Properties vol 1 2015

AN EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF MARTHA TURNER SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY VOLUME ONE 2015

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ON THE FRONT COVER27 MOTT LANE

Miles away from its conflux with the

Houston Ship Channel, Buffalo Bayou

meanders through the leafy tracts of some

of Houstons most affluent neighborhoods.

As it plies through the Memorial Villages,

this small, enchanting river provides a

surreal, almost primordial environment

of white sandy banks and ever-changing

vistas right in the middle of Americas

fourth largest city.

One Piney Point Village residence

shares a particularly strong

relationship with the bayou.

Designed by award-

winning architects

Stern and Bucek, this

dazzling, virtuoso

Modern structure

rises from a hillcrest

that commands a grand

sweep of the waterway.

The nearly 15,000-square-

foot home merges seamlessly

into its sloping site, cloistered within

more than eight wooded acres that include

a five-acre lake with an island. According to

the seller, the lake and island are a wetland

created more than 10 years ago when the

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers straightened

a stretch of the channel, transforming the

abandoned turn into a lake. Now a nature

reserve, the wetland is home to a variety of

migratory birds, native plants and animals.

During planning and construction, the

homes challenging footprint required

innovative engineering and a foundation

that cost more than $1 million, but the

resulting privacy is priceless. Molded

around commercial-grade steel framing,

the cast-concrete and zinc-tile sheath is

more than 40-percent insulated, storm-

resistant glass. Soaring, crystal-clear

walls present unobstructed views of

tiered terraces, swimming pool, native-

plant gardens, dense forest, and the

ever-changing bayou, encouraging an

integrated, indoor-outdoor lifestyle amidst

ethereal scenery.

Exotic zebra and limba wood paneling and

cabinetry by Brochsteins, cabinet maker

for the New York Metropolitan Museum,

is found throughout the public and private

rooms. Architectural elements include a

magnificent floating staircase,

hand-selected, bookmarked

Italian porcelain tile

floors, polished oak

floors and massive

built-in golden and

red onyx accent

pieces. Custom-

designed, warm teak

paneling and a unique,

Japanese teak bathtub

enhance the master bath

and dressing areas.

Everything can be controlled through an

ipad that is routed through a state-of-the-

art Savant Home Automation system,

including all exterior doors, the elevator,

interior and exterior lighting, sound and

media, security, sun shades, retracting

walls, and the underground geothermal

system and generator for essential

home functions.

MEMORIAL4 BEDROOMS | 4.5+ BATHS Price Upon Request NON-MLS

Privacy, Nature & Ever-Changing Vistas

This view from a cantilevered corner offers one of the homes finest views of the lake and Buffalo Bayou.

By Penny Jones

The homes cast-concrete and zinc-tile sheath is more than 40-percent insulated, storm-resistant glass.

The impressive reception hall boasts dramatic sculpted ceilings and a floating staircase.

The Japanese soaking tub in the master suite is made of teak and overlooks the terraces and pool.

A note from

MARTHA & TOMGreat trees grow along its banks,

meshing their branches high above it,

sparing it the bright intrusion of sun, moon and star.

From the poem, Buffalo Bayou by Larry D. Thomas,

2008 Texas Poet Laureate

WELCOME HOMEM A R T H A T U R N E R . c o m

Our Dear Readers,

If it werent for Buffalo Bayou, Houston wouldnt be here. What else could have induced

the Allen brothers to envision a great inland city in this place? Not the climate or the

gumbo soil and certainly not the mosquitoes. It was the bayou that sealed the deal; a

direct, if tortuous, trade route to the Gulf.

In this issue of PROPERTIES, we pay homage to Houstons source and earliest

strength. We explore Buffalo Bayous history and its transformation into the Houston

Ship Channel, an engineering feat that brought the world to our doorstep 100 years

ago. We visit three spectacular estates built along the bayous banks: Bayou Bend and

Rienzi, both historic house museums owned by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and

a third residence that is stunningly, remarkably private. Designed by noted architects

Stern and Bucek, we present this bravura Modern structure as our front cover house.

Following the bayou to the west, Rivercrest Estates is a neighborhood of multi-acre

home sites that offers a unique, almost pastoral environment just 10 minutes from

the Galleria. Much of the northern half of the neighborhood ranges along the bayou.

Rivercrest homes are luxuriously expansive and we feature a distinguished selection in

our neighborhood profile.

In a change of pace, our back cover showcases an

airy, glass-walled penthouse that boasts superb

interior design amid some of the finest urban scen-

ery in Houston. The breathtaking view from the

living room travels down the Post Oak Boulevard

esplanade to the Galleria in a sweeping aerial vista.

This issue of PROPERTIES magazine is very special

for us. Please accept it with our compliments and

should any of these beautiful residences make

you think about a change of address, call us. Were

ready to assist you in Houston, across the country

and around the world through the Sothebys Inter-

national Realty network.

Tom Anderson | Co-President

Martha Turner | Founder and Co-President

2 PROPERTIES | VOLUME 1 2015 marthaturner.com

MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Farnham Park Designed exclusively by Mody & Mody, this masterful modern smart home unfolds on a 1 acre ravine lot behind guarded gate of Farnham Park. Double-height walls of glass, chefs dream kitchen includes sleek Boffi cabinetry, honed granite and Gaggenau ovens. Media room, fitness room and grand master suite with attached study plus solarium. Serene outdoor setting with a new pool, custom Viking summer kitchen and great entertaining spaces.

5 BEDROOMS | 5.5 BATHS

Offered at $5,400,000 MLS 15892224

MEMORIAL | Memorial Award-winning home by MC2 Architects & Construction with soaring ceilings, integrated spaces, minimalist luxury, museum-finish walls, oceanic blue stone and silver thorn travertine floors. Thassos stone and Nano glass surfaces, double-height butted glass walls, sleek Bulthaup cabinets, Miele appliance package and linear vents. Resort-style outdoor living/dining/kitchen, 96 ft. lap pool, filtered Koi ponds, smart-house systems and generator.

4-5 BEDROOMS | 5.5+ BATHS

Offered at $4,990,000 MLS 45257914

insideCONTENT and FEATURES

A NOTE FROM MARTHA & TOM . . . . . . 1

MEMORIAL AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

BUFFALO BAYOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

RIVER OAKS AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN AREA . . . . . . . 36

BAYOU HOMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

RICE MILITARY AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

MEMORIAL PARK AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

MUSEUM DISTRICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

SHIP CHANNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

WEST UNIVERSITY AREA . . . . . . . . . . .48

BELLAIRE AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

MEYERLAND AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

HEIGHTS AREA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

TANGLEWOOD AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

RIVERCREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

BRIARGROVE PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

SPRING BRANCH AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

ENERGY CORRIDOR AREA . . . . . . . . . 75

KATY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

NORTHWEST AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

NORTH AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

NORTHEAST AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

FRIENDSWOOD AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

FORT BEND COUNTY AREA . . . . . . . . 91

BAY AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

GALVESTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

EXTRAORDINARY PLACES . . . . . . . . .101

LOTS AND LAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

TOWNHOMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

HIGHRISE LIVING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

70

marthaturner.com VOLUME 4 2014 | PROPERTIES 3

2169

40

46

publisherMartha Turner

Sothebys International Realty

founder | co-presidentMartha F. Turner

co-presidentTom Anderson

advertising directorKristopher Reeves

magazine editorGregg Van Houten

editorial designJR Daniel

designSherry Folsom

Ashley Stephens

Gary Waters

marketing coordinator Michelle Domengoni

public relationsOn the Mark Communications

featured photographersBen Hill

Emomedia

Kolanowski Studio

TK Images

Vladimir Ambia

contributing writersPenny Jones

Chris Kelly

John Lomax

additional photos courtesy ofJulie Soefer

The Port of Houston Authority

Houston Metropolitan Research Center

locationsBriar Hollow

50 Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 700W

Houston, Texas 77027

713.520.1981

Memorial

12506 Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77024

713.520.1981

Bay Area

1345 Space Park Drive, Suite B

Nassau Bay, Texas 77058

281.333.3034

The Woodlands

1440 Lake Front Circle, Suite 190

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

281.367.7637

Kingwood

1801 Kingwood Drive, Suite 120

Kingwood, Texas 77339

281.359.6800

Fort Bend

4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 260

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

832.500.8300

No representations or warranties, either

expressed or implied, are made as to the

accuracy of the information herein or with

respect to the suitability, usability, feasibility,

merchantability or condition of any property

described.

This Publication: 2015 Martha Turner

Sothebys International Realty.

All Rights Reserved.

