inner loop sanctuary

Stunning 2-house Heights compound hits market for $3.6 million

A property touted as the largest residential tract ever offered in the Heights is on the market. 216 E. 26th St. is a spacious compound with luxe amenities set across eight contiguous lots. Protected by four motorized gates and sprawling over 24,000 square feet, this must-be-seen-to-be-believed property is on the market for $3.6 million and represented by Leann Salmons with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

This warm, inviting home offers luxury living and exquisite details. Prospective owners will find antique wood floors, stained-glass accent windows, and elegant millwork throughout. The entryway has a bay window, leaded glass door, and a grand staircase. A formal living room features views of the outdoors and high ceilings that flood the room with natural light.

An open floor plan connects the kitchen and additional living room, providing plenty of space for entertaining and gathering. A game room upstairs offers endless possibilities. The upstairs primary bedroom has treetop views and a renovated, spa-like bathroom entered via French doors. Like the home’s four other bedrooms, it has its own private porch.

Outside, across the expanse of the resort-like grounds, sits 2,217-square-foot pool house. With two bedrooms and four baths, including two exterior country-club-style full baths, it’s perfect for guests. It also has an arched window, elevator, full kitchen, and billiard/game spaces. A tiki-style grill/bar, putting green, and lighted sport court with pickleball potential complete the outdoor spaces.

Above the garage is an additional one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. On-site guest parking, a circle drive, and a covered pavilion for five cars complete the estate.

This city oasis offers privacy and elegance. Even though it’s close to all that Houston has to offer, its spaciousness makes it a restful retreat.

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

Explore the gracious living and exceptional spaces of 216 E. 26th St.

home-for-sale the-heights

wasting away

3,500-home community for 'active adults' approved for Galveston Bay tract

Residents of a Latitude Margaritaville community riding golf carts.

Photo courtesy of Minto Communities

The parrothead ethos lives on.

Jimmy Buffett may be gone, but the Parrothead ethos of chilling on the water lives on. Minto Communities announced this week that they would be opening Latitude Margaritaville Galveston Bay, a 3,500-home active adult community aimed at residents 55 years and older. Opening of the sales center and model park is targeted for first quarter 2028. This will be the first Latitude Margaritaville community in Texas.

“This is an exciting milestone for Minto as we expand into Texas and introduce Latitude Margaritaville to the Greater Houston market,” said Minto Communities executive Dutch Neuweiler. “We appreciate the thoughtful engagement and support of Texas City officials throughout this process and share their vision for creating a community that will have a positive impact well beyond its boundaries. With its location on Galveston Bay and access to everything the surrounding area has to offer, we believe this is an exceptional setting those interested in the iconic lifestyle our communities provide.”

The Latitude Margaritaville brand of communities launched in 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida as part of the late singer's massive brand corporation dedicated to easy living, music, beaches, and food. Aimed at retired adults, they offer access to polls, lounges, theaters, spas, and work centers on top of prioritizing ocean views from the homes.

There should be no shortage of ways to see the water in the Galveston Bay community. The 1,318-acre property is located between State Highways 3 and 146, north of the Emmett F. Lowry Expressway and extending toward Moses Bayou. Texas City Commission has approved the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Development Agreement (DA).

“Margaritaville has a strong commitment to Texas, and Galveston Bay is a perfect place to bring the Latitude Margaritaville lifestyle to life,” said Jim Wiseman, president of development at Margaritaville. “There’s something special about life along the Gulf — the water, the energy, the music, and that unmistakable sense that you’re never too far from a good time. Together with Minto and Texas City, we’re creating more than a community. We’re creating a place where neighbors become friends, every day feels a little more like vacation, and the Margaritaville state of mind comes naturally. We very much appreciate the positive vote and look forward to the road ahead.”

Minto Communities says the development will create 1,742 permanent jobs and generate $68.8 million in annual labor income in Galveston County. No pricing information has been provided yet, but prospective residents can find more information at LatitudeMargaritaville.com.