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    The Ultimate Tree House

    The ultimate secret agent lair: This near million dollar Houston 'tree house' includes crazy security features

    Barbara Kuntz
    Barbara Kuntz
    Jun 2, 2014 | 12:14 pm

    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.

    A Houston garden home with contemporary flair, cool reflective ceilings and walls — plus secret agent-style security features — is on sale for $975,000.

    Walk through

    Located in the quiet, 24-hour manned and gated community of Raintree Place, the unassuming residence at 10 S. Briar Hollow Lane, No. 26, sits back on its 7,100-square-foot lot surrounded by mature trees. The structure is nicknamed "House in the Trees" as floor-to-ceiling windows afford views of the ground's lush landscaping in its inner-Loop setting.

    The original owner of the house, an unnamed CEO of a major oil and gas company, had the upper left quadrant of the structure designed as a safe room.

    The dramatic two-story entrance opens to marble floors and a spacious open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Mod metallic wall coverings on the 9-foot-tall ceilings create the illusion of endless space. A gas log-burning fireplace in the formal living room is clad in stainless steel and marble for more urban flair. Glass walls and doors on the back of the residence bring the outside in.

    A sitting area, located off the living room, also enjoys outdoor views. From here, a spiral staircase leads downstairs to a large wine cellar. The vistas continue to the adjacent formal dining room. A wet bar with black granite counter is convenient to all rooms, including the library with custom wood shelves, cabinets and inset lighting.

    The kitchen follows a red, black and white color scheme with stainless steel Viking appliances casting a shiny finish. In addition to extensive Corian countertops, the kitchen also features a breakfast nook and desk with stainless steel shelving.

    All three bedrooms are upstairs, where steel doors and extra-thick walls provide maximum security. In fact, the original owner of the house, an unnamed CEO of a major oil and gas company, had the upper left quadrant of the structure designed as a safe room — complete with peep hole to see out. Near the entrance at the front of the house, a guard once sat behind a double-glass window to monitor comings and goings.

    The master suite highlights include a white marble fireplace and more reflective ceilings. The master bathroom comes with marble floors and walls, a custom built-in vanity, large soaking tub and bidet. In total, the residence has three full and three half-baths.

    Step outside
    From the master suite, owners exit to a marble-floored balcony inside a two-story, screened-in back porch overlooking the grounds. The porch is also accessible from the living room. The two-car garage is attached, with extra parking available.

    Square footage: 3,960

    Asking price: $975,000

    Listing agent:David Houston, New Leaf Real Estate

    Inside the wine cellar.

    8 On the Market 10 S. Briar Hollow Lane No. 26 June 2014
      
    Photo by © Stephen Gutierrez
    Inside the wine cellar.
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    i can see clearly

    Round Top’s smash hit wireless lamps light up Houston patios this summer

    Emily Cotton
    May 30, 2025 | 12:30 pm
    Pooky Lighting Novogratz collection
    Photo by Amy Neunsinger
    Cortney Novogratz proves nighttime picnics with the pups are easy with Stefan lanterns.

    As chic, bolo-tied and Fraulein-booted Houstonians descended upon the Round Top Spring Show in March, it wasn’t the array of antiques that had tongues wagging. The trendiest tents, barns, and perfectly-curated, invite-only cocktail hours and dinner parties all had one thing in common — the lighting!

    Creatively-shaped jute pendants hung from sprawling Live Oak branches and barn beams, colorful floor lamps illuminated pastoral pop-up lounges, and dozens of whimsical lamps topped tables, with nary a power source in sight. New rechargeable technology by British brand Pooky Lighting was the culprit. Everyone clambered to get their hands on it, but the products hadn’t hit the market yet. Last week, however, that dream came true. The long-awaited Novogratz x Pooky collection of wireless outdoor lighting is finally available to the public, and it’s electrifying.

    Power source constraints have long been the Achilles heel of homeowners attempting to add a little zhuzh to their outdoor spaces, relegated to incorporating zigzagging bistro lights and bland metallic tabletop options from big box stores. This stylish new collaboration allows indoor styling in outdoor spaces — and it’s actually affordable. With the priciest item in the collection topping out at just $425, expect to see this Round Top favorite popping up in tree branches and pergolas all over Houston. Not to mention impromptu sunset picnics in Menil Park — très chic!

    Known for their color-forward approach to design, Robert and Cortney Novogratz’s brand, simply “The Novogratz,” has produced a fresh and sophisticated 14-piece collection for Pooky Lighting that blends traditional silhouettes with contemporary color. Utilizing their own playful “Antonine” fabric design in four colorways, including a delicate vintage pink option they’ve called “Blush,” there is something for everyone.

    "We couldn't be more excited about our partnership with Pooky, drawing inspiration from our love of vibrant colors and outdoor living with hints of mid-century design. The collection beautifully blends our colorful, contemporary style with Pooky's elegant twist on traditional lighting, resulting in pieces that feel both fresh and sophisticated,” says Cortney Novogratz.

    “What I love most is how we've brought much-needed color to outdoor spaces — especially that vintage-toned pink — and the way the cordless technology allows these stunning designs to enhance any gathering without limitations.”

    The collection is available in four colorways: Blush, Denim, Moss, and Sand. The traditional-leaning “Stefan” lanterns come in small ($175), medium ($225), and large ($350). For a hanging application, color-matched lantern hooks are available for $50. Sure to be a hit at just $170, the “Tallulah” Jute Basket Pendant Lights add playful elegance to al fresco dining. The “Holleder” Standing Lamp sits at the top of the price range at $425, while the coordinating table lamp sits at $175. The second cordless table lamp option, “Oscar,” is $125. Three wall sconce styles are available: “Agnes” ($125), “Brandy” ($70), and the “Bellamy” Candle Sconce that is available in a brass finish for $95.

    In addition to the lighting options, the collection includes decorative accents, such as the “Brandy” mirror ($395) for making sure everything is “just so” on balmy Bayou City nights, “Heidi” solar light strings ($165), and dinner candles packed in pairs for $5. Lampshades featuring The Novogratz “Antonine” fabric come in various sizes, in either Blush, Cappuccino, Seaview, or Sunshine (starting at $50).

    Mix and match colors, styles, and shades for a bold, Maximalist look, or keep things clean and simple with a matching set, the possibilities are endless. Integrate hanging lanterns into a front yard landscaping theme, place floor lamps near the pool—toss out the rule book!

    “We love how this collection encourages people to accessorize their outdoor space in the same creative way as their indoor rooms….the old rules of lighting no longer apply,” Pooky Lighting chief creative officer Jo Plant says. “There’s no reason why you can’t have a standing statement lamp next to your favorite lounger, or colorful table lamps and lamp shades over your outdoor dining table. We’re celebrating the joys of outdoor living and who better to do that with than The Novogratz who love color and pattern as much as we do.”

    Pooky Lighting Novogratz collection
      

    Photo by Amy Neunsinger

    Cortney Novogratz proves nighttime picnics with the pups are easy with Stefan lanterns.

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