The listing information contained herein

was obtained on February 10, 2015. Due to

production and printing schedules,

listing information cannot be generated

any later in order to conform to the

scheduled printing dates.VOLUME 1 | 2015


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Havershire Lane Updated traditional-colonial home with gleaming walnut pegged hardwoods,

Carrera marble, granite countertops in the kitchen plus stainless steel appliances. First floor master, library, guest quarters and a pool.

4-5 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHS

Offered at $899,000 MLS 1030448

MEMORIAL | Mooreknoll Lane Fantastic home on a cul-de-sac street featuring hardwoods, double paned

windows, plantation shutters, heat barrier roof, recent paint throughout and fenced backyard.

5 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS

Offered at $699,000 MLS 48505532

MEMORIAL | Riverview Way 1-story located in gated community. Welcoming open entry, kitchen with

breakfast area, dining room and bar area. Living room with high ceilings and windows overlooking green space. 2 closets in master suite and 2-car garage.


Offered at $31,000 MLS 19023194

MEMORIAL | S Creekside Court Beautiful home located in the gated community of Creekside Villas features

high ceilings, large open kitchen, dining room and formal living room perfect for entertaining. Master bedroom with walk-in closet and patio in backyard.


Offered at $925,000 MLS 71040704

MEMORIAL | Pebblebrook Drive 1-story with open floor plan, large formals, great room with vaulted ceiling

and brick fireplace, kitchen with a morning room overlooking the backyard and master bedroom has built-in bookcases and an expanded bath.


Offered at $795,000 MLS 43566741

MEMORIAL | Longmont Drive Free standing patio home with gated courtyard entry. Master bedroom with view of atrium, built-ins and crown molding. Block paneled study, fireplace,

floor-to-ceiling windows, wet bar and second floor deck overlooking green belt.


Offered at $489,000 MLS 52940954


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Winston Woods Drive Sophisticated and beautifully built home in gated Winston Woods. Gracious entry, library with fireplace, stunning mahogany paneled great room, island kitchen and butlers pantry off large dining room. Elevator, generator, master suite down with patio, pool and incredible green belt setting views. Attached 2-car garage.

4 BEDROOMS | 5.5+ BATHS

Offered at $4,200,000 MLS 42193161

MEMORIAL | Heritage Lane Sophisticated and extraordinary in every way. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac street, this southern plantation-style home is on a secluded 1 acre lot with a canopy of trees. Exceptional finishes throughout with a perfect flow through generously-sized rooms. Chefs island kitchen with quartzite counters and hardwood floors. Master retreat with dual sinks and sitting area. Beautiful pool, generator, 3-car garage plus ample guest parking.


Offered at $3,975,000 MLS 38473420

Inspired by the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles and the Neoclassical, art-filled mansions of Paris 16th arrondissement, this close-in, Memorial-area estate offers interiors designed for museum-quality display of fine and decorative art. Within the European-inspired vestibule entry, sweeping vistas extend from the magnificent, double-height rotunda foyer through

marble colonnades, groin-vault galleries and palatial reception rooms.

8 Bedrooms | 7 Full Baths | 4 Half Baths | Attached 4-Car Garage 2-Bedroom Apartment with Kitchen and Laundry | 1-Bedroom Apartment with Kitchen

CARNARVON ESTATEMEMORIAL


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | North Chestwood Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and wine refrigerator. Spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, granite fireplace and French doors opening to flagstone patio in beautifully landscaped backyard.


Offered at $1,299,900 MLS 4133463

MEMORIAL | Bromley Custom home built on corner lot in Hilshire Village offers soaring ceilings, plantation shutters throughout, hardwood flooring, granite kitchen, formals and beautiful landscaped backyard with a slate patio and fountain.


Offered at $999,000 MLS 66900344

MEMORIAL | Mickey Way Ranch-Style 1-story remodeled open floor plan home on large lot. Game room, study, hardwoods, abundant storage and built-ins, gas log fireplace, granite countertops, plantation shutters, pool, hot tub and putting green.


Offered at $989,000 MLS 27399728

MEMORIAL | Sugarberry Colonial-style home in 24-hour guard gated community with large formals, great room and large outdoor patio nestled within the tree lined bayou setting. Elevator to impressive master suite and bonus room on the third floor.


Offered at $1,000,000 MLS 58935118

MEMORIAL | Alchester Lane Updated home with high ceilings, fireplace and built-in cabinets in great room. Master suite with spa-inspired bath, Programme Martin walk-in closets, double granite vanities and an oversized shower. Pool and outdoor grill area.


Offered at $999,000 MLS 13187542

MEMORIAL | Chimney Rock Road An expansive circular drive incorporates a dramatic porte-cochere in this mid-century modern home. Island kitchen, formals and master retreat with built-ins and custom lighting. Stone patio, sun deck terrace and bayou views.


Offered at $929,000 MLS 73746740


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | River Bend Drive Designed by J. Marshall Porterfield Architects and built by Mark Harvie of 338 LTD, LLC, this magnificent home is located on a ravine lot. The home takes advantage of natural light and spectacular scenic views of the woodland, mature trees and winding bayou. Exceptional finishes include beamed ceilings,

gathering kitchen with professional grade appliances, stunning upstairs master suite and 4 additional bedrooms appointed with baths.


Offered at $3,495,000 MLS 14724744

MEMORIAL | Ourlane Circle Magnificent in its scale and design, this contemporary home was taken back to the studs in 2011 and rivals new construction. Built with uncompromising

quality, this steel and concrete structure is built to commercial standards. Amenities include rooms of grand proportions with walls of windows and soaring ceilings, dreamy kitchen with the finest commercial appliances, exotic stone flooring throughout, authentic brick wine cellar and spectacular pool.


Offered at $3,495,000 MLS 81530464


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Knipp Road This impressive residence was built by Jamestown Estate Homes, named 2013 Greater Houston Builders Association Custom Builder of the Year in addition to other awards. Designed by Todd Rice, the master suite, second bedroom, study and formal living room are on the first floor. A game room, optional media room and 3 bedrooms are on the second floor. Additional amenities include a circular drive, 3-car garage, covered porch and summer kitchen.


Offered at $3,170,000 MLS 85102748

MEMORIAL | Smithdale Estates Drive Beautiful traditional home nestled on heavily-wooded cul-de-sac street. Comprehensively renovated by a noted New Orleans interior designer. Foyer offers 20-foot ceiling, marble floor and floating staircase. Living room flanked by wall-to-wall windows and French doors open to backyard. Study has double doors between den and foyer. Island kitchen with travertine floor, abundant cabinet storage and Thermador and Viking appliances.


Offered at $3,125,000 MLS 12951434


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | N Cheska Located on a tree lined cul-de-sac in Piney Point Village. Stucco and stone exterior with Durango Millennium Iron Front Doors. Reclaimed 100 year old oak wood floors up and down. Wall of doors fold into the side opening the large family room to an oversized covered loggia complete with fireplace, bead board ceiling and a summer kitchen that overlooks the pool. Fresh finishes include Carrera marble countertops, Rohl plumbing. Huge island with concrete countertops, Wolf Range and microwave, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, dual Bosch dishwashers.


Offered at $3,279,000 MLS 84357424

EXQUISITE FRENCH-STYLE ESTATEBY RICHARD PRICE CUSTOM HOMES.


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Hedwig Clean contemporary lines, dramatic high ceilings, open living areas and light-filled glass exposures accentuate this custom built Piney Point home. Circular drive with porte-cochere entry. Ideal home for entertaining with spacious rooms that flow nicely. The well equipped kitchen with island, breakfast bar and stainless appliances opens to the great room. Master bedroom down with views to patio/pool area. Secondary bedrooms and game room up.


Offered at $2,999,000 MLS 23881387

MEMORIAL | Roaring Brook Lane Exquisite country French-style residence built by Frankel Custom Homes with magnificent entertaining areas. Amenities include a master on the first floor with luxurious bath, chefs kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and wet bar. Second floor includes 4 guest suites, game room and media room. Beautifully landscaped yard with saltwater pool and swim-jet system, summer kitchen, 3-car garage and a back-up generator for entire home.


Offered at $2,795,000 MLS 50207788

MEMORIAL | Hunters Ridge Court Beautiful home built by William Carl, perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the built-out basement featuring a weight room, full bath, theatre room, wine cellar, bar, flex room and entertaining space. Fantastic views of the pool, fire pit and playhill from the back balconies. Home includes elevator, generator, home automation wiring, heated pool and an outdoor pizza oven. Master suite with sitting area, fireplace, steam shower and soaking tub.


Offered at $2,995,000 MLS 78416304


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Broken Bough Drive Built by Jamestown Estate Homes and designed by Todd Rice, this beautiful elevator capable home is located in Memorial Villages. Home features the master suite, secondary bedroom, study and game room downstairs, additional game room and media room up, 2 staircases, outdoor kitchen and fireplace, covered

patio and 3-car attached garage.


