THIS ISSUE > COVER STORY > OUTSMART AT HOME

In 1913, the Houston Daily Post hailed the neighborhood of Eastwood as “a model suburb ... one of the most convenient, attractive, and beautiful homesite additions in the city of Houston.” That very year, Oscar Weyrich, president of Houston Bank and Trust, built his family residence in Eastwood. With a deep, shady veranda and a screened second-floor sleeping porch across the width of the façade, it was the very first house on the street.

Bill England and Sonny Garza purchased the old Weyrich home 10 years ago, thus beginning its transformation into a comfortable backdrop for peaceful living and gracious entertaining while stabilizing the integrity of the structure to insure its continued existence.

Both being men of substance and flair, England and Garza acted as their own decorators and contractors for the renovation. Working on a house of that vintage, the couple faced a myriad of obstacles worthy of making the average homeowner surrender—or, as many Houstonians do, bulldoze. Aside from making decorative and cosmetic changes to this lovely old architectural find, the owners installed central air and heat, replaced rotten wood, gutted and rebuilt kitchen and bathrooms, refinished floors, replaced electrical and plumbing systems, and erected a high iron security fence. For England and Garza, this home project has clearly been a labor of love. At the same time, the spirit of the fine old structure has seemed to act as an entity of its own, driving the owner’s enthusiasm.

The interior of the England-Garza home now projects a daring mix of classic furniture and contemporary art with a sophisticated Southern air. Upon entering, a visitor might be struck by a sense of elegance, even grandeur. But once the initial dramatic impression subsides, the whimsical and playful personal touches of the owners become evident. The unexpected details and engrossing art pieces set this residence apart.

In the dining room, for example, a sculpture called Plumb Bob Tomato by the artist Laura Levy hangs in a corner. Almost chandelier-like, the piece is constructed of buttons, wire, and bisque doll arms.In the dining room, for example, a sculpture called Plumb Bob Tomato by the artist Laura Levy hangs in a corner. Almost chandelier-like, the piece is constructed of buttons, wire, and bisque doll arms.

The couple also shares an affinity for the work of local artists. Major examples of work by Dixie Friend Gay hang in the formal dining room and in the study. In both paintings the plain of the flat canvases and classically rendered surreal subject matter is shattered by the insertion of deer antlers. England and Garza also admire the work of Eastwood resident Ryan Geiger, whose home and studio is less than a block away.

The surprising juxtaposition between old and new, between reverent and cheeky, extends from inside to out. There seems to be a visual surprise at every turn. For example, outside on the veranda, swinging languidly in the breeze between sturdy white columns hangs a massive curvilinear stainless steel mobile with static, seemingly dangerous, frayed edges. An art piece purchased in Wimberley, its presence is quite unanticipated—especially when coupled with sweet, white-painted Victorian-style wicker furniture and the soothing song of wind chimes.

“Until three years ago, the backyard was unusable,” Garza says of the home’s surroundings. So with the help of landscape designer Richard Dawson, he embarked upon the renovation of the yard and addition of the pool.

“Sonny is especially good with placement,” England compliments. “And he designed the pool area for entertaining.”

Once again, trouble arose due to the age of both the house and the neighborhood. “We encountered a septic tank when digging the pool,” Garza explains with a wince of revulsion. “The house had never been connected to the city sewer.” An ambitious project from the start, the yard ended up taking twice the time to complete and costing twice their original budget. But the couple considers the expenditure money well spent and only one more step in the responsibility of preparing a 91-year-old house for the 21st century.

Just as England and Garza are proud of their home, they are enthusiastic about the neighborhood’s history. England has become somewhat of an authority on Eastwood.

Developed at the turn of the previous century by William A. Wilson, the neighborhood sought to be a “distinctly high-class home center and a tangible example of modern community development,” according to promotional materials of the time. Eastwood was only a 15-minute ride from downtown on the streetcar.

The 1950s and 1960s took a toll on the neighborhood as more and more residents moved to the suburbs. Eastwood began to show its age as the fine old custom-built homes fell into disrepair. “Through the 1980s, nothing east of downtown was even on the radar screen,” England says. “But many attribute the gay and lesbian residents as holding the neighborhood together during the hard times.”

In fact, there are five gay-and-lesbian-owned homes on England and Garza’s block alone. “Eastwood has always been very accepting” England says.

With the rejuvenation of downtown, many Houston residents have rediscovered the oak-lined streets and stately Craftsman-style homes of Eastwood. “We just love it here,” Garza says.

Bill rejoins, “Plus it’s much less hectic than Montrose.”

Troy Broussard writes about interior design for OutSmart. The magazine’s readers named him best interior designer in the last Gayest & Greatest survey (“So Gay, So Great,” October 2003).