A Butler Mansion

The true luxe life: This $1.99 million Bellaire mansion comes butler ready — with Mediterranean flair

Editor's Note: Houston, the surrounding areas and beyond 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.

Master suites up and down, along with a huge multi-tiered game room and backyard retreat with pool, make a Mediterranean beauty in Bellaire a hot commodity.

The mansion's current asking price? $1,998,500.

Walk through
Located on a large corner lot, one enters the manse at 4501 Magnolia St. through double custom wrought iron doors to a dramatic circular staircase, also with custom wrought iron detailing. The formal living area is to the right and a paneled study with adjacent full bath is just beyond.

To the left lies the formal dining room, with the butler's pantry easy at hand between the room and kitchen. Sit around the circular kitchen bar or step into the chef's hub where you'll find professional-grade stainless steel appliances. The den is spacious and open to the kitchen. From here, take in views of the landscaped backyard with swimming pool and waterfall.

The downstairs master suite rests just off the kitchen and features an exit via French doors to a private courtyard. The master bath is a granite lover's dream and includes a large soaking tub, dual vanities and glass-framed corner shower. Two large master closets afford walk-in access.

Upstairs, the game room with wet bar and refrigerator is big enough for a media section and a pool table. The remaining four bedrooms are upstairs, along with the second master suite with covered balcony overlooking the backyard. In total, the house has five full and one-half baths.

Step outside
An outdoor kitchen and dining area sit near the swimming pool with waterfall feature. A gated parking lot on the east side of the house can park two cars outside and two cars inside. A circular drive with cantera stone fountain welcomes in front.

Square footage: 5,870

Asking price: $1,998,500

Listing agents:Lisa Kornhauser, John Daugherty, Realtors

The den, open to the kitchen, is spacious and enjoys views of the back yard.

8 On the Market 4501 Magnolia St. May 2014

Photo courtesy of © TK Images

The den, open to the kitchen, is spacious and enjoys views of the back yard.

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room for horses, too

Katy compound with custom chicken coop hits the market at $4.5 million

Photo by Home Capture, courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

3113 Saddlebrook Lane in Katy is on the market for $4.5 million.

Many homebuyers want more than just a house. They seek somewhere that provides ample room for family and friends, in a space that has modern amenities as well as serenity.

Those homebuyers want 3113 Saddlebrook Lane in Katy. Listed at $4.5 million, it’s the most expensive home on the market in the bustling Houston suburb and is represented by Kim Rensimer of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

Photo by Home Capture, courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

3113 Saddlebrook Lane in Katy is on the market for $4.5 million.

With a main house, guest house, pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, and space for RV parking, this 3.82-acre property offers a lot to love.

The main residence offers 5,947 square feet of living space across two stories, with an impressive amount of natural light, six bedrooms, and four full baths. Coming through the double-door entry, it’s clear this space was made to impress. The entry’s travertine flooring offers an elegant welcome. A wine room is tucked under the main staircase. The living room’s neutral-toned walls are offset by dark wood exposed beams, creating a cozy space to unwind. Built-in shelves offer storage and display space.

The state-of-the-art kitchen is both a gathering space and a home cook’s dream, with Thermador and Liebherr appliances, a pot filler, dual sinks, quartz countertops, a breakfast nook, built-in desk, and views of the backyard. Just off the kitchen is the laundry room, with access to the three-car garage and a powder room.

The home's primary suite has its own sitting area, built-in speakers, large windows, space for a private study, and a spa-like bath. Upstairs, find four bedrooms with oversized walk-in closets.

This exquisite estate is surrounded by lush green spaces, majestic oak trees, and a serene pond, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. Horses are allowed. 3113 Saddlebrook Lane also has a custom chicken coop and custom-designed garden.

Inside and out, this Katy home has much to offer its next owners. There’s easy access to both 99 and I-10, and the home is zoned to Katy ISD. Those seeking a spot that blends modern life with rural serenity would be wise to look closely at 3113 Saddlebrook Lane.