Offered at $3,325,000 MLS 3237006

MEMORIAL | Leisure Lane New construction by Stacey Fine Homes of Texas in Bunker Hill Village. Pool being installed. Master suite on first floor features fireplace, whirlpool tub,

separate shower, 2 closets and 2 water closets. Game room up, secondary bedroom down. Study, formal living and dining, den, breakfast room, wet bar and climatized wine room. Utility rooms up and down. Elevator capable. Outdoor kitchen. 3-car garage and gated driveway with courtyard.


Offered at $3,900,000 MLS 86026845


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Broken Bough Casually elegant stone-clad traditional with large room sizes throughout. Foyer opens to formals and leads to family room open to large island kitchen. Master down with marble bath, game room up. Adjoining guest suite with bedroom, full bath and living area with wet bar. Butlers pantry, home office, covered back porch with full bath for future pool. Expansive backyard with ravine. circular drive and 3-car garage.


Offered at $2,450,000 NON-MLS

MEMORIAL | Apple Tree Road Custom built home features butted glass in living and den/kitchen area for fabulous outdoor views, elegant wood and travertine flooring and soaring ceilings throughout. Stone fireplace, cooks island kitchen and study/library. Game room with wet bar and balcony access, media room and luxurious master retreat with dual vanities and walk-in closet. Tropical lagoon in backyard features saltwater pool/spa with stone waterfall and covered patio.


Offered at $1,999,999 MLS 75014778


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Menking Court Fantastic country French-style home with elegant open floor plan, high-end finishes, mahogany paneled study, 3-inch oak hardwoods, crown molding, custom

draperies, open kitchen with high-end appliances. Oversized master on first floor with views of the yard and putting green. Extensive sound system, security cameras, mosquito system, game room, summer kitchen and gas generator.


Offered at $2,795,000 MLS 57042156

MEMORIAL | Saddlebrook Lane Once part of an expansive country estate belonging to a prominent Houston great, Saddlebrook is a self-contained, upscale, gated enclave nestled deep in the

Memorial woods east of Chimney Rock. This magnificent, 52,000-plus sf property offers true choice: One may purchase and update the existing 6,900-plus sf contemporary-style home for gracious living, or clear the house and build a fine, custom-designed home.


Offered at $2,100,000 MLS 99105245


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Crescent Gate Lane Located in exclusive Stablewood, this superb home boasts a floor plan perfect for entertaining. Elegant library and formals, tall ceilings, great room with French doors to terrace and pool, professional grade stainless steel appliances and marble counters/backsplash, rear staircase to media room, stone and granite in master bath with soaking tub, slate patio and decking around pool with exterior half bath and charming side garden.


Offered at $2,395,000 MLS 25517084

MEMORIAL | Pasture View Lane Exquisite French-style traditional home located in gated and guarded Stablewood. 2-story entryway, formals, wet bar, open entertaining areas all overlooking the front and backyards. Game room and guest apartment with kitchen and bath above the garage.


Offered at $2,200,000 MLS 46604840


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Sleepy Oaks Circle Custom estate on 1 park-like acres just completed in Hunters Creek. Private and gated 125 foot driveway leads to architectural masterpiece. Master suites on 1st and 2nd floor. Game room, home theater, full quarters, 1,000+ bottle climate controlled wine room, elevator, generator ready, pool, spa, hot tub, large covered porches and arbor. Outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, stone circular driveway, custom carved stone fireplace mantels, planters and fountain.


Offered at $7,775,000 MLS 9676247

STATELY OLD-WORLD EUROPEAN-INSPIRED


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Lakeside Forest Lane Spectacular custom built home on a beautiful ravine lot on the banks of historic Buffalo Bayou. Amenities include grand entertaining areas, walls of glass, remodeled kitchen with Sub-Zero refrigerator, several patios and expansive second story game room with wet bar. Putt-putt mini golf room, wine and media rooms, sparkling pool surrounded by lush natural landscaping, walkways, bridges and a secluded gazebo overlooking the bayou.


Offered at $1,675,000 MLS 77712458

MEMORIAL | Beauregard Drive Recent construction featuring versatile floor plan. Master, second bedroom and study down. Game room, media room, 3 bedrooms and craft room up. Open floor plan with high ceilings, circular stairs, iron banister, 3-car garage and room for pool.

5-6 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHS

Offered at $1,550,000 MLS 70939734


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Tynebrook Lane Rolling, beautifully landscaped acre plus lot in Piney Point. Authentic Old World feel. Filled with European and American antique and reproduction fixtures and hardware, limestone floors, rough hewn-hand-waxed walnut floors, plaster panels. Formals, family room, library, game room, golf simulator room, hobby room, wine cellar, exercise room, outdoor kitchen/dining with A/C, generator.


Offered at $6,150,000 MLS 79539473

SPECTACULAR FRENCH-STYLE ESTATE


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Robbins Exceptional opportunity on cul-de-sac location in this expanded traditional with fine custom finishes. Amazing master suite with sitting room and dual baths. 2-story entry with grand sweeping staircase. 2-story living room overlooks the pool and spa. Study and dining room flag entry. Grand open kitchen, breakfast and great rooms. Game room and 3-car garage.


Offered at $2,395,000 MLS 14077942

MEMORIAL | Belin Manor Drive Stately Bunker Hill traditional featuring formal dining and mahogany-paneled study with fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling arched windows, hardwoods, chefs kitchen with breakfast bar that opens to covered terrace, pool and lush outdoor setting. Elegant master suite down with dual vanities and 2 large custom closets with extensive built-ins. Game room and study with built-in shelves. 3-car garage behind gated driveway plus circular driveway.


Offered at $2,245,000 MLS 28123544

BUFFALOBAYOU

Just as New Orleans sprawls along the

nearest habitable tracts of land to the mouth

of the Mississippi and St. Louis is where it is

because of the confluence of two mighty

rivers, so, believe it or not, does Houston

owe its very existence to that long-ignored

muddy stream known as Buffalo Bayou.

(Random trivia: to this day nobody is sure if

the bayou takes its name from the buffalo fish

in its waters or the bison that once roamed its

banks). Today, Houston is in the process of

rediscovering the waterway, embracing it as

a natural civic treasure as never before.

by John Lomax

Texas Monthly senior editor John Nova Lomax is also the author of a guidebook to Houston dive bars and a co-author of a compilation of notorious Houston crimes. Hes been a full-time journalist in the Bayou City since 2001.

...WHEN THE RICH LANDS OF THIS

COUNTRY SHALL BE SETTLED, A TRADE

SHALL FLOW INTO IT, MAKING IT, BEYOND

ALL DOUBT, THE GREAT INTERIOR

COMMERCIAL EMPORIUM OF

TEXAS.

HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL | 1967

~the Allen Brothers

You occasionally hear it said that Houston was founded by

brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen as a real

estate scam. The legend is pretty much true. The Allen Brothers

wanted to build a town at Buffalo Bayous head of navigation the

spot where ships could easily travel in and out from the open ocean

and in 1836, attempted to site Houston on the smoldering ruins

of the town of Harrisburg. That town was eight miles downstream

and freshly torched by Santa Annas soon-to-be-obliterated army.

Failing to get clear title to Harrisburg, the Allens headed upstream

to what is now known as Allens Landing at the confluence of White

Oak and Buffalo Bayou and purchased what became Houston for

$5,000.

Their first advertisement for the town showed plenty of what

later came to be known as chutzpah. In the new Republic of Texas,

the Allens claimed ,there was no

place in Texas having an abundance

of excellent spring water and enjoying

the sea breeze in all its freshness

quite like Houston, a town they

further claimed was handsome and

beautifully elevated, salubrious and

well-watered. Well-watered it was.

After all, it was pretty much a swamp,

where mosquitoes by the billion bred

in stagnant ponds and Buffalo Bayou

ox-bow lakes, bringing with them the

yellow fever that decimated the town

over and over again through the 19th

Century.

And the Allen Brothers went on:

One day, they wrote, Houston would

command the trade of the largest and

richest portion of Texas. . . . when

the rich lands of this country shall

be settled, a trade shall flow into it,

making it, beyond all doubt, the great interior commercial emporium

of Texas.

That trade from the Texas heartland would come and Houston

would one day become not only the Lone Star States greatest

interior commercial emporium, but also the worlds. And it would

do so thanks to that little and treacherous stream known as Buffalo

Bayou.

