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.

5010 Tangle Lane

Tucked away at the back of a tiny gated community, this townhouse (some call it a patio home because of the ample green space) is centrally located within a stone's throw of the Galleria and just a zip to Woodway which leads to Memorial Drive and heads straight downtown. It's a location to love, which is why the single, retired banker moved in. But it's also an attractive plan for couples and small families.

Walk through: With a great design, somewhat open, that welcomes full-scale entertaining, the ground floor entry leads past a spiral stairway to an open living room/kitchen combination that retains a certain formality thanks to the lovely cabinetry and rich designs. The formal dining room is just off the living area and the library or study is located on the back side of this floor.

French doors from both the study and the living room lead to a quaint patio large enough for entertaining but not so large as to require a full-time gardener.

The spiral staircase (or you can take the elevator) leads to the second floor where two bedrooms share a charming sitting area with fireplace that opens to a balcony. Walk-in closets, full baths and coffee bar complete the picture. The third floor loft is a youngster's dream with angled ceilings following the roof line, full bath and walk-in closet. It's the perfect little nest at the top of the stairwell.

Wow factors: Gleaming hardwood floors on the first level compliment the traditional touches in the corking station, a lovely nook with wine storage and plenty of counter space for displaying and "corking" your fine wines. Add the nifty, custom hardwood breakfast table that wraps the stove island and thereby creates a chic breakfast bar. High ceilings, yummy crown molding and plenty of light make this a winner.

Bonus: The lavish window treatments and stunning light fixtures, from wall sconces to chandeliers, are part of the package.

Think green: While there is a pleasant patio/garden area at the back of the house, ribbons of green wrap the two side walls and clever landscaping gives the feel of a verdant oasis in the city.

Square footage: 4,436

Asking price: $1.35 million

Listing agent: Linda Ledbetter with Heritage Texas Properties