LIVE // San Antonio & The Hill Country

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YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING IN SAN ANTONIO & THE HILL COUNTRY

SHAVANO PARK PARADISE FEATURES PLENTY OF ROOM AND AMENITIES FOR GUESTS

BY CULTUREM AP CR E AT E COVER PROP ERT Y: 21 8 BL AC K JAC K OA K

LIVE ISSUE IV // 2019

Imagine living in a home that feels as much like a resort as it does a sanctuary from the everyday. The exquisite custom one-story home at 218 Blackjack Oak fits the bill, with numerous options for entertaining as well as the utmost in comfort and privacy.

The 6,531-square-foot home sits on 1.1 acres in Shavano Creek, with the four-bedroom main house sharing space with a 2,000-square-foot guest home that is ideal for a mother-in-law or visitors who would appreciate the full kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms.

The private master bedroom in the main house, meanwhile, connects to its own study or exercise room. Both dwellings feature wood, tile, and stone floors, and the main home showcases a great room with high ceilings, wood beams, and stone columns.

That space flows directly out to expansive covered patios that overlook a beautiful pool and spa, complete with a waterfall, and lush landscaping.

You can enjoy entertaining in the amazing outdoor pavilion, with its 20-foot-high ceilings, gas fireplace, abundant seating, mounted television, and top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen with granite counters.

Feeling athletic? The home has its very own sport court with basketball hoop for even more recreation.

6 BE DS // 4 FUL L , 1 H A L F BAT HS // 6,53 1 S F // $ 1 ,69 0,0 0 0 SE E MO R E : W W W. 2 18BL ACK JAC KOA K.CO M

MARK ETED BY BARBARA F I N C H 210.602.0041 // BA RBA RA. F I N C H @SOT H E BYS RE ALT Y.CO M BA RBA RA FINCH. KUP ERRE ALT Y.CO M

FESTIVE POP-UP CHRISTMAS BAR JINGLES INTO SAN ANTONIO FOR HOLIDAY SEASON “THE IMMERSIVE E XPERIENCE WILL BE THE AL AMO CIT Y DEBUT FOR THE CONCEPT, WHICH OPERATES MORE THAN 100 POPUPS IN MA JOR U.S. CITIES DURING THE SE ASON."

BY BRANDON WATSON P HOTO COURT ESY O F M I RAC L E

O RI GI N AL LY S E E N O N CULT URE M AP.CO M

I

f more than 100 years of cinematic history has taught us anything, it’s that holiday spirit always win. Though the cancellation of the 2018 Christmas-themed pop-up bar Miracle had many San Antonians saying “bah humbug,” the faint sound of jingle bells is once again in the air.

According to a release, Miracle on Houston Street will take over Jet-Setter November 25 through December 31. The downtown lounge will be transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkly decor and a limited-time themed cocktail menu.

The immersive experience will be the Alamo City debut for the concept, which operates more than 100 pop-ups in major U.S. cities during the season. Miracle initially intended to open at Pastiche in 2018, but an unforeseen delay in the bar’s opening caused those plans to be thwarted.

Greg Boehm, owner of online bar supplies emporium Cocktail Kingdom, originally launched Miracle in 2014. As he was finishing construction of his bar Mace in New York City during the holiday season, his mother gave him a piece of good advice. Instead of rushing to finish the build-out, he bedazzled the unfinished space with Christmas kitsch.

His mom’s idea turned out to be an endearing one. Today, the concept has spread internationally. It first popped up in Texas in 2017 with stops in Austin and Fort Worth.

Like every other location. Miracle on Houston Street will serve a cocktail menu created by the concept’s longtime manager Joann Spiegel. Some of the more intriguing drinks include the Koala-La La La, La La La La with gin, pine tea cordial, grapefruit oleo, and eucalyptus bitters and the Christmas Carol Barrel with blanco tequila, coffee liqueur, and Mexican spices. Jet-Setter’s co-owner and notable cocktail obsessive Benjamin Krick approves.

“Like our traditional menu, the Miracle menu is all about quality ingredients,” he said via release. “They are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.”

All of the drinks are served in custom Cocktail Kingdom mugs, coupes, and highballs for extra Instagramability. A limited amount of the themed glassware will be available for purchase.

If the success of previous Texas pop-ups is any indication, San Antonio’s Miracle will be a merry madhouse.

