Editor's Note: Houston is loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap reporters snoop through some of our faves and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.
The River Oaks home of Dr. Denton Cooley was built in 1948 by C.C. Rouse, with a later two-story addition designed by noted architect John Staub. Cooley, the legendary surgeon who performed the first heart transplant in the United States and the first implantation of a total artificial heart, died late last year at age 96. His wife, Louise Cooley, preceded him in death a month earlier, at age 92. The Cooleys lives in the house from 1962 until 2016.
The home is in a estate and is being sold "as is," according to John Daugherty Realtors, which is listing the house for sale.
The elements: The Southern colonial house with classical pediment and columns in a prime River Oaks location features a gracious foyer, with a staircase leading to the second floor and a dining room to the left upon entering. Other features include a living room with fireplace, a large family room that was part of the Staub addition (ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons once performed there), a paneled library, enclosed sunroom, pantry and kitchen that has not been updated.
The home, on a quarter-acre lot, is configured for 5 to 7 bedrooms, with hardwood floors throughout, and 5-1/2 baths. The master bedroom has a large dressing room with Programme Martin fixtures and dressing mirrors. A backyard patio with garden fountain was designed by acclaimed landscape architect Gregory Catlow.
Square footage: 6,883
Asking price: $4,499,000
Listing agent: Mary Craddock with John Daugherty Realtors
The entry foyer, with staircase leading to the second floor.