In the early days, Houstons position at the head of Buffalo

Bayous navigation was more a theory than an actual fact. Challenged

to demonstrate that ships could in fact make it all the way to the docks

at Allens Landing, the Allen Brothers arranged a demonstration. In

January 1837, they commissioned the small steamer Laura to do

what had never been done before: churn upstream the eight miles

from Harrisburg to Houston. Which the Laura did accomplish, three

full days after it set off from a spot that today stands just inside the

East Loop. Clearing all the logjams and snags from the water took

the Herculean labors of all 23 crewmen and passengers throughout

what sounds a hellish 72 hours.

But it showed that Houston really could be a port and over the

next decades and against heavy odds, Houston would be a port. East

of town, along what is now the mighty Houston Ship Channel, where

the banks are now lined with tank farms and chemical plants, its

waters traversed by gargantuan tankers from Guangzhou, Piraeus

and Vladivostok, its easy to forget that a trip up Buffalo Bayou was

once akin to paddling through a South American jungle. Panthers

roamed the banks. Cottonmouths and alligators abounded in the

slow stream, the air above it was alive with mosquitoes one man

claimed were as large as grasshoppers. The nights were long and

pitch-dark and alive with ominous sounds.

Early settler Mrs. Dilue Harris

recalled a night of terror on the bayou:

We were surrounded by wolves and

water. There was a large sycamore

tree that stood in the water near us

and it was as white as snow. The

buzzards roosted in it. We could hear

owls hoot all night. Mother said it was

a night of horrors. She said the owls

were singing a funeral dirge and the

wolves and buzzards were waiting to

bury us.

Today you can get a sense of

what Harris was talking about at Terry

Hershey Park, a heavily-forested, six-

mile greenspace on both banks of the

bayou west of town, running roughly

from Highway 6 to Beltway 8. The

park is traversed by trails both paved

and unpaved and is regarded by some

as the crown jewel in Harris Countys

bicycling network, thanks in no small part to its popular Anthills bike

paths. The park takes its name from conservationist Terry Hershey

who in the 1960s, with the help of a young congressman by the name

of George Herbert Walker Bush, prevented the US Army Corps of

Engineers from pouring concrete along the bayous banks, as is it did

on both Brays and White Oak Bayous and other area waterways.

Save for little Briarbend Park, near the corner of Stoney Brook

and Woodway, all of the land between Beltway 8 and Loop 610 is

in private hands and the only way to see this stretch of wild river

with its opulent homes, golf courses and wildlife is from aboard a

canoe or kayak. Bayou Shuttle Service offers both watercraft rentals

and pick-up and drop-off at 10 access points along the bayou, from

Highway 6 all the way to Allens Landing downtown.

BUFFALO BAYOU | HOUSTON

BUFFALO BAYOU CONTD.

At Loop 610, the bayou forms the southern border of the

1,466 acre Memorial Park, just one of early 20th century developer

(and unsung Houston hero) Will Hoggs many precious gifts to the

city. On the south bank lies River

Oaks, another Will Hogg project.

Bayou Bend, the showpiece home

he shared with sister Ima Hogg for

the last few years of his too-short

life, presides on the north bank of the

bayou, just across the water from River

Oaks proper.

Just east of River Oaks the

bayou wends its way to the Shepherd

Drive bridge, the western edge of

the ongoing $58 million Buffalo

Bayou Park project. Buffalo Bayou

Partnership, the Kinder Foundation,

Harris County Flood Control District

and the City of Houston have joined

forces to redevelop 160 acres of

waterside land stretching east all

the way to the historic Sabine Street

Bridge. By the time of its completion

scheduled for this summer the

new park will include miles of jogging paths and hike and bike trails,

canoe/kayak rentals, a nature play area, performance venues and

meditation spots and the Johnny Steele Dog Park, which, like some

of the other features, has already opened.

These new developments will only enhance this stretch

of the bayous pre-existing attractions: lovely Glenwood

Cemetery, Houstons River Oaks of the Dead; the Waugh

Drive bat colony, home to a year-round population of

approximately 200,000

Mexican free-tailed bats; the

Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park;

the collection of 19th Century

homes and churches on

display in Sam Houston Park;

and Eleanor Tinsley Park, the site of

Free Press Houstons Summerfest

pop festival and the citys yearly

Fourth of July shindigs.

Promenades line the banks of

the bayou as it wends its way through

downtown and its here that the bayou

most appeals to the history buff.

Theres the Donnellan family crypt

beneath the Franklin Avenue bridge

at Louisiana Street, the burial site of

several members of a prominent but

unlucky 19th Century Houston family.

Theres Allens Landing, formerly the

bustling hub of the Port of Houston.

Theres the former Love Street Light Circus building, once the

epicenter of hippie Houstons psychedelic music scene, the site of

several 13th Floor Elevator happenings, featuring the light shows of

noted local artist David Adickes. After languishing in disrepair for

RIVER OAKS COUNTRY CLUB | 1973

HOUSTON COUNTRY CLUB | 1903

decades, the old Love Street

building is being refurbished as

an event center, office complex

and bike, canoe and kayak rental

facility. You can explore this

section of the bayou either on

foot, via paddle-craft, or aboad

the Buffalo Bayou Partnerships

Spirit of the Bayou boat tours.

Downtowns eastern edge

is demarcated by the McKee,

Elysian and Highway 59 bridges,

all of which cut through the site

of what was once Frost Town

Houstons epicenter of German

immigration in the 19th Century

and later El Alacran, a barrio

whose names translates as The

McKEE STREET BRIDGE | 1931

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

BUFFALO BAYOU CONTD.

Scorpion. If you clamber under the brightly-colored

McKee Street Bridge, you will find what might be

Houstons oldest graffito -- an announcement that the

legendary hobo the King of Tramps jumped a westbound

train from near here on January 26, 1933.

Hike and bike trails follow one or both banks of the

Bayou east through the Second Ward more or less

unbroken to Lockwood Street, where the bayou turns

industrial. The Port of Houston operates a free tour

of the Houston Ship Channel aboard the M/V Sam

Houston which docks just west of the Turning Basin.

You wouldnt call it a conventionally pretty tour and the

water and air dont smell so great, but there is definitely

a fearsome awesomeness to the vistas youll see during

your 90-minute voyage. (The tour books up weeks in

advance; check the Sam Houstons web site for the next

available slots at www.portofhouston.com).

East to its mouth from there, because of national

security issues, most of the bayou is off-limits save for

authorized personnel. That holds true all the way to its

mouth at its confluence with the San Jacinto River. There

sprawls the San Jacinto Battleground, where on April 21,

1836, Sam Houstons army turned the tables on Santa

Annas pursuing forces and changed world history in

less than 20 minutes. (Since the battle took place on the

banks of both, it seems only to have been the luck of the

draw that the decisive conflict did not go into history as

the Battle of Buffalo Bayou). The 489-foot San Jacinto

Monument is topped by an observation deck offering

unparalleled views of the entire region and anchored

by a first-rate historical museum and library. Moored

nearby and open for tours is the

103-year-old battleship Texas:

the only remaining Dreadnought

on the planet.

Houstons Mother Bayou

gave rise to a world city and packs

recreation and beauty, earth-

shaking history and industry of

international import, all in a mere

53 miles. Could the same be said

for any other world waterway of

such short length? I think not:

ripple-for-ripple, this little river

takes a backseat to none other in

importance.

SAN JACINTO MONUMENT

BATTLESHIP TEXAS | DREADNOUGHT


MEMORIAL AREA

MEMORIAL | Lanell New construction home built by Carlton Construction in Spring Valley. Master down with spa-inspired bath and 2 walk-in closets. Dining opens to butlers

pantry/wine room. Granite island kitchen with professional-style stainless steel appliances opens to beamed ceiling great room and breakfast room. Wine grotto with wrought iron doors. Pavilion with summer kitchen opens to pool-size yard. Game room with refrigerator, wet bar and theater.


Offered at $1,795,000 MLS 39674310

MEMORIAL | Hollow Drive Charming, partially updated 1950s 2-story on breathtaking ravine lot with creek. Light-filled island kitchen and combined

dining/living with vaulted ceiling, fireplace and hardwoods. Nestled on a lush, tree-lined street, this 37,985 sq. ft. lot has great dimensions and mature, elegant trees.


Offered at $1,625,000 MLS 78417765


MEMORIAL AREA / RIVER OAKS AREA

MEMORIAL | Blalock Forest Street Mid-century ranch with stunning hardwoods throughout, rustic timber beamed ceilings, custom designed kitchen with granite counters and butcher block island. Exquisite formals, wood burning fireplace in den area.


Offered at $1,500,000 MLS 51433680

MEMORIAL | Hudson Circle Beautiful home offering island kitchen, an elevator, wide planked hardwoods and walk-in wet bar with double wine chillers. Enjoy the beautiful deck and ravine view from the master suite equipped with dual sinks and whirlpool tub.


