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    Island Oasis

    'Floating' Galveston Bay home with historic pedigree drifts onto market for $3.75M

    Holly Beretto
    May 24, 2022 | 2:52 pm
    The historic home was once the Jamaica Beach Marina.
    The historic home was once the Jamaica Beach Marina.
    Photo by Sonya Bertolino for Douglas Elliman Realty

    Imagine waking up and looking out across a panoramic view of Galveston Bay from a bedroom that feels like it's floating above the sea. That's every day at 16502 Bayfront Dr., in a stunning home that's on the market for $3.75 million and listed with Douglas Elliman by Laura Mudd.

    The home's history dates back to the 1960s, when it was a marina outpost at the Village of Jamaica Beach, then a new development designed as a beachfront retreat by noted Houston developer Welcome Wilson, Sr. and others.

    Design aficionados and historians will recognize Wilson as the mastermind behind several pivotal developments and buildings all over the Bayou City. His company built the sixth Marriott in the world near The Astrodome and created the Lakes of Bridgewater subdivision.

    As for this beachfront property, its bones as a marina are still evident in its design, which has been fully renovated as a luxe waterfront oasis.

    Sitting on just over an acre at the tip of a canal, 16502 Bayfront Dr.'s eight bedrooms and eight baths unfold across three levels designed to maximize seaside living. The home recently underwent a two-year renovation.

    Inside, coastal and contemporary style sit side by side in this property, which includes amenities such as a state-of-the-art kitchen and five bedrooms with ensuite baths. The main floor features an open living and dining room concept perfect for entertaining.

    A private third level primary suite features can't-miss waterfront views, a primary bath with soaking tub and steam shower, white granite countertops, and custom Italian tiled walls. Working from home — if necessary — happens in the home office with custom built-ins. The ground level boasts two guest bedrooms and an additional kitchen with a large family-style game room for visitors.

    Outside, wide decks are perfect for entertaining or chilling while watching the sunset. Amenities include two boat docks and boathouses for days on the bay. Residents can dive into the lighted pool that is set beside palm trees and cultivated, manicured gardens.

    For those who simply must venture out, the home's location on Galveston's West End nearby offers convenient, waterfront dining.

    The word "paradise" gets tossed around a lot in waterfront listings, but 16502 Bayfront Drive earns the title honestly as an estate absolutely made for outdoor living. This is a home to make memories in, to entertain in, to move into and never leave.

    Those bit by the island vibe bug, who love spending their days fishing, boating, and lounging in the sun won't be able to resist it.

    Wake up to breahtaking views.

    16502 Bayfront Dr. Galveston Welcome Wilson home
    Photo by Sonya Bertolino for Douglas Elliman Realty
    Wake up to breahtaking views.
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    making design approachable

    Houston designer shares 5 expert tips for mixing classic and contemporary

    Emily Cotton
    Jan 23, 2026 | 11:45 am
    Melissa Roberts interior design tips
    Courtesy of Melissa Roberts Interiors
    Mix design eras for an approachable space.

    Houstonians are, as a rule, enthusiastic about an elegant blend — in any form. From historically-lax zoning laws to fusion cuisine and everything in between, a “little of this” and “a little of that” is unequivocally Houston.

    It seems, however, that when it comes to choosing how one reconciles the desire to embrace the contemporary architectural design boom happening in and around the city, while avidly participating in the highly-fashionable quarterly antiques fairs taking place outside of town, things have run amok. Not to worry — a Houston pro is here to help.

    Successfully blending classic and contemporary design is a dance 10-year interior design veteran Melissa Roberts knows all too well. One challenge Roberts and her team encounter the most is how to take a new, contemporary, custom-build home and create an elegantly pared-down space that exudes warmth and classic Texas charm. They see the same from their robust list of remodel clients as well.

    “Refined, natural, layered, organic — that’s our style,” Roberts tells CultureMap. “If you just put a vintage piece in there, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be successful.” Melissa Roberts Interiors isn’t in the business of construction project management. While her firm is happy to make recommendations for contractors, Roberts’ design niche is solidly in consultations and procurement.

    “We’re solving problems. We are like a consultant for people and their lifestyles,” explains Roberts. “How can we assist. How can we take off the stress so that it’s more of an enjoyable project versus being a chore that needs to be tackled. It’s a thousand decisions for one room. We make those decisions for the clients and then they just see the overall picture and know they like what they see without having to stress over edge profiles of counter tops and little things like that that people don’t usually consider.”

    The firm’s new location above Yves Saint Laurent on The Woodlands’ luxe Market Street conveys that elusive blend of classic and contemporary well — elevated (both literally and figuratively) and approachable. That approachability is what led Roberts to keep up a design blog and home decor gift guide, a little something to invite potentially-skeptical readers into the conversations revolving around design.

    “There was an era when designers were stiff and just not approachable,” Roberts laments. “I want this to be refined and luxury, but approachable at the same time — there is flexibility. How to make [design] work for a busy lifestyle, versus, ‘I’ve got one way and this is the way we’re going to do it.’ We’re really problem solving.”

    Melissa Roberts’ Five Tips for Blending Classic and Contemporary Design

    Anchor the space with timeless pieces
    Start with classic foundations: tailored upholstery, natural stone, or traditional millwork. Next, layer in contemporary elements through lighting, art, or furniture silhouettes. This creates longevity while keeping the space feeling current.

    Mix eras, not styles
    Rather than combining multiple design styles, focus on blending eras. A traditional room can feel fresh with a modern light fixture, while a contemporary space gains depth from an antique or heirloom piece that is paired with a modern fixture and mirror.

    Let materials do the talking
    Classic materials like marble, wood, and brass feel elevated when paired with cleaner lines or unexpected applications. The contrast between material and form keeps the space from feeling predictable. Unexpected applications is key here.

    Use restraint with trends
    Contemporary design often shows up in trends, curves, bold finishes, or sculptural forms. Introduce these in ways that are easy to edit over time, such as accent furniture or decor, rather than permanent architectural elements.

    Edit for balance
    The most successful classic-meets-contemporary spaces feel intentional, not layered for the sake of it. Thoughtful editing ensures each piece has room to breathe and the overall design feels cohesive.

    Melissa Roberts interior design tips

    Courtesy of Melissa Roberts Interiors

    Mix design eras for an approachable space.

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