Editor's Note: Houston and the surrounding areas 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.
The scene: A young and shirtless Ryan O'Neal and sexy Jacqueline Bisset, wearing only a robe, sit on flagstone steps overlooking a drained swimming pool with a grassy island in the middle. She admits she can't afford the upkeep on the home. They met the night before at a party, when O'Neal admits he is a jewelry thief. Bisset now asks him how it feels to break into people's houses. And they both agree that it is exciting.
It's especially exciting since the set for that conversation from the 1973 comedy The Thief Who Came to Dinner was at a mansion in the River Oaks Tall Timbers subdivision — a fabulous residence now for sale at a movie-scale production price of $14.5 million.
Note: This isn't the only star-studded Houston house for sale right now, by the way, as the Terms of Endearment Waldo estate is also on the market.
Walk through
Down the private drive from a gated entrance at 3940 Inverness Drive, the 2 1/2-story resort-like home sits on 2.8 private acres. A formal entry takes guests to the living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows afford views of the pools (yes, plural) and gardens. Here you'll find a walk-in wet bar and access to the terrace.
Champagne and chandeliers are the order of every day and evening in the formal dining room. An accommodating gourmet kitchen is perfectly designed for cooking and entertaining. A cozy breakfast nook overlooks the expansive back yard, and a warm and inviting library is found on the first floor.
Take either of two stairways or elevator to the game room. The master bedroom, one of the three bedrooms in the house, is a retreat in itself with walls of glass bringing the outdoors inside and an adjoining — and relaxing — sitting area. Her bathroom includes pink marble flooring and counters, while his is detailed with more masculine features. The upstairs library opens to a large office with wet bar and terrace access.
The house has eight full baths and four half-baths, as well as four gas fireplaces and four wood-burning fireplaces.
Step outside
From the back terrace, owners take in the views of the two pools on the property's generous grounds, with a private lake just beyond. Tennis lovers will enjoy the lighted full-sized tennis court with viewing stands, and the hostess will find the expansive party pavilion with bar and stage perfect for that next festive occasion. Friends and family are always welcome to stay in the guest house located adjacent to the main house.
More luxury amenities include a secluded heated spa and a full outdoor kitchen for dining al fresco. The attached three-car garage is discreetly tucked in near the front of the house.
Square footage: 11,737 house on a 2.8-acre lot
Asking price: $14.5 million
Listing agent: Claire Wilkins, John Daugherty, Realtors
Check out the scene from The Thief Who Came to Dinner spotlighting this mansion. It begins at about 3:15 in the clip.
The tropical paradise at night, with the pavilion at left and house to the right in the distance.
