By Elizabeth Bobbitt | Photography by Katie McCall
Sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of Audrey and Hunter Barrett’s craftsman-style home, now over one hundred years old, feels like being transported back to the early days of Alamo Heights when it was incorporated in 1922. The Barretts’ home, built in 1917, predates the city’s incorporation by five years. Like their centennial home, the Barretts have deep roots in 78209 and its surrounding neighborhoods
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“We’re both from here, and we love being near family,” Audrey says, “I grew up in Olmos Park, and my parents still live there.”
“I grew up in Northwood. I have so many fond memories of biking through the neighborhood with my friends,” Hunter remembers.
Today, the Barretts are putting down new roots in 78209, while also honoring their families’ past. Almost two years ago, they welcomed their first daughter, Charlotte, named after her great-grandmother, Charlotte Osborn Barrett.
“Bringing Charlotte home is our favorite memory of the house so far. It is such a great place to raise a family. The previous owners are credited for working with Don McDonald to renovate the house in 1996, and we have been slowly but surely giving the house a facelift where needed. It is important to us to retain its original character. We really feel like we are its stewards,” Audrey says.
Early Roots and a Fiesta Romance
Audrey and Hunter first met in Mrs. Vaughn’s geometry class during high school at St. Mary’s Hall. “We were friends for a long time, all through high school and college,” Audrey says.
After graduating from St. Mary’s Hall, Audrey attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas to study psychology, while Hunter set off for Ole Miss. It was not until their junior year of college that Audrey and Hunter began dating.
“We were home for Fiesta, and I was an escort for the German Club. We hit it off at a party that week,” Hunter says. “The rest is history,” Audrey adds.
A Young Family in ‘09
Before starting their family, Hunter and Audrey both earned their real estate licenses. With a family ranch outside Hondo, Hunter worked in ranch real estate and land management, while Audrey soon decided to take on a new challenge.
“Right after we were married, I passed the bar and began a job in the corporate world,” Audrey says. Everything changed for the Barretts when Charlotte was born. “When the baby came, I wanted to stay closer to home. Now, I work in procurement at HOLT,” Hunters says.
A Small Town in the City
The Barretts light up when they share their favorite things about raising their daughter in 78209. “What’s not to love?” Audrey asks.
“Our favorite thing to do is to explore the Botanical Garden. It is important to us to spend time outdoors, and we love being able to have an escape like the Garden in the city,” Hunter says. Audrey and Hunter also discovered that it is the perfect place for family photos.
“Recently, we had the opportunity to spend time with Katie McCall of ‘Her Side Project’ to take photos there. We have worked with her a couple of times and we think she is so talented,” Audrey says.
The Barretts’ favorite annual neighborhood event is the Fiesta Pooch Parade which goes right by their house. “Pooch parade is a time when the neighborhood comes together. Everyone on the route gets out tables and chairs, invites over their close friends and family, and celebrates Fiesta as the parade goes by,” Audrey says.
A Gathering Place
Besides the front porch, the Barretts most enjoy using the fireplace in their front room, which is original to the house. With a carved wooden mantlepiece, it serves as a focal point of the home, and these gathering places are especially meaningful to the Barretts.
“We really love to entertain friends and family, especially around the fireplace in the winter, or the front porch when it is a beautiful spring day,” Audrey says.
For the Barretts, 78209 is an extension of these special places in their home where loved ones gather.
“Alamo Heights has such a small town feel in the middle of a big city. That’s what makes 78209 home,” Hunter says.
