An Air Conditioned Legacy

New English manor inspired townhouses replace historic demolished Houston mansion

Courtlandt Manor — a "Wroxton Abbey" inspired development of 14 four-story townhomes — is set to break ground this summer at 411 Lovett Blvd., once the site of Houston's first home with central air conditioning and a longtime favorite venue for wedding receptions and social events.

Starting at $875,000, Courtlandt Manor townhomes will range from 2,906 square feet to 3,717 square feet. Design qualities include 11-foot-tall living room ceilings, hardwood or stone floors, decorative tile and custom cabinetry and lighting.

"Inspired by the breathtaking Wroxton Abby," officials at Croix Custom Homes, the builder, boast in a statement, "Courtlandt Manor offers buyers three distinctive interior options and eight custom floor plans that brilliantly blend charmingly classic elements with sleek, sophisticated designs."

The former mansion was later converted into a high-tech office building, with a total renovation completed in 2005.

"Croix Custom Homes is known for offering a wealth of amenities, and Courtlandt Manor is no exception," Mike Croix, president of Croix Custom Homes, said in a statement. "Game rooms, expansive garages, cocktail pools optional and rooftop terraces complete with a fireplace are only a few of the delights at Courtlandt Manor."

The sales center opening is scheduled for July 17; completion of the project is expected in February 2015.

The Bullock-City Federation Mansion, which met the wrecking ball earlier this year, was built in 1906 on that same site by oil entrepreneur Frank Bullock. The 5,000-square-foot structure sat on the 30,000-square-foot lot, with a gazebo for outdoor affairs. In 1926, Bullock had air conditioning installed. The decorative ceiling medallions from which the chandeliers hung were actually iron grates to hide the AC units.

New English manor inspired townhouses replace historic demolished Houston mansion

The City Federation of Women's Clubs purchased the house in 1948 for $60,000 to use for monthly club meetings and social events. The former mansion was later converted into a high-tech office building, with a total renovation completed in 2005.

Rendering of the planned Courtlandt Manor, a development of 14 four-story townhomes to be located at 411 Lovett Blvd.

Courtlandt Manor at 411 Lovett Blvd. rendering July 2014 CROPPED

Courtesy rendering

Rendering of the planned Courtlandt Manor, a development of 14 four-story townhomes to be located at 411 Lovett Blvd.

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living history

Houston-area ranch tied to Stephen F. Austin hits the market at $14.8M

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

If you can rustle up $14.8 million, you can purchase a 91-acre ranch nearly 50 miles west of Houston that’s a piece of Texas history.

The Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch, situated about eight miles east of Sealy near I-10, is located on property within Stephen F. Austin land-grant territory.

In the early 1800s, Austin — nicknamed the “Father of Texas” — obtained land grants to colonize what then was part of Mexico. The number of land-grant recipients totaled 297, including Austin, according to the Texas State Historical Commission. The settlers came to be known as Austin’s Old 300, even though the number of grantees was three shy of that number.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The 91-acre property on the banks of the Brazos River has its own winery and vineyard.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled along the Brazos River, the Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch (3401 Pueblo Viejo Ln., Sealy) was designed by Kai Geschke and built by Kirksey Homes in 2020. The 6,777-square-foot main house features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two partial bathrooms.

“The single-story main home showcases masterful craftsmanship, premium finishes, and a timeless design with world-class masonry and woodworking found throughout the property,” say real estate agents Walter Bering and Linda Plant of Houston-based Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, which has the listing.

Former polo players John Hall and Leigh Anne Schnell Hall are selling the ranch. They’re the father and stepmother of trophy-winning professional polo player Jeff Hall.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The unique eight-stall barn is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

A barn on the estate is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn and features eight oversized stalls, air-conditioned tack room, reclaimed algarrobo doors, quebracho wood countertops, and vintage railroad spikes as functional art.

Highlights of the gated estate include:

Primary suite with river views.
Guest suite with kitchenette.
His-and-hers offices.
Gym and sauna.
Screened-in porch.
Butler’s pantry.
Infinity-edge swimming pool.
Winery and vineyard.
Barn with eight horse stalls and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment equipped with a kitchen.
Staff quarters with three apartments and a 3,200-square-foot equipment shop.
125-kilowatt power generator.

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

ranch for sale history luxury real estate home-for-sale