 The Judge's Chambers
This Alamo Heights home takes on an awesome new addition while mainitaing
the integrity of the neighborhood
by BONNY OSTERHAGE
photography
by ROBERT FRENCH
What is a home’s “wow” factor? The answer to that
question really depends on the homeowner. For
some it might be a perfectly appointed atmosphere
resplendent in elegance. For others it could be a starkly
modern, minimalist home with exceptional architectural
lines. Often, however, it lies in the intangible: the overall feeling
you get when you walk through the front doorway and
all you can say is, “Wow!”
For one Alamo Heights homeowner, the “wow” factor
meant a home that was polished and put together without
being stuffy or formal, a home that could serve as an elegant
backdrop for entertaining one night and a casual hangout for
three children, their friends and one rather large English bulldog
(named “The Judge”) the next day.
Sounds like a tall order … but with a solid team consisting
of a top-notch architectural designer, talented builders and an exceptional interior decorator, the
family’s home was transformed from a
4,629-square-foot mismatched mess to a
5,215-square-foot multi-functional, unified
showplace that was recently featured
on the American Institute of Architects
(AIA) Tour of Homes.
Of course, the dog wasn’t sure about all
the people who filed through on the tour; he
thinks the entire house is his alone — The
Judge’s private chambers, indeed.
The house that ate the lot
The 1930s Colonial Revival style home,
situated on a corner lot, consisted of a main
house and a separate guesthouse or maid’s
quarters. Previous owners built additions to
the home, including a detached carport
and a wooden structure that connected the
maid’s quarters to the main house. The
result was a hodgepodge of materials and
styles that gave the appearance of a home
that had been piecemealed together.
“The house was in wretched condition,”
says the owner. “Everything was
either very old or a poorly done addition,”
she adds. “It was the house that ate
the lot.”
The family made the best of things
and dealt with inconveniences such as
leaky rooftops and drafty windows, until
the time came to make the decision to
sell or remodel.
They opted for the latter.
 Starting from scratch
Poor quality aside, one of the biggest
beefs the owners had with the existing
additions was the lack of continuity.
They wanted a home that flowed easily
for entertaining and featured outdoor
access from every room — and that was
just aesthetics!
They also wanted a home that was
energy-efficient and boasted lots of
amenities, including ample storage
space, a large kitchen and a luxurious
master bathroom and closet — all of this
while still maintaining the integrity and
charm of a 1930s-styled home.
With their ideas in mind, the owners
called upon architectural designer Aline
Yoldi to put their vision on paper. Next,
they brought in David Cody of Cody
Enterprises as the general contractor.
With everyone ready to start, the family
moved out and the walls came tumbling
down!
“They actually took it down to the
studs,” marvels the owner.
Rules and regulations
Remodeling a home is almost
always challenging, but remodeling a
home in Alamo Heights can take the challenge to a new level.
First, there are some very strict rules that include square foot, height and
setback limitations based on lot size, as well as guidelines that dictate style
and appearance.
Then there are the neighbors, all of whom are invited to attend when plans
are presented to the city board for approval. Everyone must be in agreement on
the proposed project, or it’s back to the drawing board.
“One person (a neighbor) didn’t like one aspect of our plans, so we had to go
back a second time,” says Yoldi.
Once the project was given the green light, a flurry of activity ensued. Nearly
one year later, a masterpiece was created.
 From house to home
The fabulous curb appeal of this home
gives no indication that the structure was
essentially rebuilt from the ground up.
The front entrance features a new
24-foot wide by 7.5-foot deep porch that
begs you to sit and stay a while, and the
modern shutter-free windows add to the
overall exterior ambiance.
Inside, energy efficiency was obtained
by replacing all of the old windows and
doors with double-paned insulated glass,
laying new wood, tile and carpet flooring
throughout, using metal roofing, blowing
in new insulation and replacing all of the
old wiring and air-conditioning ducts. A
basement serves as a mechanical room
where every appliance has its own individual
hot and cold-water cut-off, and the airconditioning
system is divided into four
zones, allowing it to be turned off in the
unused rooms.
“I’m as in love with what you can’t
see as what you can,” says the owner.
But what you can see is breathtaking.
All of the owner’s wishes (and a
few fantasies) were granted. Highlights
include a spacious kitchen boasting plenty
of cabinets, an eat-in breakfast area, a
central island, a large pantry, a temperature-
controlled walk-in wine cooler,
granite counters and two of every stainless
steel appliance.
The master bathroom is a study in luxury
with travertine tile, double vanities, a
deep tub showcased by a stunning colorful glass chandelier by
Gini Garcia of Garcia Art Glass Inc. in the King William district,
and a decadent walk-in shower with four shower heads
and a steam feature.
The eyesore addition was transformed into a multi-functional
family room that unifies the rest of the home, and a
former laundry room is now a home gym.
Access to the outdoors is available in every room, including
those on the second story, where French and single doors lead
to balconies. The outdoor access provides ample enjoyment of
the beautiful renovated flagstone patio, pool, courtyard with
pond and lovely landscaping.
To add the finishing touches to this extraordinary home, the
owners relied on interior decorator Jennie Maples. Maples
replaced the former bold color scheme with a neutral palette
of soft yellows and soothing greens to complement the light,
airy atmosphere and serve as a backdrop for the family’s
unique art collection, which includes a new entryway filled
with 28 botanical prints.
“The result is cleaner, lighter, brighter and more polished,”
says the owner of her fabulous new abode.
All we can say is “Wow!”
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