hills currently range from $329,000 to $2,099,999 or $158.50 to $362.06 per square foot. They’re condos with a residential home feel; Gated community with the option to join The Dominion Country Club. HOA amenities include landscaping, irrigation, pest control, and domestic water for daily use.

After completing our tour, my client asked me if I knew what the white house that seemed so out place was doing right in the middle of all these nicer homes. I jokingly replied, “I’m not sure, but I would assume the developer will be tearing it down as soon as possible.” Not satisfied with my answer, I stuck around a while after my client left. I walked over to the house and found several men working cautiously inside. I continued to ask, “Sorry to bother; but what is this older home doing here?” They replied that “This place has historical significance and it use to belong to the Lucchese family. As in Lucchese boots.” I never would have guessed. The next few minutes talking to these guys really helped put it into perspective. 

They proceeded to tell me a story they heard from the current owner of the property. Turns out this home was built back in the day in the middle of nowhere. They said it belonged to one of the Lucchese brothers and served as a safe house for the gangster brother. An artist friend by the name of Peter Hurd also took up residence there for a time. While a tenant, he produced several sketches, decorations, and hand painted tiles that are thought to be priceless.  This was the answer to our question of why this otherwise non typical Dominion home was there. I’m not sure what they plan on doing with the home or its treasures but it’s discoveries such as that keep me excited to do my job in real estate.

This proves that one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Some things are more valuable than you’ll ever know. The new Dominion Hills homes are fortunate to be surrounding such a unique property. You can find additional information on the Lucchese family history and Peter Hurd online.

Oscar Felan

 Looking for someone who goes the extra mile to find out as much about a neighborhood as they can for their clients? Call me! 

                          Oscar Felan, Realtor / River Valley Real Estate Co.

(210)-793-3493 / oscar@rvreco.com

www.rivervalleyre.com

Upgrade your Racks! A summer craft for the Huntress or wife of a hunter.

Being the wife of an avid deer hunter, I love the horns collected and well earned through the process of the hunt. Bill, my husband can tell you where, when and how the shot was made and in all its full glory. In our home the horns carry memories, traditions and a reminder of the next hunting season.

 Decorating with the trophies isn't anything new. Many lodges, country homes and farm houses hang them proudly. However, in recent years modern homes, eclectic homes , and even up scale restaurants are using horns as decor. I've seen them gilded, with rhinestones, sprayed white, and moss covered. The problem decorating with them, is that although I personally love the covered velvet and the 80's green and red, they just don't fit our interior styles today. I have one answer to upgrading those beloved "racks" so that they have a better chance of coming out of the man cave or garage and front and center in your living areas.

First, start by removing the cap (in green) by pulling out the top and bottom nails that keep it attached and the gold metal plate. Those both pop off easily. Then sand the wood. This will help the paint adhere to the wood. 

 After wiping off the wood plaque, I paint using a Black multi surface acrylic. It does take two layers which won't take very long to dry. *Use whatever paint color and finish you think will look best. I used the black satin because my bedroom has neutral colors with blacks and grey.


While paint is drying remove the velvet from the styrofoam cover. The older racks have little staples that I saved to re-use. Then, I cut out a square piece of my new fabric. For my racks I used a basic burlap but there were many choices like grey, black and brown. I chose natural because I didn't want to match exactly. I like the contrast of black, burlap and horn color. Move around the styrofoam re-pinning and hot gluing, pulling fabric taunt as you go.  All that's left now is to re-nail the cover with the new fabric back onto the plaque. Use the same nail heads which should back into the original holes.

Here are 5 sets that hang proudly in our bedroom.  * Please note that keeping them close together and in an odd grouping keeps them a focal without being overwhelming.

The real visionary in this of course is the hunter who tirelessly surrenders to the cold conditions every year to bring me deer meat and horns. So, I'd like to thank Husband Bill!


Written By: Mandy Barkley
with River Valley Real Estate

San Antonio's East Side....Getting down and Diggy with it!

