Last List Price
7 beds6,872 sqft$728/sqft
709 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701

Description

This 118-year-old historic residence was once the private home of Gov. Joseph and Orline Walter Sayers – now known as the Sayers House. As envisioned by Page Brothers Architects, this architectural masterpiece is a testament to a bygone era: original fireplaces, windows, flooring and woodwork preserve the touch of Orline Walter Sayers, noted hostess of Austin, while discreet updates offer modern convenience. Beyond its historical allure, this property's mixed-use zoning opens a world of potential...This 118-year-old historic residence was once the private home of Gov. Joseph and Orline Walter Sayers – now known as the Sayers House. As envisioned by Page Brothers Architects, this architectural masterpiece is a testament to a bygone era: original fireplaces, windows, flooring and woodwork preserve the touch of Orline Walter Sayers, noted hostess of Austin, while discreet updates offer modern convenience. Beyond its historical allure, this property's mixed-use zoning opens a world of potential uses. The 6,872-square-foot property is currently converted into separate apartments. The first floor is wheelchair accessible with two full bathrooms, ensuring ADA compliance if public use is desired. In the attic apartment, a unique piece of history awaits, with a fireplace designed in Masonic iconography—a legacy of Gov. Joseph Sayers' association with the Masons. Imagine the many possible uses of this historic and flexible space, from boutique art gallery to an intimate bed-and-breakfast, or even a unique event space that combines historical charm with modern convenience in Downtown Austin. Nearby amenities include the Texas Capitol, Travis County Court House, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Lady Bird Lake Trails, and the vibrant W 6th entertainment district. Come visit this exceptional residence where history, updates and unique features converge, and where mixed-use zoning offers opportunities for your vision to flourish.
LISTING CLOSED: 11/25/2024 12:00 AM

  1. Listed by Justine Smith • TREC #0554581 • Brokerage DRE #9004904 • Allure Real Estate
    P: (512) 970-0681 C: (512) 970-0681 justine@alluretx.com

Property Details for 709 Rio Grande Street

Status
MLS #
3399959
Days on Market
254
Taxes
$53,890 / year
HOA Fees
-
Condo/Co-op Fees
-
Property Type
MLS Type
Residential / Single Family Residence
Year Built
1905
Lot Size
0.19 AC / 8,206 SF
Subdivision Name
Block 078 Original City
Waterfront
No
Waterfront Description
None
Water Access Description
Public
View
City, Panoramic
View YN
Yes
Parcel Number
01070005070000
Tax Lot
7A
Tax Block
78
Elementary School
Mathews
Elementary School District
Austin ISD
Middle Or Junior School
O Henry
Middle Or Junior School District
Austin ISD
Senior High School
Austin
High School District
Austin ISD
Levels
Three Or More
Master on Main
Yes
Main Level Bedrooms
2
Num Living
4
Living Area Source
PublicRecords
Year Built Source
PublicRecords
Pool Private
No
Pool Features
None

Location

Add your commute

Building Information for 709 Rio Grande Street

Stories-Year Built1905Building Size-Lot Size0.19 AC / 8,206 SF

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$29,905 per month

30 year fixed, 6.55% Interest

Principal and Interest

$25,414

Property Taxes

$4,491

HOA Dues

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Property Information for 709 Rio Grande Street

