Your Expert Guide

Afton Oaks: A true oasis inside the loop where everyone is welcome

Agent Ginny Hopper.

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

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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Take a spin around the Afton Oaks subdivision inside the loop, and you just might see Ginny Hopper walking her golden retriever. The real estate agent can often be found out and about in her pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, which also nicely accommodates its four-legged residents, saying "hi" to others and their dogs out for a peaceful stroll.

"A wonderful variety of people live here: young couples with newborns, empty nesters , and elderly people, all living in Afton Oaks," Hopper says. "Everyone cares about their neighbors. It is a true oasis inside the loop."

Though she only moved to Afton Oaks five years ago, Hopper's fiance has called it home for more than two decades.

It's easy to see why. A caring HOA is quick to replace any ailing oak trees with new ones, and a pair of security cars regularly patrols the area. The River Oaks district is within walking distance, and Highland Village is only a five-minute drive away.

"I love being a real estate agent and helping families or individuals accomplish their needs," Hopper says. "I enjoy every step throughout the process, especially the option period, where I can use my construction background."

Hopper shared a few of her personal favorites about life in Afton Oaks. Here's her guide:

Where to eat & drink
Along with several neighborhood restaurants on Richmond Avenue, Hopper recommends Le Colonial, Toulouse, and Eloise Nichols Grill in nearby River Oaks.

Where to play
"Walk or ride your bike throughout Afton Oaks, and maybe make friends with a neighbor to use their pool!" Hopper laughs. "Or jump in the car or ride your bike to Memorial Park, where you can even play a round of golf."

Where to live
"There are lots of original 1950s ranch-style homes here, plus homes built between 2006 and 2012 that average 4,000-plus square feet and even bigger new construction built from 2020 on," says Hopper.

4722 Waring St., built in 2006, was the family home for one of Hopper's clients. It's where they had raised their five children over the past 10 years, and when it was time to sell they selected the best offer out of three that came in during the first week.

Turns out, the other two potential buyers didn't have representation, so Hopper helped them each find lovely homes of their own near Afton Oaks. "People love living in and moving into Afton Oaks!" Hopper says.

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Ginny Hopper works and plays in Afton Oaks. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email ginny.hopper@sothebys.realty, or call 281-435-0999.

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living history

Houston-area ranch tied to Stephen F. Austin hits the market at $14.8M

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

If you can rustle up $14.8 million, you can purchase a 91-acre ranch nearly 50 miles west of Houston that’s a piece of Texas history.

The Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch, situated about eight miles east of Sealy near I-10, is located on property within Stephen F. Austin land-grant territory.

In the early 1800s, Austin — nicknamed the “Father of Texas” — obtained land grants to colonize what then was part of Mexico. The number of land-grant recipients totaled 297, including Austin, according to the Texas State Historical Commission. The settlers came to be known as Austin’s Old 300, even though the number of grantees was three shy of that number.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The 91-acre property on the banks of the Brazos River has its own winery and vineyard.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled along the Brazos River, the Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch (3401 Pueblo Viejo Ln., Sealy) was designed by Kai Geschke and built by Kirksey Homes in 2020. The 6,777-square-foot main house features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two partial bathrooms.

“The single-story main home showcases masterful craftsmanship, premium finishes, and a timeless design with world-class masonry and woodworking found throughout the property,” say real estate agents Walter Bering and Linda Plant of Houston-based Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, which has the listing.

Former polo players John Hall and Leigh Anne Schnell Hall are selling the ranch. They’re the father and stepmother of trophy-winning professional polo player Jeff Hall.

Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch The unique eight-stall barn is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn.Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

A barn on the estate is inspired by a legendary Argentine polo barn and features eight oversized stalls, air-conditioned tack room, reclaimed algarrobo doors, quebracho wood countertops, and vintage railroad spikes as functional art.

Highlights of the gated estate include:

Primary suite with river views.
Guest suite with kitchenette.
His-and-hers offices.
Gym and sauna.
Screened-in porch.
Butler’s pantry.
Infinity-edge swimming pool.
Winery and vineyard.
Barn with eight horse stalls and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment equipped with a kitchen.
Staff quarters with three apartments and a 3,200-square-foot equipment shop.
125-kilowatt power generator.

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The historic Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Sealy is listed for $14.8 million.

ranch for sale history luxury real estate home-for-sale