Editor's Note: Houston, the surrounding areas and beyond are loaded with must-have houses and properties 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.
Experience a gentler, less-hurried way of life at the 10-acre Morning Glory Farm, a serene outpost within the hills and valleys of the historic Texas Independence Trail Region in the Blue Bell Ice Cream haven of Brenham, now for sale at $1,497,500 as a family vacation destination, corporate retreat or even a bed and breakfast.
A bit of background
The country estate began more than 35 years ago when previous owners, seeking to create a weekend get-away, moved a historic 1925 Washington County school house onto the land. Renovations followed when the present owners purchased the property in 1997 and added modern plumbing and electricity to the already spacious home.
Pasture meadows and an organic garden are part of the country experience.
They crowned the country gem Morning Glory Farm and set about further transforming the house and grounds into the attractive, manicured yet natural multi-structure estate that it is today.
Walk through
Native Loblolly pines line the front drive from the gate at FM 390 North to the main house as well as a guest cottage and bunkhouse, now part of the compound and fashioned after the remodeled school house. A meadow of Bahia grass and wildflowers and a constant-level pond with fountain, lighted pier and gazebo also welcome owners to the retreat.
The main house features a Texas-style front porch, opening to 15-foot ceilings, hand-sawed hardwood floors and a generously sized living and dining area with banks of windows. The updated kitchen includes artisan tile countertops and an island with pull-up seating.
The master suite extends to a sitting area and an office, with the master bath boasting double sinks, shower, jetted tub and a walk-in closet. Two secondary bedrooms, one with a play loft, share a Hollywood bathroom.
Perfect for extended family and guests, the guesthouse offers five bedrooms and three bathrooms, an open living and dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. The bunkhouse has an open kitchenette, living and dining rooms and a large dormitory-style bedroom sharing a Hollywood bath with the main living area. Both cozy structures come complete with deep front porches to relax on while catching a country breeze and taking in views of the property.
Step outside
Amenities abound in the great out-of-doors, including a grotto pool with a waterfall, wide stone terraces meandering from house to house and a gazebo with school bell to ring to rally guests inside for a hearty, home-cooked meal. Pasture meadows and an organic garden are part of the country experience. Horses are allowed at this leisure ranch. The two-car garage is detached.
Notes: Morning Glory Farm is only 75 minutes from Houston and 10 minutes from the Brenham airport. The estate includes two irrigation systems and two water wells. An additional adjacent 20 acres at Morning Glory Farm are available and may be purchased separately.
Square footage: 2,606 (main house)
Asking price: $1,497,500
Listing agent: Robert Frank, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
A third bedroom room looks on to the front porch with views of the pier and gazebo over the pond. It shares the Hollywood bath.
