On The Market

A groovy, far-out house shakes up the Houston real estate scene: You can just feel the shag in this baby

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.

Get hip in Brookshire in an ultra swank ranch-style residence with pine wood-paneled rooms, gold and orange decor accents and, of course, groovy shag carpeting throughout. The time capsule home is for sale at $275,000 in all its mid-century glory.

Walk through
Located at 6th and Purdy streets in this quiet neighboring town, the rancho deluxe house sits back on the half-acre-plus corner lot. Built in 1954 by its single owner, the one-story home offers 3,618 square feet of far-out neatness. A brick fireplace anchors the formal living room, and a lighted display niche is found in the same wall. Grasscloth covers the other walls here, and a wall of windows brings in lots of natural light.

Built in 1954 by its single owner, the one-story home offers 3,618 square feet of far-out neatness.

The funky period details continue into the formal dining room, where a mid-century light fixture hangs above the table. A wall of built-ins is perfect for displaying modernist tableware and serving pieces. Easily at hand from this room is the kitchen with sunny yellow vintage tile counters, vintage stove and conversation-worthy original wallpaper in the adjacent breakfast area

Orange shag is underfoot in the family room, which is paneled in real pine, and is also found in a white version in large secondary bedroom with ensuite bath showcasing vintage tile and original woodwork. The master suite digs a vaulted ceiling and wall of glass with access to a private brick wall-enclosed courtyard. A bright sitting area off the master bedroom could easily be used as an office. The master bath features terrazzo tile, a huge vanity and large closet space.

A third bedroom with plantation shutters offers more accommodations for family or guests, and a cool guest bath is nearby, also in a sunny yellow. All three bedrooms are extra spacious, ranging from 20-by-16 feet to 14-by-13 feet. Owners may include some of the period furnishing and accessories with the sale of the house.

Step outside . . .
Almost, at least, to the the glass-walled Florida room original to the structure. This area between indoor and outdoor living provides great overflow space for large parties. Another patio space is just beyond. The expansive lawn is full of mature trees. The attached garage is built for two cars.

Square footage: 3,618

Asking price: $275,000

Listing agent: Robert Searcy, Robert Searcy Properties

Another look at the sitting area.

On the Market mid-mod ranch-style house in Brookshire 6th and Purdy streets September 2014

Photo courtesy of © TK Images

Another look at the sitting area.

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living history

Houston-area ranch tied to Stephen F. Austin hits the market at $14.8M

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

If you can rustle up $14.8 million, you can purchase a 91-acre ranch nearly 50 miles west of Houston that’s a piece of Texas history.

The Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch, situated about eight miles east of Sealy near I-10, is located on property within Stephen F. Austin land-grant territory.

In the early 1800s, Austin — nicknamed the “Father of Texas” — obtained land grants to colonize what then was part of Mexico. The number of land-grant recipients totaled 297, including Austin, according to the Texas State Historical Commission. The settlers came to be known as Austin’s Old 300, even though the number of grantees was three shy of that number.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The 91-acre property on the banks of the Brazos River has its own winery and vineyard.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled along the Brazos River, the Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch (3401 Pueblo Viejo Ln., Sealy) was designed by Kai Geschke and built by Kirksey Homes in 2020. The 6,777-square-foot main house features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two partial bathrooms.

“The single-story main home showcases masterful craftsmanship, premium finishes, and a timeless design with world-class masonry and woodworking found throughout the property,” say real estate agents Walter Bering and Linda Plant of Houston-based Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, which has the listing.

Former polo players John Hall and Leigh Anne Schnell Hall are selling the ranch. They’re the father and stepmother of trophy-winning professional polo player Jeff Hall.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The unique eight-stall barn is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

A barn on the estate is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn and features eight oversized stalls, air-conditioned tack room, reclaimed algarrobo doors, quebracho wood countertops, and vintage railroad spikes as functional art.

Highlights of the gated estate include:

Primary suite with river views.
Guest suite with kitchenette.
His-and-hers offices.
Gym and sauna.
Screened-in porch.
Butler’s pantry.
Infinity-edge swimming pool.
Winery and vineyard.
Barn with eight horse stalls and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment equipped with a kitchen.
Staff quarters with three apartments and a 3,200-square-foot equipment shop.
125-kilowatt power generator.

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

ranch for sale history luxury real estate home-for-sale