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    the glorious eppes house

    Stunning and historically significant Rice-area villa graces market at $3.75 million

    Holly Beretto
    Oct 14, 2019 | 3:55 pm

    There's something about a villa. The very name conjures up images of Italian mountains sloping into the sea, with terraces bathed in Tuscan sun. That vista isn't available here in Houston, but a striking villa, painstakingly restored, is. And it's right in the heart of the city in the Rice University area.

     

    The five-bedroom, 6,556-square-foot home at 5322 Institute Ln. is on the market for $3.75 million, offered by Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. Known as the Eppes House, this is a piece of Houston history that now boasts every modern amenity.

     

    Originally built in 1926 by concrete manufacturer Ned Eppes, it’s said to be one of Houston’s first concrete homes; it's also on both the National Register of Historic Places and Texas Historical Commission. The Italian Renaissance design sits on a 19,000-square-foot lot and boasts five bedrooms, four baths, a fireplace, its own wine vault, a true cook's kitchen, a pool, and other amenities that herald gracious living.

     

    A green front lawn bookends a two brick staircases leading to the wide, welcoming front porch. Like something out of a movie set, it features built-in stone benches and concrete railings that speak to the home's character. Enter through the front door, and visitors are greeted by the lovely original wood staircase sloping gently upward, and the original arched doorways and built-in shelves. The dark hardwood floors are a perfect accent to the white walls, giving the home load of light.

     

    The formal living room has its own fireplace, recessed lighting, access to the adjacent sunroom, and sweeping views of the front lawn. The formal dining room, on the other side of the foyer, features a dazzling, one-of-a-kind Swarovski chandelier and original hardwood floors. A cozy breakfast room sits between the dining room and the kitchen, perfect for more intimate meals.

     

    The massive kitchen is a stunning display of hardwood floors and bright white fixtures. A large island sits in the middle of the space, with a granite top that matches the counter tops and offsets the limestone backsplash. It comes complete with a Sub-Zero fridge, Thermador appliances, and an endless array of counter space. The beamed ceiling adds beautiful detailing, making the room a natural gathering space while preparing meals or simply hanging out.

     

    Upstairs, the oversized master bedroom features hardwood floors, plantation shutters on the windows, and access to a private balcony, which echoes the front porch downstairs. There are double walk-in closets, lovely archways, and French doors that lead into a private study. The master bathroom's limestone counters and flooring, glass shower with a bench, and barrel-vaulted ceiling offer luxurious comfort and incomparable function.

     

    The backyard is anchored by an inviting blue, heated, in-ground pool with diving board, creating a space that wants to be lived in. Truly built for use year-round, this is a place that not only allows for parties, but provides an intimate feel for just-family times. The landscaping is simply gorgeous, with trees surrounded by flowers, walls coated with greenery and pillars. An outdoor kitchen adds to the relaxed vibe.

     

    The home's basement is fully finished, adding to the luxe living space. Carved out of the home's original foundation, the concrete columns not only add exquisite architectural detail, but give the whole space the feeling of being tucked away in an underground wine cellar. And the walk-in wine cellar here has space for 180 bottles, meaning the right wine for celebrations is only steps away.

     

    The Eppes House was built by one of Houston's most prominent businessmen, and was a testament to gracious living and the luxury that hard work could provide. Over its nearly 100 years of existence, the home has been a striking example of Houston's history. Through loving preservation and finely detailed renovation, the home now seamlessly blends Houston's past and present.

    The master bedroom.

    5322 Institute Lane Eppes House Houston
      
    Photo by TK Images
    The master bedroom.
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    big little perks

    New tiny home development in Eastwood is a first for Houston

    Holly Beretto
    Oct 17, 2019 | 2:00 pm
    New tiny home development in Eastwood is a first for Houston
    Photo by Mitchell Cantu Photography
    These tiny homes are big on value.

    The tiny home trend seems here to stay. HGTV's Tiny House, Big Living has been going strong since 2014. Google "how to build a tiny house," and 377 million hits come back. There's even a digital magazine dedicated solely to the baby abodes.

     

    And while tiny homes have been available for sale in Houston before, now the Bayou City has a cluster of tiny homes on Dumble Street in Greater Eastwood. Refuge, one of Houston's leading developers, in conjunction with architecture firms Brett Zamore Design and Gibson Design, Inc., have created the mini-development of one- and two-bedroom homes, each between about 600 and 800 square feet, packed with amenities for modern living.

     

    "We've primarily seen single professionals [looking at these homes]," Jonathan Williamson of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, the listing agent for the home at 1510 Dumble St., tells CultureMap. (The home is currently valued at $249,900.) "People are realizing they don't need so much space or stuff. Minimalism is growing in popularity. People are realizing they'd rather have money for travel and other lifestyle choices than a high mortgage."

     

    The tiny home development is the only one of its kind in Houston, according to Williamson.

     

     What to expect
    These homes have plenty to offer when it comes to lifestyle amenities. Far from being crammed or crowded, they feature open plans, ample porch and patio space. Buyers can expect beautiful finishes, modern lighting, plumbing fixtures, and appliances that include a self-cleaning induction range, tank-less water heater, and zoned Mitsubishi mini-split heating ventilation air-conditioning system.

     

    The homes also offer structural upgrades such as a standing seam galvalume metal roof and drilled bell-bottom cylindrical pier and beam foundation.

     

    "Those features mean minimal upkeep and low utility bills," says Williamson.

     

     Living large in small space
    The tiny homes are, of course, compact, but like Dr. Who's Tardis, they seem much bigger on the inside. Hardwood floors, loads of light, and exceptional use of space make them inviting and a terrific option for anyone looking to downsize, start on the property ladder, or express their love of a minimalist lifestyle.

     

    There are one- and two-floor options, and unlike some tiny homes that feature ladders to a loft space, these two-floor options have actual stairs leading to the upstairs bedroom, each of which feature a closet. Quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances are featured in the kitchens, and there's room for a stackable washer and dryer.

     

    Renderings of the community show the tiny homes with ample street parking and a community pool. Dumble Street is less than a mile from multiple coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, parks, and MetroRail lines, making it attractive to millennials, young professionals, and others who seek a walkable lifestyle. The development is minutes from downtown and University of Houston, meaning convenient access to some of the city's hubs.

     

    If there's strength in numbers, this little community should be a hit with those who seek a neighborhood vibe while maintaining their own space.

    These tiny homes are big on value.

    Houston tiny homes 1510 Dumble row houses
      
    Photo by Mitchell Cantu Photography
    These tiny homes are big on value.
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