In the heart of Houston’s Inner Loop, the landmark neighborhood of River Oaks is a lush, leafy enclave and one of Houston’s most exclusive, revered for its stalwart oak trees, quiet streets, and exceptional estates designed by illustrious architects.
Houston, Texas | , Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
This elegant new five-bedroom residence is right at home in these rarefied environs, with design and construction by two local residential luminaries, Jennifer Hamelet of Mirador Builders and Murphy Mears Architects. Boasting a unique combination of Old World style—augmented by imported elements from Chateau Domingue—expert craftsmanship, and contemporary comforts and conveniences, it is a rare oasis surrounded by bucolic gardens, a lush lawn, carefully selected and positioned landscaping, towering trees, and a chic swimming pool and spa with a pavilion.
The interior floor plan features spaces ideal for effortless entertaining: a light-filled “salon” with European limestone floors, oversized steel-framed windows and glass doors, 11-foot beamed ceilings, and a grand stone fireplace; a sophisticated formal dining room with a custom limestone fireplace; a true chef’s kitchen with a Lacanche range, a butcher-block island, and a marble-topped pastry station; a scullery with pantry and storage space, dual Sub-Zero wine chillers, an additional oven, laundry facilities, and a sink; multiple beverage bars; and two powder rooms. For more casual moments, the den is an inviting space adjoining the kitchen and overlooking the backyard, while the contemplative library offers ample built-in bookshelves. The encouragement of festive gatherings continues outdoors on the serene loggia, on sunny limestone patios, in the summer kitchen, beside a dazzling pool with whimsical deck jets, and in the pool pavilion, with its striking stone wood-burning fireplace and wiring for sound and video.
For quiet, private moments, the estate provides five bedrooms—all with warmly hued wide-plank white-oak hardwood flooring. Among them is the primary suite, an opulent oasis with a gas fireplace, a vaulted ceiling with a Murano glass chandelier, two room-sized walk-in closets with thoughtfully chosen built-ins, and a soaking tub, dual showers, heated antique French tile flooring, and wiring for television and sound in the bath.
The home’s dedication to style and European flair is matched by its attention to technology. Systems and maintenance are easily managed in the “command center,” which houses controls for the audiovisual wiring, a whole-house generator, a beverage cooler, dual LG washers and dryers, a built-in LG steam cleaner, and drawers and cabinets for optimal storage and organization. The three-car garage includes space for an auto lift as well as capability to add the latest de rigueur amenity: an electric car charger.
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