If the walls of 3739 Knollwood St. could talk, they'd hardly know where to begin in telling their story. Maybe they'd start with how the home, originally owned by Eddy and Elizabeth Scurlock, were one of the city's most powerful couples, the force behind Scurlock Oil Company, Eddy Refining Company, and the Scurlock Foundation charitable organization.
A storied history
Or, they might talk about that one time the home landed in a 1961 issue of Architectural Digest. Perhaps, it would be the story of how Prince Philip came for a visit and later sent a Christmas card that still hangs, framed, in the library. But the biggest story of them all is that the five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home is for sale for $8.4 million, offered by Laura Sweeney of John Daugherty, Realtors.
Sitting on more than an acre and a half of land on a curving, tree-lined street in the heart of River Oaks, 3739 Knollwood is a home that not only showcases Houston's rich past, but also embraces the city's evolving future.
Originally designed by Robert W. Maurice, the home has been significantly and lovingly updated and expanded, creating a space that offers exceptional entertaining capabilities, while also keeping its social and historic significance intact. This stately mansion seamlessly blends old Southern charm with modern amenities.
Sweeping spaces
Come through the over-sized wooden door to the reception hall, boasting white stone floors and a soaring 20-foot domed ceiling. A curved stairway sweeps upward to the home's bedrooms and other private quarters, while the hall itself opens to the massive formal living room. That 30-foot-by-29-foot space features with a stone hearth and wooden mantle, separate seating areas, and doors leading to the library and the pool terrace, as well as a doorway to the kitchen.
A stunning room that can accommodate a grand piano and seating for a house concert, as well as formal cocktail reception, this is a room that tells all who enter that this is an important address. The kitchen offers slate floors, granite countertops, a Viking four-burner gas cooktop with grill, Subzero stainless steel refrigerator, Miele stainless steel double ovens and a separate steam oven, a center island and a walk-in pantry.
Those who love to show off their cooking abilities will fall in love with the space, while those who would prefer others do the cooking for them will find that 3739 Knollwood's kitchen more than accommodates caterers and private chefs.
Cozy comforts
The upstairs master suite boasts hardwood floors, a 13-foot ceiling with ceiling fan, eastern exposure and custom drapes, recessed lighting and French doors opening to a covered balcony. The master bath offers separate vanities and built-in linen closets. A Jason bathtub sits below a stunning window with a motorized shade for maximum privacy, and the stone shower is a luxurious adventure of its own with a rain shower head, dual fixtures and frameless glass enclosure.
Two more bedrooms upstairs and two below offer family members and guests ample space, with elements such as separate seating areas and doors opening to balconies or patios. The inviting library has hardwood floors and overlooks the gardens.
A proper estate
The grounds of 3739 Knollwood are as impressive as the home, itself. The glass-enclosed pool house has recessed speakers and a central sunken wet bar, along with bluestone flooring, sliding glass doors to the gardens and an in-ground pool that can be used for fitness or leisure. A separate fitness facility has a private bath with shower, and enough space for workout machines, Pilates equipment, weights, and everything else for a keep-in-shape lifestyle. The curving driveway provides off-street parking for guests, and the home offers both a three-car garage and a motor court that provides covered spaces for two additional cars.
Architect Tom Wilson remarkably renovated and expanded the home for the current owners, but kept several of the original design features — including the circular bath house bar, antique brass chandeliers, and stone-inlay knobs. Award-winning interior designer Gregory Carmichael, principal of Seattle-based Gregory Carmichael Interior Design, was also involved in updating the home. His work has been featured in Luxe Interior Designs and Sunset Magazine, and on HGTV.
When 3739 Knollwodd was built in 1956, it was for a family whose name would become synonymous with Houston philanthropy. It is a home that has seen its share of Houston's history. And now, it awaits its next chapter with a new owner.
The expanisve master bedroom.
