Inside A Secluded Mansion

A secluded mansion in a most fashionable address raises interest and major house envy: A $1.7 million steal?

Editor's Note: Houston and the surrounding areas are loaded with must-have houses 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.

While this Mediterranean-style mansion hides tucked away in the secluded subdivision of Le Ville Di Museo, its doors are now open to prospective buyers. Let's take a peek inside this new on-the-market residence with a most fashionable address: The Houston Museum District.

Walk Through
Built in 2005 by Southampton Homes, the front gated courtyard at 1210 Berthea St. leads guests to an impressive three-story entry rotunda with spiraling wrought-iron staircase. A light-filled den is to the right of the entrance, with the grand living room just ahead: Arched windows framing the outdoors, a wood-burning fireplace warming the airy space and an open bar ready for parties or self service.

The dining room flows easily to the living room and to the kitchen, which features a gourmet island and chef-quality appliances. A breakfast room just steps from the kitchen nestles in a nook behind the staircase.

The second floor opens to a comfortable landing with sitting area, and beyond lies the master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, separate closets and luxurious master bath. Two more bedrooms are located on the second floor, while a fourth shares the third floor with a large game room.

In total, the house has four full bathrooms and a half-bath. An elevator shaft is also in place, making the house elevator capable.

Step Outside

From the living, a loggia with outdoor fireplace and decorative tiles overlooks a private garden. The two-car garage is in front to the left of the entrance. The property sits near the end of a dead-end street.

Square footage: 5,085

Asking price: $1,699,000

Listing agent: Laura Sakowitz Sweeney, John Daugherty, Realtors

Outstanding architectural details in the spacious living room include the arched doorways leading to the logia and a wood-burning fireplace with massive custom surround.

7 On the Market 1210 Berthea St. February 2014

Photo courtesy of © TK Images

Outstanding architectural details in the spacious living room include the arched doorways leading to the logia and a wood-burning fireplace with massive custom surround.

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Record-breaking property

Ultra-luxurious Houston high-rise lists last penthouse for $14.5 million

A rendering of the exterior of the St Regis Residence in Houston

Rendering courtesy of Shimahara Visual

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A new Houston high-rise is issuing a final call for one of its most desirable units. The St. Regis Residences, Houston has one remaining penthouse available for $14.5 million.

A representative touts that the $3,100 per square foot price is a new record for Houston-area high-rises. It’s one of seven penthouses at the property that range in size from 4,500 to 6,500 square feet.

“The last available penthouse at The St. Regis Residences underscores the strength and maturity of Houston’s luxury market,” said Catherine Lee, president of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Texas, which is handling sales and marketing for the building. "Discerning buyers are consistently choosing standalone branded residences that deliver enduring quality, trusted service, and global brand recognition — all of which is evidenced by the premium price-per-square-foot. Opportunities of this caliber, particularly at this level of scarcity, are increasingly rare.”

A rendering of a penthouse at the St Regis Residence in Houston A rendering illustrates one of the building's penthouses.Rendering courtesy of Shimahara Visual

As CultureMap has previously reported, Houston-based commercial real estate firm Satya is building the 37-story, curvilinear tower. Set on a nearly four-acre property near Houston’s iconic Bayou Bend Collection (102 Asbury Street), the tower will offer 90 residences.

Buyers can select from various floor plans, including one-bedroom units. Pricing for these luxurious homes begins at $3 million, with residences starting on the 10th floor.

Residents will enjoy more than 40,000 square feet of amenities, including butler service, a lap pool, steam rooms, saunas, fitness studio, dedicated training space, a yoga and movement studio, and St. Regis-branded bicycles. A dedicated children’s activity center, gaming lounge, theater, and event space will offer entertainment for all ages, while the Cognac Bar and Astor Room on the 26th floor will provide a refined dining experience in homage to the St. Regis founding family.

Additional perks include co-working spaces, two guest suites, and full-building backup generators — an invaluable feature in Houston.

The project is expected to break ground this spring, with an expected completion of early 2029. So far, the building has more than $180 million in gross sales, according to press materials.

“The demand for this level of condominium in Houston continues to show the market is prime for a new paradigm of residential experience and the impeccable service of legendary hospitality that The St. Regis brand is known for,” said Sunny Bathija, owner and developer of The St. Regis Residences, Houston and CEO of Satya.

St. Regis Residences, Houston, is neither owned nor developed by Marriott International or Marriott, but rather SR Luxury Condominium, LTD. It has licensed the St. Regis marks from Marriott for the project.

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Brianna McClane contributed to this article.

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