a woodlands wonder

Palatial, fairy-tale mansion in The Woodlands charms market at $13 million

Photo by Chris Allison and via HAR

Clearly everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s definitely true about 88 W Grand Regency Cir. in The Woodlands. The home boasts more than 30,000 square feet unfold across more than four acres, including 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms.

The palatial estate is on the market for $13 million and is represented by Diane Kink of The Kink Team.

This estate comes in at number two of the most expensive listings in the state, according to HAR.com. It’s only topped by 5531 Walnut Hill Lane in Dallas, which is just one more thing that will add to the never-ending Bayou City-Big D rivalry.

But back to 88 W Grand Regency Circle. This is the kind of house that’s tailor-made for a family that loves entertaining, both inside and out. When a home has more than 7,000 square feet of terraces alone, it’s definitely an A-list spot for wine on the patio, family birthdays, summer celebrations, and more.

Imagine an all-out bash by the in-ground pool or a smaller ladies weekend brunch on one of the covered side patios.

Prefer to be indoors? There are cozy alcoves for quiet conversations, a movie room with a giant screen and a casual eating space that’s modeled after a mid-century American diner. On the first floor, the “gentleman’s study” has a private elevator to the second floor. A third-floor VIP suite features its own bar and lounge, and a massive closet with bay windows.

Exquisite detailing is on display throughout, from inlaid and carved ceilings, to lighted glass display cabinets to Corinthian pillars.

There’s covered parking for six cars, two motor courts, two spas flanking the pool, two separate apartments, a pool house, an owner’s office with separate space for an assistant. This epic home truly needs to be seen to be believed.

And even then, it might still seem like something out of a fantasy.

88 W Grand Regency Circle The Woodlands for sale

Photo by Chris Allison

The grand front facade at 88 W Grand Regency Cir.

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.

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