There seems to be an abundance of activity surrounding The City of San Antonio’s historic

Dignowity Hill neighborhood these days. Named after Dr. Anthony Michael Dignowity, San Antonio’s first residential suburb was established during the later part of the nineteenth century and was considered home to most of SA’s prominent merchants and business owners who constructed large estates. By the year 1914, Dignowity Hill had the railroad, an iron works factory, a streetcar trolly line, and an extended water and sewer system. By the 1930s, the neighborhood eventually grew to include small Folk Victorian style houses and Craftsman Bungalows. Most home builders will agree that these early homes were built of the highest quality, skill, and pride at the time. It’s no wonder most are still around today.

After years of neglect, many investors eventually saw the potential of these homes, the neighborhood, and the desire of city residents to return to the core of San Antonio.  With urban renewal becoming a priority, the neighborhood currently finds itself in flux with 20 new homes being built and remodeled at the moment.  Ready to become the next new resident of such an amazing neighborhood?  If so, you’ll find (in various states of restoration) house prices in Dignowity Hill that range between $65,000 and $275,000. 

It is safe to say that living downtown allows for one to partake in the best of San Antonio. With downtown revitalization came new restaurants, shops and cultural activities. The heart of the city is literally within walking distance from this neighborhood.  On any given day you’ll see residents of Dignowity Hill strolling down to breakfast at Pancho and Gringo’s or lunch at DignowityMeats.  Others might be found shopping at Good Goods (home décor) store, owned by local designer D’Ette Cole.  For those who walk or cycle across the Hays Street Bridge there is the Luxury, Augie’s Alamo City BBQ & Steakhouse or you can check out the up and coming chefs selling their wares out of the coolest food trucks you’ve ever seen at Pink’s Food Park and Bar.  The SanAntonio Museum of Art always makes for a great afternoon.  Or a walk with your pup, in a very dog-friendly neighborhood, around Dignowity or Lockwood Park.  Some might wrap up the day with friends and a taste of San Antonio’s best craft beers or one of the finest cocktails in town.  The nearby options are vast and abundant….Big Hops; Alamo Beer Hall; VFW Post 76; the Brooklynite or Paramour are only a few of the establishments nearby.  Some of us simply visit with neighbors as we sit on our Porch and enjoy the beautiful sunset and downtown skyline….which is the reason I moved into this neighborhood.

 Care to learn more about San Antonio’s East side and Dignowity Hill? Contact me today! Oscar Felan with River Valley Real Estate, 210-853-5327

Dreaming of a Mystic Life?

Mystic Shores @ Canyon Lake

Featured by River Valley Real Estate

Mystic Shores is rich not only in its fertile river valley land, but with its heritage and ties to Texas history.  Remnants of earlier settlers can still be found today, from the old German school house, rock formations and Lipan Indian arrowheads discovered throughout Mystic Shores.  Anita Lindsey, daughter of the “711 Ranch” owners, the original name of Mystic Shores said, “that the land was meant to be lived on and loved”, and the current property owners and association are doing just that, making a place to fall in love with!

Historical information about Mystic Shores was found @ www.mysticshorespoa.com. Rieker, Paula (History of Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake) October 2015.

Just a quick drive up 281 North to Highway 306 you’ll find Mystic Shores in Spring Branch, TX. Charming towns like Gruene, Fredericksburg, Boerne and Luckenbach are all within a 45 minute proximity.

River Valley has eight gorgeous lots offering a variety to its buyers. Some have views of Canyon Lake and the 140 acre nature preserve, while others are interior lots closer to the exclusive and incredible amenities.  The larger lots are livestock approved adhering to what Mystic Shores was originally, a cattle ranch.

Living in Mystic Shores is hill country living at its best. The active community has exercise groups, gaming nights, community barbecues and much more. They can do these because of the countless amenities available to the owners:

Open air pavilion

2 swimming pool areas

140 acre nature preserve

Concrete walking paths

2 volleyball courts

Playground

2 tennis courts

RV and boat storage

As San Antonio continues to grow, more families will look for such communities like Mystic Shores. If you’re one of those in search of your piece of Texas history call us at River Valley Real Estate, 210-853-5327. Or visit our website @ www.rivervalleyre.com