On the market

Inside the $15 million mansion on Memorial's most prestigious street that wowsheavy hitters

405 Timberwilde Lane wows with its size and setup.
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
Placed in the middle of 2.5 acres of rich landscaping, the European stylemansion enjoys a sophisticated, contemporary ambience within an Old Worldframework.
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
As rock star listing agent Laura Sweeny said on a recent tour of the house, "Ithink this is one of the most beautiful houses I've ever had the pleasure oflisting."
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
An open corridor at the back leads from the game room past the living room tothe wide open family room/breakfast area/kitchen.
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors
Photo courtesy of John Daugherty, Realtors

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.

405 Timberwilde Lane

Let us begin by saying that Timberwilde Lane is considered the Lazy Lane of Memorial — read that the most prestigious street in the 77024 expanse of H-Town. The lots are vast, bountiful trees providing a verdant canopy to some of the most beautiful homes in the city and this one is no exception.

Placed in the middle of 2.5 acres of rich landscaping, the European style mansion enjoys a sophisticated, contemporary ambience within an Old World framework. The exterior architecture recalls a country chateau while inside the space is all about modern living. The owners spent two years and serious dollars updating and expanding the house that today features such amenities as iron work doors, hand-scraped wide plank walnut floors, to-die-for Venetian plaster walls and a slate roof.

As rock star listing agent Laura Sweeney said on a recent tour of the house, "I think this is one of the most beautiful houses I've ever had the pleasure of listing."

Walk through: The house was clearly built for entertaining as rooms flow to rooms, the movement evident upon entering the vast foyer. Straight ahead is the expansive living room that opens to an interior courtyard. To the left is the open dining room and to the right via a few steps past the climate-controlled wine cellar is the combo media/game room/bar.

As Sweeney pointed out, the brilliance of having the game room on the ground floor is that homeowners actually use it.

As Sweeney pointed out, the brilliance of having the game room on the ground floor is that homeowners actually use it. While the dimensions are impressive, 43 feet by 19 feet, the design, as envisioned by interior designer Marjorie Slovak with the owners' input, provides a warm and manageable feel.

An open corridor at the back leads from the game room past the living room to the wide open family room/breakfast area/kitchen. Ironwork-trimmed glass doors the length of the corridor offer views across the terrace past the Bob Wilfong sculpture and fire pit and across the swimming pool to the fully-outfitted, two-bedroom guest house. A family could be quite at home in the 1,750 square foot guest house with a loft, fireplace, full kitchen and dining room.

All five bedrooms with ensuite baths and walk-in closets are located on the second floor as is the home office, which is conveniently located across the hall from the master. As one would expect in a house of this magnitude, the master suite space is generous with the bedroom itself measuring in at 29 feet by 16 feet. Add the enormous bath (love the onyx countertops) and two boutique-sized walk-in closets.

The house features a catering kitchen, six-car garage, three fireplaces and an 800 square foot spa/workout facility that would be the envy of many a health club. The exercise room, lined with windows, is large enough to accommodate eight workout machines.

Love: Everything about this beautiful home is appealing except perhaps the annual taxes — $208,608. But if you can afford the purchase price, the taxes are not an obstacle.

Square footage: 16,414

Asking price: $15,000,000

Listing agent: Laura Sakowitz with John Daugherty Realtors

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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