Animal lovers howled their support for the Houston SPCA at annual spooky bash

What a Scream

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

On October 27, nearly 400 guests dressed in elegant Halloween costumes gathered in the completely transformed Houston SPCA Equine Rescue Center for the ghoulishly fun Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball .

The wildly popular annual event raised $850,000 this year for their mission to improve and protect the lives of animals in the community and alleviate their suffering and abuse.

Guests were transported to a beautiful, haunted Howl-O-Ween mansion as they made their way into the arena. Partygoers sipped on libations and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while they checked out the silent auction items and met some adorable adoptable pups.

Highly sought after items during the live auction included a Texas A&M suite experience at Kyle Field for the big game against UT, a Palm Desert getaway, and the rare opportunity to witness a rehabilitated bald eagle be released back into the wild.

The beloved host of KHOU-11’s Great Day Houston , Deborah Duncan , served as emcee and kept guests entertained throughout the program.

Photo by Wilson Parish Photography

Deborah Duncan, Brian Teichman, Cheryl Byington

Ball co-chairs Cheryl Byington and Brian Teichman thanked all for their continued support while Houston SPCA president and CEO Patti Mercer wrapped the program portion by recognizing their generous sponsors and this year’s special honoree, Chevron.

If you’d like to make a difference this upcoming giving season, please visit HoustonSPCA.org .

Photo by Lindsey Lamberth, Chris Bailey Photography

Guests saddle up for record-setting gala and raise half a million for mental health in Houston

Growing the Tree of Life

What: Nick Finnegan Counseling Center 's 15th annual Tree of Life Gala

Where: Goode Company Armadillo Palace

The 411: Ideal weather and refreshing Ranch Waters greeted the nearly 400 guests that arrived in their best Western wear for this annual gala, which raises funds to provide high-quality and affordable mental health services to anyone regardless of age, finances, or beliefs.

Photo by Lindsey Lamberth, Chris Bailey Photography

Lindsay Amburn, Amy Robinson, Katie Woodroof, Marti Elliott.

After trying their luck at the tequila and wine pulls, hungry guests then made their way to the Goode Co. fajita buffet, which was topped with all the fixin's.

Rustic and whimsical florals courtesy of Bergner & Johnson topped each table, and guests sipped on ice-cold Topo Chicos and beers wrapped in custom koozies from The Essential Market

Event co-chair Scooter Smith then welcomed the crowd, which included former Texas A&M All-American and 2023 SEC football legend Ray Childress , and premiered NFCC’s 15th anniversary celebration video. As one of the organization's former advisory board chairs, Scooter and his wife Clare have been supporters of NFCC since the very beginning, and co-chaired the event with Carla and Cole Dawson .

“When I think of the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center and its achievements, a couple of things come to mind for me," he said. "The unparalleled growth of an organization like this, finding a need in a community and meeting it so well over what is now a long period of time, you know? Just look at where it started and where we are today — it is an amazing story.”

This year’s event honored NFCC’s executive director, Mary Elizabeth Hand , who has been part of the counseling center since 2013 and is a childhood friend of the center’s namesake, Nick Finnegan .

Nick’s parents, Susan and Bill Finnegan , had the honor of bestowing the 2023 Angels Among Us award to Hand, with Susan saying, “She walks around making the counseling center comfy and cozy because she wants it to feel like home for the clients and her staff; not to mention the amazing work she does. We are just so in awe. She was hand-picked by God, no question about it, and to watch her do her thing is amazing.”

The award was a custom watercolor painting created by Bethany Sauer ( @besweetink ) depicting NFCC’s exterior, which includes part of the building expansion that Hand oversaw in 2018 and her favorite pink rose bushes that frame the courtyard fountain.

“In my role as executive director, outside of spreading awareness about NFCC, cultivating a healthy and positive work environment has always been my number one goal," said Hand. "I want NFCC to be a place where my team feels fulfilled and inspired in the work they are doing. When we as a team feel that dedication to the mission, it touches the lives of every person we interact with. We believe that when one person receives counseling it can positively impact the way they interact with their family, their friends, and have a ripple effect on how they interact with their community.

"Your support of NFCC has that same ripple effect," she continued. "You are making a positive difference in not just our clients' lives, but also the community through your support of NFCC’s counseling services and outreach programs.”