Offered at $1,465,000 MLS 24964982

MEMORIAL | Eaton Court Georgian-style home in Bunker Hill Village on cul-de-sac street. Master with adjoining study on first floor. Large yard and garden patio with covered trellis. Circular driveway, oversized 3-car detached garage and additional parking.


Offered at $1,495,000 MLS 11084658

MEMORIAL | Piney Point Home that features all the simplistic qualities you would need. Come by and view for yourself.


Offered at $1,450,000 MLS 75863194

RIVER OAKS | Welch Street Free standing first floor living. Industrial look with steel beams, floating staircase, stained concrete floors down, reclaimed hardwoods up. Island kitchen features quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.


Offered at $385,000 MLS 30637748

MEMORIAL | Valley Forge Drive Elegant single story home offering oversized great room with wood burning fireplace, hardwoods, wall of windows overlooking the pool, flagstone patio in expansive yard. Granite kitchen, game room with bath and plantation shutters.


Offered at $1,425,000 MLS 39870749

RIVER OAKS | Willowick Bayou Breeze, a River Oaks estate on 3.7 acre bayou lot, was designed by Curtis and Windham architects with interiors superbly appointed by New York

interior designer Bunny Williams. Amenities include antique reclaimed wood floors, an elevator to all 3 floors, wine cellar with dining area, media room, separate guest house, 2-bedroom apartment over garage, pool and pool cabana, putting green and stunning garden and woodland views from every window.


Offered at $14,995,000 MLS 9612435

MAGNIFICENT RIVER OAKS ESTATE AN AMERICAN COUNTRY HOUSE


RIVER OAKS AREA


RIVER OAKS AREA

RIVER OAKS | Eastgrove Lane Occupied duplex on wooded lot. Lots of new construction on street. 1 bedroom unit up and 2 bedroom unit down.

DUPLEX

Offered at $770,000 MLS 69859802

RIVER OAKS | Merwin Street Charming 1-story home on cul-de-sac inside the loop. Open floor plan provides great entertaining space. Beautiful hardwoods, tile flooring, wood/gas log fireplace, crown moldings and French doors that lead to the side patio.


Offered at $649,500 MLS 56095084

RIVER OAKS | Dunlavy 4-story detached patio home built by Carnegie Homes features custom stained red oak flooring, large and open living room with linear fireplace, balcony and rooftop terrace. Master retreat on third floor with large walk-in closet.


Offered at $749,900-$759,900 MLS 12246114, 94923571, 34454748


RIVER OAKS AREA

RIVER OAKS | Drexel Drive Live in it now while finalizing your building plans. Stunning green 19,530 sq. ft. lot. Take advantage of one of the

few double lots in the neighborhood and build a dream home on spectacular treed grounds. Enjoy quick access to everything from this prime location.


Offered at $1,950,000 MLS 89010444

RIVER OAKS | Pine Valley Drive Modernized traditional-style home was designed by Claude Hooten, a member of Housons first generation of architects. Entry with access to formals. Enlarged den has pool and patio views, a wet bar, wine storage and built-ins. Island kitchen and breakfast room with glass wall overlooking fountain and

attached garage.


Offered at $2,115,000 MLS 89972136


RIVER OAKS AREA

RIVER OAKS | West Lane Drive Home in gated community offers game room, formals, spacious master suite with separate sitting area and morning room. Renovated master bath. Fresh interior paint and new deck in the backyard with ivy-covered surroundings.


Offered at $1,098,000 MLS 14616073

RIVER OAKS | Markham Street Great home that needs kitchen and bath updates. Add unique designer touch or build new. Hardwood floors throughout and under the carpet in the bedrooms. 2 bonus rooms.


Offered at $715,000 MLS 77078626

RIVER OAKS | Fairview Street Free standing patio home with first floor living, gleaming hardwoods, soaring ceilings, open granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances and library. Master bath with granite, spa tub and dual sinks. 2-car garage.


Offered at $474,900 MLS 69944655


RIVER OAKS AREA

RIVER OAKS | Del Monte This impressive brick home is a City of Houston Protected Landmark. According to the Landmark Designation Report, it was built on speculation in 1935-36 by J. Leon Osborne. It is an excellent example of Tudor Revival style and is a visual reminder of the initial development of River Oaks. The homes floor plan follows a traditional pattern with formal rooms flanking the foyer which transitions into the rest of the house through arched doorways.


Offered at $3,395,000 MLS 48965171

HOUSTON PROTECTED LANDMARK TUDOR REVIVAL STYLE HOME


RIVER OAKS AREA

RIVER OAKS | W Alabama Street Enjoy elegant living in a Del Cielo home. This home features formal living areas, custom wood flooring, high ceilings, wine grotto, butlers pantry, study, elevator ready and second floor game room. In addition, an incredible chefs dream kitchen with Chicago fire brick vaulted ceiling, custom cabinetry, Thermador appliances and breakfast room. Backyard features professional landscaping and sprinkler system.


Offered at $1,940,000 MLS 95031294

RIVER OAKS | Colquitt Street Enjoy this amazing new construction home built by Covington Custom Homes. The traditional exterior is enhanced by reclaimed brick and large front porch. A wide foyer welcomes a wonderful open floor plan. Features include a wine grotto off the dining room, French doors that open to the grand covered veranda overlooking the huge backyard, Bertazzoni and Sub-Zero appliances, butlers bar and optional 5th bedroom down with full bath.


Offered at $1,579,000 MLS 70305084

RIVER OAKS | Hazard Street Mediterranean-style patio home designed by Giarrusso and Assoc and built by Allen Edwards for his personal residence. Only the finest finishes and features. Seamless flow from room to room make this home great for entertaining.


Offered at $1,325,000 MLS 26138680


RIVER OAKS AREA

RIVER OAKS | Hackberry Extensively renovated and updated gated townhome offers an open, integrated floor plan with dramatic staircase and elevator. Outdoor living spaces with true

summer kitchen, pool/spa, lush gardens, elegant entertaining kitchen/gathering place, spacious formal rooms and study. Gracious master with spa bath and custom fitted closet, den/living room, home theater and gym. Finest lighting, finishes, fixtures and hardware, plus smart house systems.


Offered at $1,750,000 MLS 86919724

RIVER OAKS | Olympia Traditional home with classic elements of an older home and modern updates for a current lifestyle. Elegant entry foyer with descending staircase. Spacious

living room appointed with elegant molding and hardwood floors. Casual great room in back with access to backyard pool area. Cozy wood paneled den off kitchen. Central formal dining room. Kitchen features marble counters and quality appliances. Spacious quarters over the garage.


Offered at $1,525,000 MLS 2384447


RIVER OAKS AREA


RIVER OAKS AREA / MONTROSE:MIDTOWN AREA

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Mcilhenny Downtown views from rooftop terrace, open floor plan, large island kitchen with stainless appliances, master suite with large walk-in closet, dual vanities, large tub and separate shower. 2 guest bedrooms with en suite baths.


Offered at $448,890 - $468,975 MLS 82910134, 32739811, 85126568. 99498903

RIVER OAKS | Driscoll Street New construction free standing patio home with first floor living. Large master suite located on the second floor with granite counters, dual sinks and jetted tub. Home is elevator capable with the game room on the third floor.


Offered at $789,900 MLS 2239524


MONTROSE:MIDTOWN AREA

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Crocker 3-story masterpiece contemporary home offers first floor with open

living space overlooking pool and gardens. Second floor includes master suite with soaking tub and dual sinks, study, living area

and terrace with fireplace overlooking downtown. Third floor has 2 additional bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, living area and bonus

room. 3-car garage plus separate attached apartment or office space.


Offered at $2,100,000 MLS 4601085

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Sackett Stunning new construction built by Yago Custom Builders located on a secluded, wooded street. The 7,500 sf lot accommodates this lovely

residence that has 1 bedroom on the first floor, 3 bedrooms on the second floor with en suite bath. Custom millwork, custom cabinetry, an

open living area and full appliance package. Located close to West Ave shopping and dining, the Urban Harvest farmers market at Eastside

and Whole Foods Market.


Offered at $1,749,000 MLS 18510914

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Norfolk Street Home with large open spaces is perfect for entertaining. Features

include high ceilings, abundant natural light, large island kitchen with breakfast room, game room and smart home system controls for

lighting, HVAC and security.


Offered at $1,499,000 MLS 36726536



MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Sul Ross Contemporary-modern home designed by award winning Houston architect Scott Ballard. Viking kitchen appliances, luxurious rain showers, soaring and open ceilings, large picture windows and expanse of glass.


Offered at $899,900 MLS 36110614

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Westgate Street Updated, while retaining all the character of a 1930s home. Covered front porch, study, hardwoods, crown molding, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters and updated and expanded master bath.


