houston real estate

River Oaks, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates

As commenter Spectacular Bid pointed out last year on a different home, architect John Staub was one of the top architects for wealthy families in Dallas and Houston in the early to mid 20th century. Today's home in the River Oaks area of Houston shows off a bit of Staub's appeal. This home was designed by the Houston architect in 1933. Staub reversed the front and rear elevations to insure private arrivals. The home has a Tudor/Jacobean style but manages to avoid the slightly Disneyfied appearance that some Tudor aspirants can get. A two-story addition was done by architect P.M. Frost in the 1970s, expanding the interior space while keeping the home's street-side facade.

The reception parlor features carved golden oak wood paneling reportedly rescued by a New Orleans antiquities dealer and re-assembled here. A sky-painted ceiling with cherubs completes the Napoleonic theme. The original entry foyer was designed by Staub and has a wrought iron balustrade and banister. The living room with its bay window alcove and plaster moldings is also a Staub creation. The master bedroom has a fireplace with carved marble mantel and surround. The media room which could also serve as a guest suite has a ceiling-mounted retractable projection screen and projector and a built-in kitchenette with beverage fridge. The grounds include a croquet court, koi pond, sculpted shrubs and marble statuary well positioned in graceful courtyard spaces. This elegant home is listed at $9.5 million with Martha Turner Properties.

Gallery: River Oaks

Tags: estate of the day, houston real estate, john staub, river oaks, texas real estate

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DanMar Manor, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Today's home is the largest property in Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. The massive home offers an estimated 30,717 square feet of living space and is the largest single-family property ever built inside the gates of Carlton Woods. The master suite alone is over 3,000 square feet and includes a sitting area, exercise room and a beauty salon. The three-story home has three elevators including a unique bird cage elevator in the great room. The media room has a 1950s style soda shop complete with red stools connected to it. The home also includes two separate apartments with bedroom, bath and kitchen for guests or staff. It reminds me of Spelling Manor which is bigger but has a similar look. This home is offered for sale by Debbie Coleman of Coleman Realty with an asking of $19,000,000. It is the highest priced single family home currently offered for sale in the entire Houston area and if it sells for anything close to that it could set a new record for Houston real estate.

Gallery: DanMar Manor