Wooded retreat

Charming midcentury Memorial mansion hits the market for $3.1 million

Houston has a reputation as a city that's always looking forward, always building more, often clearing away the old to make way for the new. That's why it's a treat to see what's happened with 11107 Wickway Drive. The home, originally built in 1962, has been impeccably remodeled, all while retaining its mid-20th century personality. It's now on the market for $3.1 million, represented by Robin Tucker of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

Sitting on just over half an acre backing up to Soldier's Creek, it's a wooded retreat conveniently located near the heart of Houston. Surrounded by mature trees, the 6,245-square-foot home has five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. Nine-foot ceilings on each of its two floors give the home a terrific sense of space.

In the entry, a double steel-and-glass door beckons visitors into a foyer with herringbone white oak floors and designer wallpaper. The open floor plan means the home offers seamless transitions from the modern kitchen with high-end appliances to the family room and dining room, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer first-rate views of the property. Recently installed white oak flooring and dark wooden ceiling beams provide lovely accents, creating an inviting space for families and guests. A flex space between the kitchen and the formal dining room can easily become a breakfast room, home office, or additional gathering spot.

The downstairs primary suite features French doors opening to the back patio, a lovely stone-finished space that's the perfect spot to begin the day with coffee or end it with a cocktail. The primary bath has a seamless glass shower and a separate whirlpool tub. A massive closet has multiple built-ins and storage spaces. Two other bedrooms are downstairs, one with a full en-suite bath, the other, currently used as an office, with a half-bath.

Upstairs, one of the bedrooms sits under the eaves, creating space for a desk. Both upstairs bedrooms have walk-in closets. A Hollywood bath has separate vanity areas. A massive flex space could easily become a game room, media room, office, or sixth bedroom. Downstairs, the current game room has French doors opening to the backyard.

The lovely screened-in porch overlooks Soldier's Creek. The home, which has never flooded, also offers wooded decks, a side garden, and a host of outdoor gathering spots.

Other thoughtful details include speakers throughout many of the spaces, including the screened porch, a charming front entry with ivy walls and lamps on either side of the door, nooks in the landing on the staircase to create seating areas, and a utility room with dishwasher, second refrigerator, and washer/dryer setup.

11107 Wickway is a home that is beautifully designed to help owners make the most of its assets and space. It's ready to become whatever its new family needs it to be.

The front of 1107 Wickway, a white house with ivy growing on the left side of the double entry doors, and four gables at the top of the house.

Photo by TK Images for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

Built in 1962, 11107 Wickway retains its original charm.

home-for-sale

A Montrose jewel box

Charming Montrose townhouse with 2-story atrium hits the market

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

Montrose has long been Houston’s neighborhood for the eclectic, a place where cute bungalows, mom-and-pop shops, and trendy bars and restaurants sit side-by-side. The neighborhood is a microcosm of the city itself: diverse, developing, beloved.

And even as the neighborhood has steadily gentrified, echoes of its past remain. One of those is now for sale. 1507 Harold Street, a remodeled jewel box of a space, is on the market for $950,000 and represented by Tracey Smith of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 1950s townhome has fabulous natural light, balconies, a courtyard filled with native plants, and a funky charm that evokes the neighborhood’s past and present.

Painted tile floors and long hallways with splendid light set the tone for this home. They give way to an open, airy arrangement, showing off 1507 Harold’s nearly 3,000 square feet. The three-bedroom, two-bath home is immediately centered in its neighborhood, but also a retreat from the bustling city around it.

If the devil is in the details, 1507 Harold has plenty of them. Think painted clay tiles on the first floor and solid red oak hardwood on the second floor. Add to that custom Pedini Italian kitchen cabinets, Neolith countertops, and a Quemere custom backsplash in the kitchen. See also the epoxied garage floor with glass garage door.

Floor-to-ceiling windows not only let in the natural light, they give 1507 Harold the feeling of being surrounded by nature. That feeling is enhanced by the home's two, second-floor balconies. One of them, off the primary bedroom, overlooks the cloistered courtyard filled with native plants, park bench, and natural seating. The other faces the neighborhood. A two-story atrium provides space for meditation, contemplation, and casual gathering.

The dining room has a dry bar that’s perfect for storage and an Aobosi dual-temperature wine refrigerator. The primary bedroom has built-in bookcases and drawers, and an ensuite bath with soaking tub and shower. Sliding doors lead to the balcony.

The garden’s irrigation system waters plants daily, keeping this green space well-tended.South Texas cactus and olive trees welcome homeowners and visitors at the front entrance.

The home's welcoming vibe has to be seen to be believed. It’s rarely been on the market, and the odds are high that its next owners will keep it for a very long time. It’s just that kind of place.

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

home-for-sale