Record setter

Magnificent Memorial-area mansion shatters record as most expensive home sold in Houston

Houston is no stranger to multi-million dollar home sales. Driving through River Oaks, Hunter's Creek, or West U means passing home after home with seven-figure price tags.

But, 120 Carnarvon Dr. is special. Tucked into the beautifully wooded acres behind the tony Houstonian Club and Spa, the home dubbed The Manor on Carnarvon recently sold for more than $20 million, setting a record for the most-expensive single-family home sale in MLS in Houston history.

Sworn to secrecy, representatives from listing firm Douglas Elliman Realty couldn't disclose the actual sale price to CultureMap. Suffice it to say, as it was once listed for $29.5 million in 2020, 120 Carnarvon Dr. is now the first single-family home to sell for more than $20 million in MLS in Houston history.

As they say, everything's bigger in Texas, including our home sales.

As for the estate: The manse sprawls across more than 27, 000 square feet and takes its inspiration from great European estates. The immaculate gardens are artfully designed, with fountains and statuary set among the perfectly manicured hedgerows, essentially, a Versailles in miniature.

The main house unfolds around a courtyard, seen from the French doors and pane windows that accent the home and enhance its palatial setting.

Inside offers six bedrooms; seven full and nine half-bathrooms. Multiple kitchens offer the opportunity for everything from an elaborate meal, a catered affair, or an intimate dinner.

Entertainment amenities abound. There's a wellness spa and gym, several terraces, and a separate, 3,700-square-foot, two-bedroom guest house. Outside finds an outdoor kitchen, playground, and sports court.

Stone walls, iron fences, and electric gates around the property provide privacy and the feel of being away from it all, while in the middle of one of the most prestigious ZIP codes in Texas.

Stone steps in the foreground lead to a manicured garden with intricately carved hedgerows, with statuaries set among them. A gazebo is off tot he left side.

Nathan Schroder

The gardens at 120 Carnarvon Dr. are a Versailles in miniature.

Blending art and function

Bespoke and modern Montrose home hits the market for $2.5 million

1529 Indiana Street backyard exterior with pool

Photo courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

1529 Indiana Street offers seamless living, where inside and outside elements blend together.

When home buyers want something that fully blends interior and outdoor space, the something they want would be a lot like 1529 Indiana Street. This bespoke residence, tucked into a corner lot along a historic brick-paved street, partially hidden behind a wide, wooden fence, is a beautiful expression of modern design.

It’s on the market for $2.575 million and represented by Vicki Barazandeh of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty. The 3,900-square-foot home has three bedrooms and three full baths, along with a host of stunning details.

Originally belonging to a builder, developer, and art collector who designed the home in collaboration with Ragni Studio, the Hyde Park home has a downstairs main living area that opens to the pool and grass, creating a great room. The open space provides incredible sight lines, and the floor-to-ceiling windows allow for loads of natural light. The second-level primary bedroom floats over the pool below, providing shade while offering sweeping treetop views.

Photo courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

1529 Indiana Street offers seamless living, where inside and outside elements blend together.

Exquisite details abound throughout the home. Think floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, book-matched stone slabs, and a modern white stucco exterior with warm Brazilian walnut Ipe accents. In the chef's kitchen, find Poliform cabinetry, Calacatta marble, Dornbracht fixtures, and Gaggenau appliances.

Surrounded by mature oaks, 1529 Indiana lends itself to entertaining, with spaces for family and friends both inside and out. Those with an art collection will love the way the home lends itself to showcasing an array of paintings, prints, and other objects d’art.

Those seeking a home that stands out from the crowd will want to look closely here.

home-for-sale

Record setter

Magnificent Memorial-area mansion shatters record as most expensive home sold in Houston

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