FOR M O R E SA N A NTONIO STORIES LIKE T HIS, V I S I T SA NANTONIO.CULTUR EMA P.COM

MOVE-IN READY HOME BY SONTERRA COUNTRY CLUB

LIVE ISSUE IV // 2019

3 B E DS // 2 FUL L , 2 HAL F BAT HS // 2,758 S F // $ 459,0 0 0 750 LOST CANYON, SAN ANTONIO, T E XAS 78258 Enjoy the privacy and greenbelt of this remodeled, move-in ready home. Breathtaking open spaces with two-story ceilings in the living/dining area. Light and airy throughout with fresh paint and new wood or tile floors downstairs. The spacious downstairs master bedroom has all new spa bath with a seamless shower door and separate garden tub. A study with large windows is off the entry. Stylish granite counters and backsplash in the kitchen that opens to the living area. The upstairs area features a loft den, two bedrooms, and an updated bathroom. Covered patio for outside dining with views of a huge oak tree.

BA RBARA FI NC H RE ALTOR®

2 10.602 .0041 BARBARA.FIN CH@SOTHEBYS R E A LT Y.COM BARBARAFINCH. KUP ERRE ALT Y.COM

HILL COUNTRY TRANSITIONAL HOME 4 BEDS 4 BATHS 3,893 SF $1,095,000 21 235 FO RTAL E ZA D RI V E SAN AN TO N I O, T E XAS 7825 5 This home exudes luxurious and unparalleled living while having some of the best views in San Antonio. A one-story home that lends itself to great privacy and even better attention to detail while maintaining an open f loor plan and great areas for gathering and entertaining.

Step through the oversized wrought iron entry doors and be welcomed by the distant equestrian center views and sparkling pool overlooking the rolling hills and galloping horses.

BEAUTIFUL ESTATE IN TERRA MONT 4 BEDS 4 FULL , 1 HALF BATHS 4,609 SF $975,000 871 8 T E RRA GAT E SAN AN TO N I O, T E XAS 7825 5 Oversized entry leads your eyes to the utmost detail in design and architecture, focusing on the views and features that any discriminating buyer would love to own. Built with both convenience and entertaining in mind, the f loor plan is truly wonderful. Large open, but manageable f loor plan boasts a panoramic dining experience off of the kitchen with amazing southern views.

The outdoor living features an outdoor kitchen with a water feature and outdoor fire-pit complimented with glass beads.

M ICH AEL SC HU LT Z RE ALTORÂŽ

2 10.26 8.85 10 M IC HAEL .SC H ULTZ@SOTHEBYS R E A LT Y.COM M IC HAELSCHULTZ. KUP ERRE A LT Y.COM

TRANQUIL LIVING IN CASTLE HILLS ESTATE

LIVE ISSUE IV // 2019

4 BE DS // 3 BATHS // 2,8 65 S F // $ 9 50,0 0 0 111 FOX H ALL L ANE , SAN ANTONIO, T E XAS 78213 Enjoy the tranquility of living amongst the trees in this beautiful estate in the sought out neighborhood of Castle Hills. This home has been rebuilt from the studs and shows like a brand new home. Enjoy the spacious floor plan featuring abundant natural light, luxury Saltillo tile throughout, wood-burning fireplaces, and a private master suite with outdoor access. The kitchen is built for a chef with quartz countertops and DCS stainless steel appliances. Experience the lush grounds of this estate from the outdoor sitting area overlooking the water feature.

BIL LY CH AL KE R RE ALTOR®

2 10.63 8.13 05 BILLY.CHALKER@SOTHEBYS RE A LT Y.COM BILLYCHALKER . KUP ER RE ALT Y.COM

HOT TEXAS REAL ESTATE MARKET BRINGS IN BILLIONS FROM INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

BY J O H N AT H A N SILVER

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nternational homebuyers may have the world at their fingertips, but it's the Lone Star State where many want to invest.

The Texas Association of Realtors' 2019 Texas International Homebuyers Report reveals that 18,310 Texas homes were sold to international buyers between April 2018 and March 2019, totaling $7.8 billion in sales. That accounts for 10 percent of all U.S. homes sold to foreign buyers, trailing only Florida (20 percent) and California (12 percent).

While $7.8 billion is a lot of money, it's the state's lowest haul from this group of buyers in six years, according to the association. From April 2017 to March 2018, international buyers spent $10.89 billion on 24,012 Texas homes. The previous year, they spent a staggering $18.66 billion on 34,135 Texas homes.

Texas isn't alone in the downward trend. Nationwide, the number of international homebuyer purchases dropped 31 from the previous period.

Despite slowing sales, Texas steadily represents 9-12 percent of all U.S. homes sales to this group of buyers each year.

“Texas is seen as a solid state for investments due to our strong economy, business environment, and large metropolitan areas,” says Tray Bates, chairman of Texas Realtors, in a release.