Offered at $839,000 MLS 51192058

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Cherryhurst Raised bungalow offers an inviting screened porch, large living and dining rooms with banks of windows and spacious bedrooms. House is significantly elevated and the area underneath may be converted to usable space.


Offered at $675,000 MLS 23995851

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Ralph Classic European architecture and upscale interior finishes. Oasis with gracious landscaping, large rooftop terrace with incredible city views. Gourmet chefs kitchen with Thermador appliances.


Offered at $849,900 MLS 2914784

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Hawthorne Street Stunning Montrose home. Chefs kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliance package. Master suite includes granite counters, whirlpool tub and large walk-in closet. Pool/spa in lush backyard and air-conditioned garage.


Offered at $775,000 MLS 6709438

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | W Alabama Street Home sits on an oversized lot, offers the charm of a historic home but with a nice, bright, open floor plan. Large kitchen with breakfast bar opens to the dining room. Living room with fireplace and built-ins.


Offered at $603,200 MLS 8492115



MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Sackett Street Painted brick exterior with porte-cochere home located on cul-de-sac street

with a summer kitchen, pool, beautiful landscaping, formal great room with cathedral ceilings, study, game room and many updates throughout.


Offered at $1,399,000 MLS 95039082

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Mandell Street Custom elevator ready home with saltwater pool, generator, high ceilings

and open island kitchen with gas range and travertine counters. Master suite with sitting room overlooking pool and patio, jetted tub and 2 closets.


Offered at $1,050,000 MLS 72429855

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | W Clay Street Spectacular elevator capable patio home with soaring ceilings, 2 rooftop

terraces off game room with striking city views, chefs dream kitchen, wine room off dining area and glorious master spa retreat with coffee bar area.


Offered at $924,000 MLS 5597894

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | Welch Contemporary designed by Marshall Reid. Entertaining space and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. Mezzanine dining overlooking pool. Third floor

master suite and rooftop terrace with summer kitchen overlooking downtown.


Offered at $1,390,000 MLS 13209504

MONTROSE:MIDTOWN | W Clay Street 4-story patio home with an elevator, soaring ceilings, 2 rooftop terraces with spectacular views, wine room off dining and gourmet kitchen with premium

appliances. Grand master spa retreat with whirlpool tub and dual sinks.


Offered at $949,000 MLS 4590477

Bayou Homes:

Bayou Bend & Rienzi

by Chris Kelly

Chris Kelly is a documentary filmmaker,

former editor-in-chief of Ultra, Houston

Metropolitan and POLO magazines and a longtime Houstonian who is proud

of The Bayou City!

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.It will never fail you. ~ FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

Natural woodlands, winding ravines, sumptuous formal gardens and a wide ribbon of Buffalo Bayou landscape the stunning

14 acres in River Oaks of Bayou

Bend. This spectacular property was

once part of the private residence

of the late philanthropist Ima Hogg,

affectionately known as Miss Ima.

When she began to develop the land

in the late 1920s, Miss Ima said it

was nothing but a dense thicket. Bart

Brechtor, the Curator of Bayou Bend

Gardens observes, Buffalo Bayou

was always meant to be a defining

boundary to the property. Miss

Hoggs preservation of the native

vegetation along the bayou is credit

to her understanding of the need

for erosion control and the untamed

nature of the bayou itself. She also

commissioned the legendary Texas

architect John Staub to design a

magnificent 18th century Georgian

style mansion and filled it with what is

now considered to be one of the finest

showcases of American furnishings,

objects and paintings in the world with

pieces dating from 1620-1870. In the

mid-1960s, Miss Ima donated Bayou

Bend to the MFAH as a museum. To

alleviate the concern of some River

Oaks residents over the increased

traffic that a museum in their

prestigious enclave would bring, she

had a charming footbridge built over

the bayou so that visitors could reach

Bayou Bend with an entrance at 6003

Memorial at Wescott and without

driving through the neighborhood.

And through the decades, people

have flocked to Bayou Bend to tour

the home and take sublime walks

through the grounds.

For more information, visit www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens

As a somewhat hidden jewel in River Oaks, Rienzi is worth discovering and exploring. Tucked-in with the

neighborhoods grand homes,

theres just a small sign to let you

know that you are now at the

center for European decorative

arts for the Museum of Fine Arts

Houston. This spectacular estate

was once the home of the late

arts patrons Carroll and Harris

Masterson who generously

donated Rienzi to the museum.

Located between two ravines

that lead into Buffalo Bayou,

this 4.4 acre property is an

evocative combination of artfully

manicured gardens and Texas

forest with an abundance of

wildlife, plant species and flowers

in bloom year-round. Overlooking

all of this is the dramatic home

which the Mastersons built in

1954 and is best described as

a villa with influences from the

great Italian architect andrea

Palladio. It was here that the

Mastersons entertained in grand

style, complete with an elegant

ballroom. Today the MFAH still

holds musical concerts and

special events at Rienzi and is

open to the public for tours.

For more information, visit www.mfah.org/visit/rienzi

Bayou Homes Continued


RICE MILITARY AREA

RICE MILITARY | Dickson Traditional custom home on corner lot with impeccable attention to detail

features study and secondary bedroom down, living area, media and luxurious master on second floor. Study with Mesquite wood floors and

Pecan bookshelves, spiral staircase, wood French doors that lead to covered porch and backyard that features an arbor and fountain. Sitting area with bar and kitchenette, wine room chiller and hidden third floor game room.


Offered at $1,800,000 MLS 31275734

RICE MILITARY | Rose Lovely home featuring gleaming hardwoods, gourmet kitchen and large

living/dining area. Master bath has separate soaking tub and shower with 2 walk-in closets. Large covered balcony off the kitchen.


Offered at $515,000 MLS 75018244

RICE MILITARY | Blossom Detached home located in Rice Military features a breakfast nook off the kitchen, fireplace, tile floor in entry and kitchen, hardwood floors in living

room and outdoor space. Dual sinks and soaking tub in master bath.


Offered at $429,900 MLS 43024448

RICE MILITARY | Calle Catalina Place 4-story Spanish-inspired home in gated development with an elevator

features outdoor kitchen, lanai, rooftop terrace with firepit and man-cave on first floor. Large courtyard, small pool, wine vault and open kitchen.


Offered at $1,390,000 MLS 55804163

RICE MILITARY | Detering Street Stately home with 3 outdoor living spaces, sprinkler system, gas log

fireplace, wood floors, terrace and front garden with Flagstone patio. Island kitchen with stainless steel appliances and master suite with 2 closets.


Offered at $510,000 MLS 99258447

CunninghamDevelopment, Ltd

Cunningham Building and Development properties exceeds

engineering standards by using stronger concrete in our

foundations and each home is built to meet LEED, Energy

Star and other green-building standards.

Inspired by the ancient walled cities of Andalusia in Spain, the sophisticated, elegant

and distinctive homes within Cceres provide residents with a genteel, polished

and private lifestyle second to none. Rice Military location puts it only minutes from

downtown, Memorial Park, museums and some of Houstons most exciting dining.

Caceres offers resale properties in addition to new construction.

3,300+ to 3,700+ square feet | manned gated entrance | elevators professionally-equipped kitchens | lavish master suites with dual sink areas

and oversized walk-in closets | private roof gardens with uniquely crafted summer kitchens and downtown/galleria views | gas log fireplaces | game rooms

two-car attached garage - additional parking on select units

RAISING THE BAR Refined Living Within Inner-Loop Houston

207 Reinerman

For more information, visit

caceresvillas.comONLY A FEW UNITS REMAINING TO SELECT


MEMORIAL PARK AREA / MUSEUM DISTRICT AREA

MEMORIAL PARK | Wanita Place Beautiful home with open living and dining area, spacious kitchen with

stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and flexible space in great room. Double pane windows, tankless water heater, inviting front patio and backyard.


Offered at $750,000 MLS 18989070

MUSEUM DISTRICT | Nottingham Street 2-story home with hardwood floors and natural light throughout. 3

bedrooms upstairs and fenced backyard with detached garage. House can be residential or commercial.


Offered at $739,000 MLS 98084198

MUSEUM DISTRICT | Calumet Street Unit F Free standing home with high-end exterior brick, balconies, windows and

doors, surfaces and fixtures. 2-car garage and automatic gate upon entering property. Hand distressed hardwoods throughout.


Offered at $450,000 MLS 29814904

MEMORIAL PARK | Pickens Open floor plan with gourmet chefs kitchen, spacious rooftop terrace with

fireplace and kitchen and home automation system. Master retreat features fireplace, coffee station and custom shoe closets.


