There are so many great places to live in Houston that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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Briargrove, a close-in, westside neighborhood of approximately 1,000 homes, is one of the most desirable subdivisions in the city. As a resident there for more than 20 years, real estate agent Brian Spack knows firsthand just how special it is.
“It is best to sell something in which you believe, and I believe in Briargrove,” he says. “Briargrove is a neighborhood of neighbors; we live here in a hidden gem. People are always out with their families and friends, playing, visiting, and walking their dogs. They smile and wave when they see you. In Briargrove, we look for one another, as well as look out for one another.”
Briargrove is the perfect mix of urban and suburban — in a prime location — with more than 20 neighborhood restaurants, four grocery stores, and Trader Joe’s nearby, plus easy access to all major freeways.
Briargrove offers residents a community center with a recreation facility and pool that has been a hub for swim team competitions and birthday parties for several generations. The 24-hour dedicated courtesy patrol is an added bonus.
At the center of the subdivision is Briargrove’s jewel, an award-winning elementary school that has been a “neighborhood school” since 1958.
And although the school has been comprehensively upgraded to a modern facility, many of the old landmarks are preserved, including the park area and trees and the well-known mosaic from the entrance hall.
“The school enjoys tremendous parent and neighborhood participation in its scholastic and social events,” says Spack. “The Briargrove Elementary Halloween Carnival is a highly anticipated annual event enjoyed by Briargrove residents, as well as those who live in nearby neighborhoods. Another wonderful facet of Briargrove Elementary: Fundraisers put on by the parents that add monies to the coffers, as well as prestige to the school.”
Spack enjoys walking his springer spaniel, Darё, on the wide, wonderful sidewalks of Briargrove.
While at rest, he relishes hanging out in his front yard on his ubiquitous Adirondack chairs, chatting up with his neighbors. Here, he offers up a few of his personal favorites about life in Briargrove:
Where to eat & drink
The quirky, beloved Barnaby’s Cafe on Fountainview has friendly service and delicious variations on homemade comfort food — think lasagna, meatloaf, mac and cheese, all the burgers and waffle fries, smoked chicken tostadas, plus Spack's favorite: the chicken fattoush salad.
If you love Italian food, you’ve gotta love Amalfi. It’s a quaint restaurant with lovely ambiance and great food. "It feels like home, because you will know everyone dining there!" Spack says.
Where to play
Tanglewood Park has it all: a dog park, a walking track, and tennis courts. You never know who you are going to run into at Tanglewood Park.
Spack adds, “I sure miss seeing Barbara Bush walking the track with her dogs. Mrs. Bush and her pups were fixtures in the park.”
The eclectic Bering’s is just down the block, too. Bering’s has been curating designer home essentials since 1940.
“From hardware to Herend, Bering's has it all,” says Spack.
Where to live
What Spack loves best about his work is knowing that he does not just find his clients houses — he finds them homes they will enjoy for years to come.
What Spack really loves about living and selling in Briargrove is that it boasts a collection of traditional, ranch-style homes alongside perfectly proportioned, beautifully-scaled recent construction homes. In Briargrove, it is all about the vibe.
“Maintaining the Mayberry-esque vibe of the neighborhood is something that I believe is important to all the neighbors,” Spack says.
A premier example of a Briargrove residence is 6123 Chevy Chase Drive, a stunning re-imagination of a pedigreed, quality-built home.
Spack recently sold the property, which had been beautifully updated by designer Mary Patton.
“It’s more traditional from the outside, but the interiors are slick,” he says. The home also has a backyard sanctuary with a summer kitchen and covered terrace, and just beyond is a saltwater pool and spa.
“Who better than Brian Spack to market your Briargrove home or introduce you to this amazing neighborhood and way of life?” said the seller.
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Brian Spack works and plays in Briargrove. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email brian.spack@sir.com, or call 713-542-5374.
Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
Agent Brian Spack.