“Investors are interested in residential and commercial real estate in Texas where they can deploy their resources to make an attractive return. Specifically, we’re seeing international investors look to Texas for large-scale investments in subdivisions and master planned communities.”

And who's buying in Texas? The report shows 28 percent of buyers from Mexico bought homes in Texas the latest reporting period. The Lone Star State was also a hot spot for buyers from India (13 percent), the U.K. (4 percent), China (3 percent), and Canada (3 percent).

The state also ranks third in homes sold by foreign owners. In the most recent period studied, 8 percent of all U.S. homes sold by international sellers were in Texas.

FOR MO R E SA N A NTONIO STORIES LIKE T HIS, V I S I T SA NANTONIO.CULTUR EMA P.COM

O RI GI N AL LY S E E N O N CULT URE M AP.CO M

MAGNIFICENT HOME IN CHAMPIONS RIDGE

LIVE ISSUE IV // 2019

4 BEDS 3 FULL , 1 HALF BATHS 5,250 SF $1,310,000 26 C H AM P I O N T RAI L SAN AN TO N I O, T E XAS 7825 8 Luxury and security are a cornerstone for this magnificent estate that was the former residence of Spurs player, Avery Johnson. Enjoy the privacy that this home provides with gated residence, masonry fencing, gated backyard, and security system.

Find luxury details throughout the home with features of granite counters, Viking appliances, wine room, and a copper tub and sinks.

The resort-style outdoor haven is completed with lush landscaping surrounding the sparkling pool and spa, pergola, fireplaces, entertainment system, and an outdoor kitchen.

ONE OF A KIND HOME IN CANYONS AT SCENIC LOOP 4 BEDS 4 FULL , 1 HALF BATHS 5,387 SF $1,389,000 101 13 CART E R CAN YO N SAN AN TO N I O, T E XAS 7825 5 This home features all the bells and whistles with a spacious floor plan that brings the outside in with a wall of glass contractible doors. The chef's kitchen is highlighted with commercial appliances, gas cooking, built-in refrigerator, and a granite island.

The exquisite master retreat features a resort-like spa with a smart control shower. Enjoy the breathtaking hill country views from every floor. Outdoor living is set to feel like a backyard oasis with a custom pool and spa, multi-level deck, fireplace, and an outdoor kitchen.

DE AN NA W R I G HT RE ALTOR®

2 10.373.15 53 D E ANNA.W RIGHT@SOTHEBYS R E A LT Y.COM D E ANNAW RIGHT. KUP ER RE ALT Y.COM

PH OTO BY DRO R BA L DI N G ER /COURT ESY O F RUBY C I T Y A N D A DJAY E ASSO C I AT ES

SAN ANTONIO'S BRILLIANT NEW LANDMARK OPENS ITS RUBY-RED DOORS TO RESIDENTS — AND REST OF THE WORLD

BY K AT IE FRIEL // OR I GI NA LLY SEEN ON CULTUR EMA P.COM

R

uby City, one of the most exciting additions to

a San Antonio landmark and in August was crowned

the international art world, officially opened

one of TIME's World's Greatest Places 2019 — despite

to the public on October 13, and San Antonio

not being open yet. On October 1, the New York Times

commemorated the opening in style.

named Ruby City tops among the world's recent design achievements.

As a brief refresher, Ruby City is a massive new 14,472-square-foot contemporary arts center located on

Ruby City's cultural impact on South Texas and beyond

Camp Street in Southtown. It is considered the crowning

is hard to overstate, and the City of San Antonio is

achievement of Linda Pace, an artist, longtime San

celebrating its opening along with another special art

Antonio art patron, and heir to the Pace Foods empire.

event, it announced on October 1.

Inspired by a dream she recounts in her memoir,

In addition to Ruby City's three-part inaugural

Dreaming Red: Creating Artpace, Ruby City was originally

exhibition, the City of San Antonio is hosting "Sebastian

envisioned as a way for Pace to display her 900-piece

in San Antonio: 50+ Years/20+ sites/100+ works," a

modern art collection. After her death in 2007, the Linda

citywide retrospective featuring more than 100 works

Pace Foundation continued her work, which finally

by the Mexican artist. (Eagle-eyed art fans will note that

culminates in next week's opening.

Sebastian is also the artist behind La Antorcha de la

Designing Ruby City was the task of famed architect

Amistad, the towering 63-foot red sculpture centered in

Sir David Adjaye, who also designed the Smithsonian's

the middle of a downtown traffic circle.)

