On The Market

This mansion in the richest city in Texas comes with its own waterfall — and plenty of privacy

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

A custom mansion in one of the wealthiest communities in the United States is now for sale, and it’s right here in Houston’s backyard.

The manor at 7 Saddlewood Estates Drive rests in the pine tree-protected forest of Hunters Creek Village, the No. 1 richest city in Texas and the No. 11 richest in America, based on figures compiled by the American City Business Journals.

As the city of Houston annexed nearby unincorporated areas after World War II, the small villages of Hunters Creek, Piney Point, Hedwig Village, Bunker Hill, Hilshire Village and Spring Valley each incorporated in 1954 to remain independent. Electing their own mayors and council members, the Memorial Villages were officially born.

Privacy is a key commodity here: The home sits at the end of a wooded cul-de-sac within the exclusive gated enclave of Saddlewood Estates.

Almost 60 years later, Hunters Creek, which is about two square miles in area, has an average home value of $3 to $3.5 million. More than 67 percent of the community's 4,537 population possesses household incomes of $150,000-plus.

Fittingly, 7 Saddlewood Estates Drive is a stately two-story house with attractive stucco finish on more than half-acre of manicured grounds. Privacy is a key commodity here: The home sits at the end of a wooded cul-de-sac within the exclusive gated enclave of Saddlewood Estates. A gated motor court surrounds the attached three-car garage.

Walk Through
Guests enter the mansion through a grand reception hall passing a curving, wraparound staircase. Elegant formals — living room and dining room, along with a handsome wood-paneled study — are conveniently accessible in this flowing floor plan. The gourmet kitchen opens to a breakfast room and comfortable den. The master suite with sitting area and luxurious bath are also on the first floor.

Upstairs await three guest suites, a game room with a wet bar and family game room, as well as a cozy media room.

Step Outside
The entertainment options continue outside, where the party moves to a resort-inspired backyard. A waterfall splashes into the lagoon swimming pool, which — like the step-up spa/hot tub — is surrounded by natural rock landscaping. Plenty of outdoor seating areas create nooks for intimate and gregarious conversations.

Square footage: 6,670

Asking price: $2.29 million

Listing agent:Laura Sakowitz Sweeney, John Daugherty, Realtors

Welcome to 7 Saddlewood Estates Drive.

1 On the Market 7 Saddlewood Estates December 2013

Photo courtesy of © John Daugherty, Realtors

Welcome to 7 Saddlewood Estates Drive.

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A city retreat

Houston fave Frank Billingsley's house hits the market for $1.5 million

Josh Gremillion for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

38 Hackberry Lane, currently owned by Frank Billingsley, is on the market for $1.525 million.

Set just off Mid Lane is a beautiful, custom-built home. Located at 38 Hackberry Lane, the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home with great details is now on the market for $1.525 million, represented by Corey Lipscomb of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

With 3,356 square feet of living space and sitting on a lot that’s more than 8,300 square feet, the home is currently owned by Frank Billingsley, current executive producer and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Hello Houston. Audiences will also recall him as the longtime meteorologist for KPRC-TV in Houston.

Upon entering the home’s double doors, potential buyers will be captivated by the home's dark, hardwood floors, and a dramatic, custom, wrought-iron staircase. The entryway also offers views of the living room, which features a fireplace, recessed lighting, and French doors that lead to a covered patio and the pool. A wet bar with porcelain counters and an ice maker are right off the living room, handy access for sharing cocktails with guests.

The formal dining room has custom millwork, inlaid hardwood floors, and French doors leading directly to the pool deck. Large windows offer abundant natural light and sweeping views of the backyard.

The kitchen offers porcelain countertops, a gas range, stainless appliances, and plenty of storage. It’s anchored by an island that has bar seating. A breakfast room is an ideal spot to begin the day with a cup of coffee.

Upstairs, the primary suite has its own fireplace and sitting room, making it a true owner’s retreat. The primary suite bath has a double sink vanity, seamless glass shower and separate soaking tub, as well as a walk-in closet. The additional bedrooms on the second floor each have a Hollywood bath. The fourth bedroom is on the third floor, with a full bath and walk-in closet.

The beautifully landscaped yard is perfect for entertaining, with a covered loggia with fireplace, hot tub, pool, and a covered patio.

With its location not far from Highland Village, Central Market, and the Galleria, this is a home that those who want to be in the heart of it all, while still feeling like they have an oasis in the city.

Photo by Josh Gremillion for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

38 Hackberry Lane, currently owned by Frank Billingsley, is on the market for $1.525 million.

home-for-sale celebrities frank billingsley