General Information
Parking
  • Garage Spaces: 0
  • Parking Total: 6
  • Parking Features: Additional Parking, Driveway, Gravel, Off Street
  • Garage: No
  • Covered Spaces: 0
Interior
  • Interior Features: Built-in Features, French Doors Atrium Doors, High Ceilings, High Speed Internet, Interior Steps, Multiple Living Areas, Main Level Master, Natural Woodwork
  • Flooring: Tile, Wood
Exterior
  • Exterior Features: Balcony, Exterior Steps
  • New Construction: No
  • Construction Materials: Brick
  • Foundation Details: Pillar Post Pier
  • Patio And Porch Features: Front Porch, Patio, Terrace, Balcony
  • Roof: Metal
  • Fencing: None
  • Direction Faces: West
  • Window Features: Shutters, WoodFrames
  • Accessibility Features: Adaptable Bathroom Walls, Customized Wheelchair Accessible, Central Living Area, Accessible Approach With Ramp, See Remarks, Accessible Entrance
  • Community Features: None
Property Information
Lot Information
  • FEMA Flood Plain: No
  • Lot Features: Corner Lot
  • Horse: No
  • Horse Amenities: None
Utilities
  • Cooling: Central Air, Wall Window Units
  • Heating: Central, Fireplace(s)
  • Sewer: Public Sewer
  • Utilities: Cable Connected, Fiber Optic Available, Natural Gas Connected, Phone Connected, Sewer Connected, Water Connected
Room Information
Room 1
  • Room Type: Kitchen
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Features: EatInKitchen, GourmetKitchen, HighCeilings, Pantry, NaturalWoodwork
  • Room Description: Large gourmet kitchen at back of main floor
Room 2
  • Room Type: PrimaryBathroom
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Features: WalkInShower
  • Room Description: Primary bathroom on main floor is fully accessible
Room 3
  • Room Type: PrimaryBedroom
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Features: EnSuiteBathroom, NaturalWoodwork
  • Room Description: Primary bedroom on main floor is fully accessible with automatic door and ramps
Unit Information
Unit 1
  • Permission: IDX
Unit 2
  • Permission: IDX
Unit 3
  • Permission: IDX
Financial Information
Taxes and HOA Information
  • Association: No
  • Tax Assessed Value: $2,480,658
  • Additional Parcels: No
  • Tax Year: 2023
  • Tax Rate: 1.97%
Showing Information
Showing Information
  • Security Features: None
  • Directions: Home is at the corner of 8th and Rio Grande

Property History for 709 Rio Grande Street

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Nov 25, 2024

Sold

ACTRIS #2739728

Nov 25, 2024

Sold

ACTRIS #3399959

Jul 22, 2024

Pending

ACTRIS #2739728

DateEvent & SourcePrice
11/25/2024

Sold

ACTRIS #2739728

11/25/2024

Sold

ACTRIS #3399959

07/22/2024

Pending

ACTRIS #2739728

For completeness, we often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 709 Rio Grande Street

Taxable ValueLand$1,641,000Additions$1,867,671Total$3,508,671
Home Facts
Beds0Total Finished SqFt8,768 SqFtAbove Grade Finished SqFt6,872 SqFtFinished Basement SqFt1,896 SqFtStories2Lot Size8,207 SqFtStyleSingle Family ResidenceYear Built1961CountyTRAVISAPN0107000507

Schools near 709 Rio Grande Street

This home is within Austin Independent School District.
Rating
School
Type
Grades
Distance
Public - PK to 6
Public - 6 to 8
Public - 9 to 12
Public - 5
Rating
School
Distance
Mathews Elementary School
PublicPK to 6

O Henry Middle School
Public6 to 8

Austin High School
Public9 to 12

Daep- El
Public5

School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.

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No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information, descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified through appropriate means, including, but not limited to, in person inspection and public records, and Compass International Holdings, its subsidiaries, affiliates and independently owned and operated franchisees, and their affiliated agents and associated third parties expressly disclaim any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the seller's discretion. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Listing Courtesy of Allure Real Estate, Justine Smith, TREC #0554581

Based on information from the Austin Board of REALTORS® (alternatively, from ACTRIS), Central Hill Country Board of Realtors, Central Texas MLS, Highland Lakes Association of Realtors, Bryan-College Station Association of REALTORS, and Waco Association of REALTORS. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. The Austin Board of REALTORS®, ACTRIS, Central Hill Country Board of Realtors, Central Texas MLS, Highland Lakes Association of Realtors, Bryan-College Station Association of REALTORS, Waco Association of REALTORS, and their affiliates provide the MLS and all content therein “AS IS” and without any warranty, express or implied. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use, that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing, and that the data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Copyright© 2026 Austin Board of REALTORS® (alternatively, from ACTRIS), Central Hill Country Board of Realtors, Central Texas MLS, Highland Lakes Association of Realtors, Bryan-College Station Association of REALTORS, and Waco Association of REALTORS. All rights reserved. We do not attempt to independently verify the currency, completeness, accuracy or authenticity of the data contained herein. All area measurements and calculations are approximate and should be independently verified. Data may be subject to transcription and transmission errors. Accordingly, the data is provided on an “as is” “as available” basis only and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market”. © [2026] REsides, Inc. All rights reserved. Certain information contained herein is derived from information, which is the licensed property of, and copyrighted by, REsides, Inc.