National Museum of African American History and Culture. In crafting its design, Adjaye was inspired by San

"Sebastian in San Antonio..." will be on display now

Antonio's 16th century Spanish missions and included

through May 2020 in locations across the city, including

amber-hued exterior concrete walls to give it that

the River Walk, Market Square, Culture Commons

dazzling ruby color.

Gallery at Plaza de Armas, and the San Antonio International Airport.

Under Adjaye's hand, the building has already become

FOR M ORE SA N A NTONI O STOR I ES LI K E THI S, V I S I T SA NANTONIO.CULT URE M AP.CO M

HISTORICAL HOME WITH GORGEOUS VIEWS

LIVE ISSUE IV // 2019

3 BEDS // 3 BATHS 4,136 SF 40.13 ACRES $2,498,000 330 AM M AN N ROAD BO E RN E , T E XAS 78015 Stunning property featuring a fully restored 1880's vintage two-story, cut block home nestled in several heritage oaks and overlooking a beautiful lake. Enjoy the details of the original log cabin that has been converted into the dining room. Property is made for the entertainer in mind with a twobedroom, two-bathroom guest house with a detached game room. The property includes a horse barn, pens, arena, and a round pen. Conveniently located five miles from Boerne with an easy commute to The Rim, La Cantera, UTSA, Medical Center, and USAA.

WILLOW SPRINGS RANCH IN THE HILL COUNTRY 5 BEDS // 6.1 BATHS 6,880 SF 134.71 ACRES $6,950,000 P L AT FO OT S N OW ROAD F RE D E RI C KS BURG, T E XAS 78675 Willow Springs Ranch was developed with family, friends, and colleagues in mind. To create an environment that would allow you to become grounded, connected and thoroughly relaxed. The owners went to great lengths to incorporate features of fire, water, and wood that will spark your senses. If morning hunting, afternoon spa time, chef-prepared dinners, gun room time, rolled cigars and whiskey over ice sound good, you need to look at this one. This property is positioned to be whatever you can dream.

AMY DUT TON RE ALTOR®

2 10.279.6642 AM Y.DU T TON @SOTHEBYS RE A LT Y.COM AM Y DU T TON.KUP ER RE A LT Y.COM

THE GALLERY LOFTS 1 A N D 2 - BE D RO O M F LO O R PL A N S RA N G IN G F RO M T H E $ 34 0S TO T H E $ 4 00S 210 W P E D E N SAN AN TO N I O, T E XAS 78204 Welcome to the Gallery Lofts, set in action-filled Southtown.

Boutique condominium community of 27 lofts featuring polished concrete f loors, open f loor plan, LED lighting, premium quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, private covered balcony, sleek plumbing, and lighting fixtures.

Community features include a relaxing pool and lounge area, fitness center, dog run, and secured parking. Conveniently located with easy access to highways and everything Downtown San Antonio has to offer. Completion December 2020. Visit galleryloftssa.com for more information.

SCANDINAVIAN INSPIRED HOME IN LAVACA 2 BEDS 2 FULL , 1 HALF BATHS 1,234 SF PRICE UPON REQUEST 325 L AVACA ST RE E T SAN AN TO N I O, T E XAS 78210 Scandinavian inspired home nestled in Lavaca Historic District offers a seamless design with a new standard for an effortless lifestyle. Built by renowned architect Candid Rogers, highlighting stunning Pella casement windows, xeriscaped yard, cozy study with built-in shelving, energyefficiency, gas cooking, custom cabinets, quartz counters, mobile kitchen island, and a well-balanced entertaining space. Conveniently located near well-celebrated restaurants, bars, boutiques, parks, and ease of access to major expressways.

SHAIL PAT E L RE ALTOR®

2 10.454.2 904 SHAIL .PAT EL@SOTHEBYS RE A LT Y.COM SHAILPAT EL . KUP ER RE ALT Y.COM

OLMOS PARK ESTATE

LIVE ISSUE IV // 2019

6 BE DS 7 F U LL , 3 H A LF BAT H S 10, 120 S F $ 5,79 5,000 7 7 7 E AST O L M OS D RI V E SAN AN TO N I O, TX 7821 2 Unparalleled luxury awaits beyond the gates of this Olmos Park Estate. Talented and discerning architects, awardwinning lighting designers, and exacting Minnesota craftsmen were brought in to bring this masterpiece to life. The living spaces were masterfully designed for entertaining on the grandest of scales yet intimate enough for everyday living.

Every aspect of this home was well thought out and selected by award-winning designers with materials from around the world.

