A historic home and former church parsonage in Monte Vista has hit the market for $749,000, and it comes with a lot of history and more than just a fresh coat of paint.

“It’s one of the oldest on that block,” real estate agent Jennifer Classy with eXp Realty said about the house and its coveted north-of-downtown historic neighborhood.

Though the two-story residence is officially listed as being constructed in 1910, Classy says it could be older. Indeed, original documents suggest the property may date back to 1897.

As a plaque from the San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation on the front porch indicates, the dwelling is recognized on both the National Register of Historic Places and the City of San Antonio Historic Registry.

At one point, the property was used as the parsonage for the Laurel Heights Methodist Church across the street. The house was one of four properties on the block under the church’s ownership.

According to historic documents, Victor A. Raymond resided in another of the houses and someone named VP Brown resided in this one. Though little is known about VP Brown, Victor Raymond was a socialite who hosted events including benefit teas at the property, a 1909 newspaper clipping from the San Antonio Light indicates.

When the church acquired the property, it was painted salmon pink and remained that color until 2024.

The historic structure was only painted cream white when the current owners conducted a number of other updates.

Those included restoring the eye-catching double-decker front porch, including replacing all the wood. The property also got a new foundation, new plumbing, refinished hardwood floors and new windows.

Additionally, the owners opened up a screened-in back porch. This entailed moving a water heater and tearing down the screen walls.

Like any great century home, the property also has pocket doors, which have also been restored to their original glory.

“They really tried to keep it so it still looks like a historic home,” Classy said. “Some people, when they restore these houses, they end up looking really modern. This one, they really tried to preserve the history.”

This home is listed by Jennifer Classy with eXp Realty.

All photos and listing info via Realtor.com.

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