Editor's Note: Houston is loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Throughout the month of June, CultureMap Editor-at-Large Shelby Hodge snoops through some of our faves and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.

2207 Bancroft, Highland Tower

For some individuals, high-rise living can feel like a confining experience. But not so with this little beauty that offers instant access to garden, pool and terrace — five floors above the street.

Walk through: The entry might be small but you quickly see beyond to the open expanse of this two-bedroom condo and to the vast views provided by floor-to-ceiling windows in the open-plan living area. (Ziegler Cooper Architects has created a masterful design for contemporary living in the condominium tower constructed by highly-respected Pelican Builders.)

As you move down the gently curving hallway, the guest bedroom and full bath are to the left. The hallway then opens to the living area where kitchen and breakfast bar are one with a comfortable living space. The master bedroom and beautifully appointed bath — could this be a Four Seasons Hotel? — with walk-in closet beyond are to the right. Crown molding in the master and the exceptional fixtures in the bath are the work of the owner, who also happens to be the agent representing this special unit.

We like: The 12.5-foot ceilings contribute to the airiness of the space, a bonus of being located on the fifth floor, which is the terrace level.

We love: The owner selected this particular unit because of its proximity to the high-rise pool terrace and the expanded private patio that this location offered. The unit boasts 270 square feet of terrace covered in travertine marble and offering a view of the rose-laden, palm-shrouded garden. The private terrace opens through a locked gate to the condominium putting green, garden and vast pool and outdoor entertaining area worthy of any five-star hotel.

The view: Not so great out of the south glass wall during the day as you peer down on the rooftop of the aging AT&T building. This, however, should not discourage as the overall efficient design and feel of this unit are spectacular and by night the offending building is dark. To the east, you have the lovely patio and garden view with a hint of downtown skyscrapers in the distance.

More to love: The Highland Tower location tucked on a quiet street between San Felipe and Westheimer is ideal for those who want to feel secluded yet be in the middle of things. The Galleria is just across 610 and Highland Village and Central Market are within walking distance — at least by Manhattan standards.

Square footage: 1,613 including the outdoor terrace

Maintenance fee: A reasonable $740 a month

Asking price: $585,000

Listing agent: Jim Rosenfeld with Martha Turner Properties