MAGNIFICENT ESTATE IN OLMOS PARK 4 BEDS 5 FULL , 2 HALF BATHS 7,694 SF $4,000,000 715 CO N TOUR D RI V E O L M OS PARK, TX 7821 2 Magnificent oak-studded estate located on the most sought after street in Olmos Park.

Experience grand living spaces throughout, highlighted by tall ceilings and immaculate details.

Beyond the formal dining lies the spacious kitchen with chefgrade appliances with oversized island and bar. The estate features a downstairs master retreat with vaulted ceilings, dual bathrooms, and a vast walk-in closet. Entertainer’s dream with a 1,997± SF detached two-story guest house, lush grounds, pool, and spa.

TRAVIS AMARO RE ALTOR®

2 10.2 87.012 5 T RAVIS.AM ARO@SOTHEBYS R E ALT Y.COM T RAVISAM ARO. KUP ERRE A LT Y.COM

P HOTO COURT ESY O F ST. A N T HO N Y HOT EL

6 STUNNING SAN ANTONIO HOTELS CHECK IN ON CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER'S READERS' CHOICE AWARDS 2019 "TOP P I N G T H E ACCOL AD ES FOR SAN ANTONIO I S A NO. 10 S HOWING A MONG THE BEST BI G CI TI ES I N T H E U.S. C H I CAGO TO O K T H E TO P SPOT, FO LLOW E D BY M INNE APOLIS AND BOSTON. NO OTHER TE XAS CI T Y MADE THE LI ST. "

BY J O H N EGA N

F

or more than 30 years, Condé Nast Traveler has asked readers to weigh in on the top places, spaces, and trips around the world. This year's results, released on October 7, not only shine a spotlight on six of San Antonio's top-rated hotels and resorts, but on the city itself.

This year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are based on input from more than 600,000 travelers around the world.

Topping the accolades for San Antonio is a No. 10 showing among the best big cities in the U.S. Chicago took the top spot, followed by Minneapolis and Boston. No other Texas city made the list.

“Best known for its River Walk and the historic Alamo, San Antonio in recent years has developed a hip side worth exploring," the magazine says. "Its Pearl District is a pedestrianfriendly redevelopment with buzzy restaurants on the banks of the river."

Condé Nast Traveler also gives a nod to the smothered chickenfried steak at Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe and the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden.

“If you’re lucky, you’ll be there for Fiesta, a 10-day heritage

celebration that draws locals and tourists alike,” says Condé Nast Traveler, recommending the Pearl's Hotel Emma or the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa as places to stay.

San Antonio fared well in the magazine’s ranking of the best hotels in Texas, too. The Hotel Valencia Riverwalk grabbed the No. 2 spot, behind the JW Marriott Austin, while The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel ranked third, and Hotel Emma ranked fourth.

On Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the top resorts in the U.S., San Antonio’s La Cantera Resort & Spa landed at No. 8.

“We take pride in our world-class property, team and services, and we are elated and humbled to be ranked so highly, especially since it comes directly from readers and travelers who have experienced our Hill Country oasis,” John Spomer, vice president and managing director of La Cantera, says in a release announcing the news. “We look forward to continuing to provide elevated service and experience to our future guests.”

San Antonio also nabbed three spots among the top resorts in Texas and the Southwest, with La Cantera Resort & Spa leading the list, followed at No. 2 by the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa ranked 16th.

FOR M O R E SA N A NTONIO STORIES LIKE T HIS, V IS I T SA NANTONIO.CULTUR EMA P.COM

LUXURIOUS MEDITERRANEAN HOME

LIVE ISSUE IV // 2019

4 BE DS // 4 FUL L , 2 H AL F BAT HS // 5,31 2 S F // $ 1 ,39 0,0 0 0 19 9 03 T E R RA CANYON, SAN ANTONIO, TE XAS 78255 Meticulously built home by Robare Custom Homes within coveted Terra Mont. An inviting waterfall welcomes all into the entry and opens to unsurpassed craftsmanship that is harmoniously combined to create a stunning living space. The chef’s kitchen is complete with an oversized island with professional-grade stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the expansive wine room that can accommodate 1,000 bottles, a game room, and a fitness room. The master suite boasts a spa-like bathroom and a large walk-in closet. The grounds compliment a luxury resort with beautiful Texas Hill Country views, premier pool with custom waterfall features, eight-person hot tub, outdoor kitchen, covered patio, and lavish full masonry fireplace.

K ATH Y RIPPS RE ALTOR®

2 10.240.4464 K AT HY.RIPPS@SOTHEBYS RE A LT Y.COM K AT HY RIPPS. KUP ERRE ALT Y.COM

Luxury is our service, our standard, and our inspiration.

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