On the Market

House with a history: $3.4 million dollar mansion recalls early development of River Oaks

Editor's Note: Houston, the surrounding areas and beyond are loaded with must-have houses and properties for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap snoops through some of the best and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.

The 79-year-old Hilliard House at 3375 Del Monte Drive still stands as an excellent example of Tudor Revival and is a visual reminder of the initial development of River Oaks. This City of Houston protected landmark is now for sale at $3,395,000.

A bit of background
Contractor J. Leon Osborn built the house in 1935-36 on speculation. The late Harry Hilliard, a prominent Houston businessman and one of the first members of the Houston Country Club, and his wife, the late Susan Hilliard and a founder of the Garden Club of Houston in 1924, purchased the residence in July 1936.

In 1967, the house passed to the current owners, the Hilliards' son and daughter-in-law, and is one of very few homes in River Oaks that remains in the hands of the original family. The facade of the Hilliard House has undergone very little change since its construction.

Walk through
The two-story home sits on a large wooded lot on Del Monte Drive and stands out with its steeply pitched side-gabled roof, chimney with decorative chimney pots and decorated bargeboards over the gabled entryway. Owners walk inside to an elegant foyer flanked by traditional-style formal living room and dining room taking in views of the landscaped grounds through floor-to-ceiling windows. The house includes a window-filled solarium and a handsome library/study complete with corner fireplace.

The kitchen, which features a butler's pantry, opens to the large family room with fireplace. Just steps away is the breakfast room, also welcoming views via a decorative paned floor-to-ceiling window. The manse offers four bedrooms and four full baths, all located on the second floor. The master suite extends into an enclosed sitting area nestled among the tree tops. Two staircases and an elevator take owners from floor to floor.

Step outside
The family room opens to a deck surrounded by the landscaped grounds. A greenhouse is located at the back of the 22,500-square-foot lot. A gated driveway leads to private parking.

Square footage: 5,362

Asking price: $3,395,000

Listing agent:Walter Bering, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

The landscaped backyard.

Photo courtesy of © TK Images

The landscaped backyard.

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Blending art and function

Bespoke and modern Montrose home hits the market for $2.5 million

1529 Indiana Street backyard exterior with pool

Photo courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

1529 Indiana Street offers seamless living, where inside and outside elements blend together.

When home buyers want something that fully blends interior and outdoor space, the something they want would be a lot like 1529 Indiana Street. This bespoke residence, tucked into a corner lot along a historic brick-paved street, partially hidden behind a wide, wooden fence, is a beautiful expression of modern design.

It’s on the market for $2.575 million and represented by Vicki Barazandeh of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty. The 3,900-square-foot home has three bedrooms and three full baths, along with a host of stunning details.

Originally belonging to a builder, developer, and art collector who designed the home in collaboration with Ragni Studio, the Hyde Park home has a downstairs main living area that opens to the pool and grass, creating a great room. The open space provides incredible sight lines, and the floor-to-ceiling windows allow for loads of natural light. The second-level primary bedroom floats over the pool below, providing shade while offering sweeping treetop views.

Photo courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

1529 Indiana Street offers seamless living, where inside and outside elements blend together.

Exquisite details abound throughout the home. Think floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, book-matched stone slabs, and a modern white stucco exterior with warm Brazilian walnut Ipe accents. In the chef's kitchen, find Poliform cabinetry, Calacatta marble, Dornbracht fixtures, and Gaggenau appliances.

Surrounded by mature oaks, 1529 Indiana lends itself to entertaining, with spaces for family and friends both inside and out. Those with an art collection will love the way the home lends itself to showcasing an array of paintings, prints, and other objects d’art.

Those seeking a home that stands out from the crowd will want to look closely here.

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