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.
A bright red door welcomes you to this grand, classic Houston-style home right in the heart of River Oaks, now for sale at $3,495,000.
Walk through
Sitting on nearly a half-acre at 1547 Kirby Drive, the 5,484-square-foot beauty opens to a reception area with high ceilings, hardwood floors and deep crown molding. From here, owners may enter the formal living room, elegant study with antique fireplace original to the 1932 structure or dining room with handy dry bar. A hallway leads to the kitchen and powder room.
The living room boasts old-world charm with more hardwood flooring, crown molding and gas-log fireplace with marble surround anchoring the light-filled space. Large windows with stained-glass insets offer views of the manicured grounds. Luxury details continue into the formal dining room, where skylights and tall windows bring in lots of natural light. Steps away is a screened outdoor loggia overlooking the gardens and swimming pool. A sunroom with two walls of windows faces a private courtyard with fountain.
The kitchen is a chef's dream with Sub-Zero refrigerator, Thermador five gas-burner cooktop, Bosch dishwasher and double ovens. The island is spacious enough for food preparation and guests to pull up in bar-height chairs. The breakfast room sits in front of a bay window. A wine closet with glass door and separate entry to the basement are located off the bright nook. A game room added in 2012 with built-in closets and storage is accessible via double French doors off the kitchen.
Dual staircases, one at the entrance and the second near the kitchen, take owners to the second floor to the master suite with two rooftop terraces and three bedrooms with en suite baths. The neutral master bath features cream travertine tile underfoot with dual sinks and oversized whirlpool tub and shower. The walk-in closet includes built-in drawers and cabinets. A fifth bedroom with en suite bath is on the third floor.
Step outside
The backyard oasis awaits with heated pool for year-round swimming. Stone walkways and patios offer even more room for al fresco entertaining and relaxing. The three-car garage is attached. A generator is included in the sale, as are select chandeliers, kitchen appliances and custom draperies.
Square footage: 5,484
Asking price: $3,495,000
Listing agent: Jane Brennan-Martin, John Daugherty Realtors
Skylights and tall windows bring in lots of natural light into the formal dining room. The chandelier here, as well as in the living room, are part of the sale.
