Gorgeously restored Austin historic landmark asks $2.5M

The landmarking of historic homes has gotten a lot of flak in recent years, and there are some good reasons for that. This beauty, however, presents a good argument for preservation. Located in Judge’s Hill within sight of Downtown (and among many other landmarks, some commercial), it’s officially known as the Herblin Shoe-Merritt House and was built around 1899-1900. According to the Old Judge’s Hill Historic District website, the home was designed with a mix of influences, including Queen Anne, Late Victorian, and Neo-Classical.

The manse has received quite the meticulous renovation over the past four and a half years and (except for one startling placement of a modern glass shower), it shows off the 4,232-square-foot home’s original features to great effect.

The main part of the two-story home has four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, as well as five fireplace, wraparound porches on both floors, intricate railings and other woodwork, clawfoot bathtubs, and stained glass. The kitchen has been updated to contemporary standards with high-end appliances and fixtures. There is also a one-bedroom, one-bathroom former cook’s quarters, now used as an office, above the garage.

• 712 West 16th Street [Charlotte Lipscomb, Keller Williams Realty]