Offered at $1,499,900 MLS 5243875

MUSEUM DISTRICT | Addison Road 2-story brick home on a large corner lot

offering hardwood floors and large great room addition.


Offered at $799,000 MLS 56961974

MUSEUM DISTRICT | Bissonnet 1-story cottage with spacious public rooms, remodeled kitchen, sunroom

with walls of windows, beautiful hardwood flooring and great backyard with a deck. Oversized garage with additional parking in the back.

2 BEDROOMS | 1 BATH

Offered at $550,000 MLS 39654444

There was

a time, about a century

ago, when human challenges all

seemed like engineering challenges when

as long as you could dig it, straighten it,

span it, contain it or raise it, you could

make all things right. The Panama Canal

became a path between the seas in that

same heady era, connecting the Atlantic to

the Pacific. And the Houston Ship Channel

opened for business.

Between the loss of Galveston as a

safe, confident port with the Great Storm

of 1900 and the discovery of underground

oil at Spindletop near Beaumont in

1901, the Ship Channel meant that then-

sleepy Houston was open for business

too. A century later and especially after

a yearlong observance, more and more

people have come to realize that it was

actually the Ship Channel that made this

Houston the world knows possible.

People need to understand something,

offers Tom Kornigay, who worked for the

Port Authority for 37 years, the last 17 as

its executive director and recently chaired

the nonprofit called Promote Houston Ship

Channel 2014. Everything in Houston can

be tied to the Ship Channel and the Port of

Houston. Whenever Id go talk to groups

over all those years, Id always tell them: If

you dont believe that, just tell me what and

give me a try.

The dredging that gave Houston a

deepwater port sixty miles inland from

Galveston Bay as opposed to the shallow

spot at the meeting of Buffalo and White

Oak bayous developed by the city-founding

Allen Brothers in 1836 - started with a first

and hasnt stopped producing them since.

Up until that point, the federal government

had paid for all such navigational projects

and executed them via the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers on the basis of national

interest. However, when the Corps

conducted its study of this works benefits,

measured against its costs, the project got

a firm thumbs-down.

Thats when Houston did an early

version of itself. Its business leaders (men

like Jesse Jones and Tom Ball, the latter

honored by todays town of Tomball)

offered to split the cost 50/50. By all

accounts, the congressional committee

working on the proposal had never

by John DeMers

John DeMers is the author of 52 published books and the host of the Delicious Mischief radio show, heard weekly in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

encountered such a ridiculous idea

people actually willing and able to pay for

something. But they liked where this was

going. Not only did the Ship Channel get

dredged but the 50/50 agreement became

a model for the future.

On Nov. 10, 1914, President Woodrow

Wilson pressed a button in Washington

that fired a cannon down in Houston, the

Ship Channel thereby declaring itself

operational. World War I slowed things

for a few years, since the major markets

in Europe were neither buying nor selling

much of anything. But after that, the

port and indeed Houston itself was able

to withstand the ups and downs of an

increasingly global economy. By World War

II, the port was

able to serve the

greater good with

personnel and

supplies heading for

European and Pacific

combat. And by the

golden era of NASA in the

1960s, it stood ready for all sorts of

then-high tech equipment making its way

into and out of the Houston area. Today, as

for much of its history, some 85% of the

Channels cargo relates to oil and gas.

Looking ahead to the ports second

century, there are two main challenges that

cause far more lost sleep than notions of

competition with New Orleans, Mobile or

Gulfport. The first is

funding for continued

dredging, collected by

the federal government

as the Harbor Maintenance

Tax but too-often allocated to

other projects. A new agreement

hopes to rectify that, so deepwater

ports can enjoy the depth of channels they

promise to shipping companies. And the

second challenge, perhaps predictably,

is security. When Kornigay started with

the Port Authority four decades ago, that

was mostly about people stealing cargo or

equipment. Today its about not letting bad

people from overseas sneak anything into

this country that might prove devastating.

Id hope we can continue our tradition,

Kornigay says of the next 100 years. The

Port has a list of maybe 25 or 30 different

things it did before anybody else.

I would like to see it continue

on that track, to lead as

opposed to follow.


MUSEUM DISTRICT AREA / WEST UNIVERSITY AREA

MUSEUM DISTRICT | Milford Street Designed by highly acclaimed architect Natalye Appel. Asian-inspired modern blends nicely into a Museum District neighborhood known for unique architecture. Open plan, high ceilings and high-end finishes.


Offered at $945,000 MLS 90824469

WEST UNIVERSITY | Merrick Street Existing home is livable and rentable and features bright living spaces and hardwood floors. Mature oak trees, located near recent new construction.


Offered at $615,000 MLS 83859282

WEST UNIVERSITY | Drummond Street 13,650 sf corner lot at Buffalo Speedway and Drummond. Please drive by or walk the lot. House cannot be shown. Buyers choice to build on a double lot in beautiful Southern Oaks.


Offered at $539,000 MLS 76308209

WEST UNIVERSITY | Durness Charming, well maintained home located in Braes Heights. Beautiful hardwood floors in formal living and dining room, great closet space and recent roof. 2-car detached garage and gated driveway. Close to Texas Medical Center.


Offered at $575,000 MLS 17780363

MUSEUM DISTRICT | Milford Street Entertain in comfort and style in this artisan-finished, newly constructed home. Spacious sports bar on first floor, large dining and living rooms with beveled oak floors, Thermador appliances in open kitchen with island and butlers pantry. Dramatic vaulted ceilings in exquisite master suite, all bedrooms with en suite baths, media/game room plus bonus room on third floor and an elevator to all floors.


Offered at $1,999,999 MLS 33128777

3 SINGLE-FAMILY PATIO HOMES

4-STORY PNEUMATIC ROUND ELEVATORS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FEATURES

NO MAINTENANCE FEE

CITY VIEW TERRACE WITH FIREPLACE

HOMEO F T E X A S

MANZEL Contemporary Homes are designed by Preston Wood and Associates

and built by Sunset Residential Builders, LLC.

In cooperation with Protg Homes, INC., Interior Design by Shellaine Henderson

and marketed by Martha Turner Sothebys International Realty.

FROM THE $850s


WEST UNIVERSITY AREA

WEST UNIVERSITY | University Fantastic traditional home on a desirable corner lot in West University Place. Built-out quarters and a sparkling pool.


Offered at $1,250,000 MLS 13873227

WEST UNIVERSITY | Tangley Road Traditional home with quarters/guest suite above garage. Great room with built-ins and double French doors that open to backyard and breakfast room. Master bedroom with spacious office/sitting area and large walk-in closet.


Offered at $1,195,000 MLS 75074481

WEST UNIVERSITY | Rice Boulevard Stunning home featuring large chefs kichen, Wolf gas cook top and oven, wine cooler, granite island with vegetable sink, neutral marble flooring, 2-sided gas log fireplace, study and large master with 2 walk-in closets.


Offered at $1,149,500 MLS 67281149

SHADYSIDE

SHADYSIDE | Longfellow Lane One of William Ward Watkins finest private residences. Completed in 1926, this mediterranean-style revival estate has been beautifully restored and offers a grand reception hall paneled in English walnut, hand-forged French hardware, generously proportioned formals and bedrooms, solarium with Palladian-style windows and groin vault ceiling. 2 acre park-like grounds with tennis court, pool, artist cottage and carriage house with staff apartments.


Offered at $6,900,000 MLS 29702444

MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL ESTATEBEAUTIFULLY RESTORED




WEST UNIVERSITY | Ruskin Street Soft contemporary home on a dead-end street with high-end finishes has hardwoods, tall ceilings, neutral paint finishes, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gas cooktop. Master is pure retreat with abundant closet space and dual sinks. Backyard features covered patio and fireplace. Third floor bonus room.


Offered at $1,575,000 MLS 36892084

WEST UNIVERSITY | Maroneal Stunning recent construction in Braes Heights. The heart of this home is a fabulous kitchen with a huge center island and high-end appliances. Special features include media room, covered porch with built-in grill and 3-car garage.


Offered at $1,449,000 MLS 65285485

WEST UNIVERSITY | Charlotte Traditonal home featuring master suite down, elevator, rich hardwoods, paneled library and wood burning fireplace. Kitchen offers granite counters, Sub-Zero refrigerator and gas cook top. 3-car garage and backyard with patio.


Offered at $1,349,000 MLS 71111804



WEST UNIVERSITY | Darcus Street Gorgeous Southside Place home with a sweeping staircase, high

ceilings, arched doorways, hardwood floors and granite island kitchen with French doors overlooking the pool and hot tub. Backyard summer

kitchen includes gas grill, 2 gas burners, refrigerator, granite topped bar and smoker. Paneled study with French doors and built-ins. Master

suite offers coffered ceiling, recessed lighting and large closet with excessive storage and built-ins.


