Ayres designed over 200 homes in the neighborhoods of Olmos Park, Monticello Park and Terrell Hills. Though each Ayres home is unique, certain hallmarks of his style are evident in this palatial estate, built in 1929.
From the curb, the 4,026-square-foot house creates an immediate impression of luxury with a wrought-iron gate that opens onto a long footpath. The five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath dwelling is done in the Spanish Colonial Revival style that was a favorite of Ayres — witness its Spanish tile roof and stately columns. An ornate wooden door with wrought-iron details opens into foyer that includes a carpeted grand staircase and distinctive archways between rooms.
The ground floor of the two-story house includes two butler's pantries along with a powder room, a breakfast room, a dining room and a solarium. The breakfast room's patterned wallpaper is particularly eye catching and chic. Its busy-but-muted dots are offset by elegant crown molding.
In the solarium, natural light spills onto the green pattern of a Spanish tile floor. The room's arched windows are divided by faux columns, creating an optical illusion of a sealed loggia.
On the way up the stairs, a built-in reading nook on a landing takes advantage of the natural light from another arched window. Upstairs, the primary bedroom features an elegant marble- and turquoise-tiled en suite bath and a large walk-in closet. The primary suite also harbors one of three fireplaces throughout the home.
Outside, the property features a modern pool plus a long veranda in the signature Spanish Colonial Revival style for which Ayres was known.
Ayres was active from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. His more than 500 design jobs also include Municipal Auditorium, the Plaza Hotel and San Antonio's first skyscraper, the Smith Young Tower.
This home is listed by Diane Craig with RE MAX Associates.
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