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the hunt is over

Houstonians can saddle up to this historic hunting lodge in Memorial area for $4.25 million

Holly Beretto
Feb 15, 2019 | 12:42 pm

Tucked under I-10, west of Chimney Rock and abutting the Houston Country Club, the shady, winding lanes of Hunter’s Creek Village almost make you forget you’re in the hive of activity that is the fourth-largest city in the country.

Nestled within that enclave, sitting on an acre of woods is a charming lodge that just hit the market, offered by Laura Sweeney of John Daugherty Realtors.

The amenity-rich home at 610 Saddewood Ln. was built in 1993. Originally, it was a simple lodge built by Hiram Salisbury, who was one of Houston’s most sought-after architects in the 1930s and 1940s. The homes he designed in River Oaks are stunning testaments to gracious living with echoes of the Old South. The Saddlewood spot was his lodge retreat.

Lovingly restored and enhanced, it’s on the market now for $4.25 million and features a stunning array of detail and luxurious amenities. Across its 7,577 square feet are five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, inviting public spaces and cozy nooks. Situated on the lot to take advantage of both the wooded views and capture the natural light, this is a home that is both estate and retreat.

Upscale lodging
The lodge’s original structure has been incorporated into the modern wings around it. Throughout, artisan plaster walls, antique tiles, and steel and glass exterior doors mesh seamlessly with the lodge’s original stonework. An semi-open kitchen with marble-topped counters, checkered-tile backsplash and state-of-the-art appliances unfolds into a breakfast space, further spilling into an inviting gathering space.

A wet bar and climate-controlled wine room provide places for entertaining or retiring. Curved walls, built-in shelving, iron- and metal- accented stairways and lighting fixtures further showcase the home’s hunting lodge roots.

With neutral tones throughout, the home is move-in ready, as well as providing a palate upon which a new era of dreams can unfold. A deep soaking tub in the master bathroom overlooks the wooded backyard. Other bedrooms feature double doors leading to their own private balconies with equally tranquil forest views.

Great outdoors
Anchoring the backyard entertaining space is a massive lawn and pool terrace. There’s a sports court, a serene cobbled patio with fireplace and the wide green lawn. The whole outdoors feels secluded, exclusive, a calming retreat after a busy a day. The outdoor kitchen provides the perfect opportunity for a simple family dinner or a more elaborate party.

Designed for entertaining inside and out, 610 Saddlewood Ln. is also an easily livable home. There’s more than enough space for a family, giving each member quarters that offer privacy, even as the floorplan allows for easy gathering.

The wooded retreat should be enticing for those who want all the convenience of one of Houston’s prime locations but crave a serenity from the hum of the metropolis.

Lounge poolside in the expansive back yard.

610 Saddlewood Ln home for sale Memorial
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty Realtors
Lounge poolside in the expansive back yard.
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Crafted in Colombia

Restored Montrose home-turned-store showcases artisan furniture and gifts

Emily Cotton
Jan 2, 2026 | 11:30 am
Casa Amariz
Photo by Andrea Canon
Designer Monica Amariz welcomes clients to her new Montrose showroom and decor store Casa Amariz.

Located in the heart of Montrose, Casa Amariz is the latest interior design showroom to join the growing trend of embracing historic architectural preservation here in Houston. A stone’s throw from The University of Saint Thomas, the 1925 residence on West Alabama recently received a respectful restoration by proprietor and designer Monica Amariz.

A native Colombian and former structural engineer, Amariz has high hopes for her design space that will also double as a community-first launchpad for local non-profits, artisan pop-ups, and casual workspace for officeless designers who are just starting out.

Casa Amariz will be the first business to occupy the space, as it has been a private residence since being built 100 years ago. The two-story brick house — complete with 50 original, double-hung, glazed windows — required a not-insignificant amount of work.

Nevertheless, the restoration saw that the original hardwood floors, doors, windows, banisters, balustrades, and even most of the original plumbing fixtures remained intact. The now light-and-airy interior functions as a beautiful and historic backdrop for artisanal furniture lines, home decor, accessories, and artwork imported from Amariz’s native Colombia — all in a comfy-cozy atmosphere.

“The house has good bones, but the feeling of a house, you don’t get that with new buildings,” Amariz tells CultureMap. “I wanted a home feeling to it. I want people to come in and feel that peaceful feeling of making it home. I really want it to be a place to create community, give back, and open it to nonprofits to have a space they can use here, for other designers to use, and to small, local brands that want to have a pop-up shop. I want to do that and give back.”

All of the furnishings at Casa Amariz are handmade from solid oak, organic woven fabrics, supple leathers, and natural stone — all imported from Colombia. Fully-customizable and completely made-to-order artisanal lines Diamantina y la Perla, known for their elegant and sculptural silhouettes, and the more minimalist, industrial brand Quinta Edicion, are the two stars of the showroom. Artworks are by hyperrealism artist Alex de la Torre, who shows in New York and Paris as well.

“I want to be able to celebrate that [artisanship] and bring back all of the culture that we miss now that we are here, and share this with Americans so that they can see what we are all about,” explains Amariz. “We love creating, and there are so many artisans over there — in Colombia, Mexico, Bolivia, and all Latin American countries — so I wanted to bring a little of that back.”

Amariz has filled the remaining spaces with accessories and home decor that she painstakingly chose herself. Shop handmade pottery, placemats, candles, baskets, blown glass, china, and more. The plates can be customized with artwork, even the family dog can have its likeness on a dish — whatever can be dreamed, can be done.

The bold, yet muted, green that now wraps the brick exterior and set back porch lends a sophisticated and modern touch to an otherwise classic facade. “I love green. Green is such a hopeful color, it’s an abundance color,” says Amariz. “I wanted to keep the feeling of the house. It has a nice vibe, a peaceful vibe. It feels like this house has lived, and it feels like it has a history — I love that.”

In some additional exciting news, Casa Amariz will be designing the living room for the 2026 ASID Showhouse slated to debut in September.

Casa Amariz is currently open by appointment at 1636 West Alabama St. Keep an eye out for regular store hours beginning in February.

Casa Amariz

Photo by Andrea Canon

Designer Monica Amariz welcomes clients to her new Montrose showroom and decor store Casa Amariz.

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