On the market

A spectacularly remodeled mid-century modern for under $500,000 produces houseenvy

This view of the living area shows the glass wall overlooking the backyard.
The view of the house from T.C. Jester is sleek and contemporary enoying plentyof curb appeal.
A view of the living area from the kitchen. The space above the electricfireplace is designed for a flat screen TV.
The master bath and adjacent walk-in closet were carved from the middle bedroomof the once-three bedroom house.
The living area features beamed ceiling, original brick floors and a glass walloverlooking a verdant backyard.
The kitchen was compeletly rebuilt with European-style custom cabinetry andquartz countertops.
The guest bedroom is small but efficient.
The master bedroom opens to the backyard through a wall of glass.

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

UPDATE: The contract on this house fell through and it's back on the market. Check it out at the open house this Sunday, Sept. 9.

1136 Shelterwood

Robert Searcy of Texas Real Estate & Co. has a thing for mid-century modern houses so as soon as the gem at 1136 Shelterwood in Timbergrove Manor went on the market, he emailed me.

"I specialize in mid-century moderns, of course, and this one is truly exceptional. It was designed by Hamilton Brown, former council member Peter Brown’s father, and Peter was hired to help with the restoration. This is no flipper type house. (Remodeling expert Will Martin) spared no expense. "

The house was taken back to its studs and refurbished with all new wiring, new plumbing, insulated commercial windows and frames . . .

The house was so spectacular in a retro-Palm Springs sort of way and so well-priced (under $500,000), that Searcy received a contract (sale pending) on it the morning that I arrived to take a look-see. Ordinarily, that would have nixed the property from my consideration.

But the house was just too well done not to share with readers. So consider this a remodeling masterpiece rather than an On the Market.

The original house was comprised of three bedrooms and two baths, squeezed into 1,843 square feet. Martin and Brown reduced the count to two bedrooms, incorporating the middle bedroom into the master bath and closet thereby making the house pleasantly livable.

Throughout the extensive make-over Martin recorded the effort on his blog. As he noted when the house was completed, "This has been one of my very favorite projects in a long time and it's finished!"

The main living quarters are open plan with living room, dining area and kitchen all flowing into one delightful space defined on one end by the electric fire place with glass rock bed (see the intriguing faux flames and details here) and on the other by the kitchen bar. Love the new kitchen that has been completely redone and is outfitted with custom European cabinetry, quartz countertops and the latest in range, fridge and washer/dryer.

God bless Martin for installing solid wood doors. No plastic or hollow veneers, thank you.

For this project, Martin took the house back to its studs and refurbished with all new wiring, new plumbing, Icyne spray foam insulation and LowE insulated commercial windows and frames. The latter two are important as the house sides up to T.C. Jester where on occasion traffic can be an issue. However, on my visit, even though cars whizzed by, I didn't hear them.

New wood floors throughout much of the house, herringbone brick floor in the living area and recessed lighting are additional fine touches. Exposed brick walls, tongue and groove ceiling, walls of glass and the patio with fireplace are all magical touches that give this house such appeal. And God bless Martin for installing solid wood doors. No plastic or hollow veneers, thank you.

The spanking new 7-foot-high cedar privacy fence guarantees a secure feel when relaxing in the living area that features a vast expanse of glass wall opening to the backyard.

Another bonus to this home is the location — very nice neighborhood with lots of mature trees, large lawns and only minutes from the urban action.

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HAUTE PROPERTIES

675-acre Hill Country ranch where George Strait rehearsed lists for $19.5M

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

Lone Woman Ranch, the Hill Country estate where country stars like George Strait, George Jones, and Ace in the Hole Band rehearsed, is up for sale for $19.5 million.

Located 65 miles from San Antonio in Hays County on 675 acres, the secluded ranch once served as an artistic getaway for emerging Texas artists. The property, listed by Olmos Park firm Republic Ranches. is named after the nearby Lone Woman Mountain, and its elevation gives an incredible view of the county. On a clear day, you can see downtown Austin.

The land comes with two residences, both built near the entrance gate. The primary stone house has original hardwood floors, a recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system. The secondary residence was used as a rehearsal space. Both have had long-term residents who made improvements, and both have their own septic systems, wells, and electric meters.

The real appeal of Lone Woman Ranch, however, is the extensive woods, creeks, and natural setting. It is next to 6,000 acres of conservation land, including Storm Ranch. The entire mountain is also included in the property, making it a veritable mini-kingdom for the owner with unobstructed privacy on three sides.

Two ponds are on the site — a 4-acre and a 1-acre — both fully stocked. Runoff from the larger pond creates picturesque seasonal limestone waterfalls.The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, doves, and more. The property is under wildlife exemption.

It's little wonder the ranch was a muse to so many country musicians. A network of ranch roads provides access throughout the property, including most of the way up Lone Woman, giving views around every corner. Only Strait can tell you whether his 1996 hit "King of the Mountain" was inspired by the ranch.

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

ranches hill country hays county celebrities george strait george jones listings