Offered at $1,799,000 MLS 45656484

WEST UNIVERSITY | Drummond Traditional home designed by Rice Residential and built by Covington

Custom Homes on a corner lot. Game room and 3-car garage. Features include open kitchen and great room, high-end stainless

steel appliances and butlers bar. Great room has beamed ceiling and stone fireplace, French doors to the yard and patio. Master retreat with

sunroom and luxurious bath. Charming front porch and covered patio overlooking an expansive pool-size yard.


Offered at $1,750,000 MLS 92934334

WEST UNIVERSITY | Georgetown Built by Mirador Builders, this fine home offers the best features

of a traditional home but with the hint of a modern edge. Gleaming hardwoods throughout, wrought iron fixtures, open island kitchen with

leathered granite counters, high-end stainless appliances, antique brick fireplace, iron and glass doors leading to covered patio with

fireplace and generously sized backyard. Terrific master retreat with cathedral ceiling and luxurious marble bath.


Offered at $1,675,000 MLS 85679323



WEST UNIVERSITY | University Custom home by Sterling Homes Corp. with the finest finishes and detail. Grand foyer, master down, custom kitchen with butlers pantry, wet bar with wine storage, formal dining and living with gas fireplace, game and media rooms. Dramatic 12 ft. coffered ceilings, elevator closet, wired for smart house technology, in-wall pest control system, covered patio and garage quarters with full bath.


Offered at $2,600,000 MLS 61754460

WEST UNIVERSITY | Sunset Impressive new construction home. Open floor plan with flexible bedroom and bath downstairs, game/media room up. Covered outdoor kitchen and patio. Certified Energy Star Home.


Offered at $2,200,000 MLS 16494937

WEST UNIVERSITY | Carolina Way 1938 home located in Pemberton Place. This eclectic and cool historic home sits on 3 lots. Home features basketball court, horseshoe pit, pegged hardwoods, kitchen that opens to breakfast room with wet bar and sunroom that overlooks backyard and pool. The master bedroom has a tree-house feel overlooking the patio, pool and grounds. Back staircase leads to space over garage that offers 2 bedrooms, game room and full bath with shower.


Offered at $2,100,000 MLS 99357963


BELLAIRE AREA / MEYERLAND AREA

BELLAIRE | Pine Street Custom built Larry Skelton 2004 Bellaire Showcase home located on a

prime .5 acre lot. Oversized dining room and large office. 2-story great room that is semi open to kitchen. Master bedroom has wall of windows

overlooking pool. Chefs kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, game room, pool house with kitchen and bath. Outdoor grill and

movie screen, mosquito system and generator to power the house.


Offered at $1,699,000 MLS 43570541

BELLAIRE | Bellaire Boulevard Unique oversized lot with a beautiful traditional custom home. Amenities

include lighted tennis court, heated pool and spa, home generator, Sentricon termite system, home theater room and complete irrigation system. Gas

fireplace, mirrored wet bar with built-in wine cooler, French doors in dining room that lead to the pool and open island kitchen with stainless steel

package. Master suite with sitting area, fireplace and dual sinks.


Offered at $1,525,000 MLS 8024910

MEYERLAND | Chanteloup Drive 1-story home on corner lot with a small fenced yard features open island

kitchen, plenty of cabinet space, gas range and 2-car garage. This home is perfect for investors or first time home buyers.


Offered at $120,000 MLS 55584494

BELLAIRE | Holt Street A great opportunity to live in Bellaire. This beautifully remodeled expanded bungalow offers granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances and master suite with walk-in closet. Fenced backyard is great for entertaining guests.


Offered at $475,000 MLS 5796323


MEYERLAND AREA

MEYERLAND | Hummingbird Street Updated home in the Parkwest community with handscraped wood floors, site-built cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, bonus game room and backyard. Spacious master suite with ample closet space.


Offered at $490,000 MLS 71271473

MEYERLAND | Braesheather Drive Separate air conditioning unit for enlarged master retreat with its own access to landscaped patio area, double pane windows, granite and custom touches throughout. Park-like setting in backyard and tankless water heater.


Offered at $429,900 MLS 3768719

MEYERLAND | Landsdowne Charming updated home featuring granite counters, recent maple cabinets and under cabinet lighting in kitchen, corner fireplace and built-ins in den. Screened-in oversized porch with vinyl windows and spacious backyard.


Offered at $374,600 MLS 11717844

MEYERLAND | Hazelton Beautiful curb appeal and nicely updated home with an open floor plan and large backyard with patio. Gourmet kitchen features granite countertops and is open to great room. Gated driveway with community park nearby.


Offered at $449,000 MLS 88271256

MEYERLAND | McKnight Open living areas, hardwood flooring, recessed lighting, crown molding. Remodeled granite island kitchen with white cabinetry, gas cooktop, travertine tile backspash, designer fixtures and vaulted beamed ceiling in great room.


Offered at $385,000 MLS 35752642

MEYERLAND | Mullins Spacious home with fantastic floor plan. Kitchen, dining, breakfast and living room all open; perfect for entertaining. Office/sitting room off the master and 2 large rooms.


Offered at $329,900 MLS 79933370


MEYERLAND AREA / HEIGHTS AREA

MEYERLAND | Ashcroft Drive Exceptionally recently updated home featuring formal living room with built-ins

and hardwoods, kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, grand master with large shower and double sink and yard with patio.


Offered at $499,000 MLS 18607919

HEIGHTS | Prince Street Open floor plan with hardwood floors, arches and custom window treatments, study, wine room with wetbar, balcony and fenced backyard. Kitchen features

stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets and 3D back splash.


Offered at $439,900 MLS 78998668

HEIGHTS | Terrace Brook Drive Builders model home with many upgrades. Stone and brick entry, wood floors,

granite countertops, undermount sink, upgraded plumbing fixtures, custom window treatment, gas log fireplace, game room and media/study room.


Offered at $225,000 MLS 23984728

MEYERLAND | Wallington Home features remodeled island kitchen with granite counters, 10 ft. ceilings

in living room and formal dining room with bay window overlooking the cul-de-sac. Study with double doors and game room can hold a pool table.


Offered at $545,000 MLS 98554218

HEIGHTS | Forest Nook Court Grand custom home on cul-de-sac. Large rooms with beautiful finishes

throughout. Generously sized lot with landscaped yard, gated driveway and tree shaded patio. Kitchen with granite counters and double ovens.


Offered at $519,000 MLS 39593528

HEIGHTS | W 24TH Street Gated Mediterranean-inspired home featuring a fenced courtyard with a patio,

hardwood and stone floors, gas fireplace, wine bar with refrigerator, stone countertops, copper accents and architectual beams. Great for entertaining.


Offered at $430,000 MLS 12113156


HEIGHTS AREA

HEIGHTS | Tulane New home built by local builder, Lucias Oaks. Home boasts island kitchen, stainless steel appliances, ample sized bedrooms, pine floors, custom made cabinets, door and wood trim.


Offered at $699,900 MLS 71872774

HEIGHTS | E 8TH Street Expanded bungalow combines modern conveniences while retaining original charm. Home features eat-in island kitchen with marble counters, stainless appliances, large master with walk-in closet and soaking tub. Side deck.


Offered at $649,000 MLS 81504174

HEIGHTS | E 21ST Street Recent construction home with open floor plan, second floor game/media room and master suite with spa-like bath. Home offers custom trim, double crown molding, coffered ceilings and marble counters in the island kitchen.


Offered at $549,900 MLS 72280845

HEIGHTS | Oxford Street Terrific curb appeal in this historic Heights home. Viking professional range, Bosch dishwasher and refinished hardwood floors down. Master up with access to decked balcony plus game room and 2-room studio with half bath.


Offered at $675,000 MLS 11910695

HEIGHTS | Oriole Street Fully fenced property with off-street parking and auto-gate, only blocks away from Garden Oaks and Heights areas. Convenient location, solid rental history, excellent improvements and upkeep.

BEDROOMS | BATHS

Offered at $575,000 MLS 2411404

HEIGHTS | Nashua Street 2-story open floor plan patio home on double lot with 75 ft. pool in backyard oasis. Gourmet island kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Stained concrete on first floor and hardwoods.


Offered at $529,900 MLS 79569818

Modern Craftsman in Sunset HeightsCutting edge development at Porch Street on Adele offers far more than

your average craftsman-style home. The modern architecture retains

key craftsman features with floor-plans that are open, yet spaces remain

obvious in their purpose. The energy efficiency realizes benefits normally

reserved for $1M+ homes such as a standing-seam metal roof and

spray foam insulation for an air-tight barrier thats co

Properties vol 1 2015

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Transcript of Properties vol 1 2015