Nurse Becky Helms , a local Houston influencer ( @iwanttoquitmydayjob ), then shared a heartfelt message with the attendees. Helms chronicles on social media her daily triumphs and challenges with her mental and physical health as she beats cancer.

Two fun games — Heads or Tails and Paddles Up — came next, with emcees Stuart Ford and Randy Helms reminding participants that in lieu of a live auction, donations would be benefitting NFCC directly.

This helped bring the total raised to nearly $500,000, all of which continue to help provide mental health services to individuals, couples, and children at a significantly reduced rate.

Fundraising efforts like the annual Tree of Life Gala in October and Crack ‘em for a Cause Crawfish Boil in April help offset the cost of counseling, allowing NFCC’s counselors to provide more than 8,000 sessions per year to people in more than 127 ZIP codes in the greater Houston area.

Who: Carla and Cole Dawson , Clare and Scooter Smith , Terrell Finnegan Branch , Scotty Finnegan and Maggie Archer , Susan and Bill Finnegan , Stuart Ford , Mary Elizabeth and Robert Hand , Becky Helms , Chuck Helms , Alice and Randy Helms , Caitlin and Jonathan Sanders , Lindsay Amburn , Amy Robinson , Katie Woodroof , Marti Elliott , Matt Harper , Dylan and Courtney Stout , Heather Timmis , Ray Childress , Amber and Cary Gray , Garhett Wagers , Jennifer Bowen , McKenzie Palmer , Courtney Bassett , Lizzy Bowen , and hundreds more patrons and guests.

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

Houston SPCA has a scary good time planned for its annual Howl-O-Ween Ball

Black Cats Unite

Houston animal lovers, it's time to get spooky. The annual Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball is coming up on October 27, and the nonprofit is counting on generous ghouls and philanthropic phantoms to beat last year's fundraising total of nearly $1 million.

Excited costumed guests filled the William & Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals last year, bidding on live and silent auction items and dancing the night away while contributing to the Houston SPCA's mission of improving and protecting the lives of animals in the community and alleviating their suffering and abuse.

This year, co-chairs Cheryl Byington and Brian Teichman are planning the boo-tiful event, which will include a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions for one-of-a-kind items and experiences.

Of course, there will be the opportunity to meet, cuddle, and even adopt animals during the event.

Hostess with the mostess Deborah Duncan , the award-winning and beloved TV host and producer of KHOU’s Great Day Houston , returns as emcee.

Byington and Teichman are both well known for their steadfast commitment, leadership, and passion for a vast array of notable causes, but both hold a special place in their hearts when it comes to dedicating their time and talent to animals in need.

Cheryl Byington has not only demonstrated commitment to others through her work at BP before retiring after 41 years, but also to the more than 60 organizations in the Houston community that have benefited from her leadership roles, mentoring, and service on countless boards and committees.

She has been honored with several awards and honors, including the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Woman of Distinction Honoree and Houston’s 25 Most Beautiful by H Texas magazine. She is also a Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Inductee. When not dedicating her time to others, she loves to travel and has visited over 60 countries.

Brian Teichman has spent most of his life helping those in need. When he was only ten years old, and guided by his parents Rudy and Donna, he raised matching funds to protect the city of Galveston’s historic cemetery from vandalism. Since then, Brian has been deeply committed to the betterment of others and animals around the globe.

He helped raise millions of dollars for the theater, literacy, and children with disabilities and autism from Houston to New York and the United Kingdom. Even Brian’s beloved Labrador Bertie played an active role in helping raise awareness of pet homelessness when she was named “Houston Celebrity Pet of the Year.”

At this year's Howl-O-Ween Ball, the Houston SPCA will honor Chevron, a company which has long supported the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas. In 2023, Chevron became even more involved through expanded support and volunteering. Chevron also sponsors the Environmental Education Series, which annually educates more than 70,000 people on the peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife.

To purchase your tickets to the 2023 Howl-O-Ween Ball, visit the Houston SPCA's website here .

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

Brian Teichman and Cheryl Byington are this year's co-chairs.

Photo courtesy of Wilson Farish and Jason Power

Generous ghouls raise nearly $1M at Houston SPCA's annual Howl-O-Ween Ball

Howl at the Moon

This year’s Howl-O-Ween Ball was a spooktacular event for Houston SPCA , raising $915,000 to help support the rescue and protection organization’s lifesaving work.

A sell-out crowd of more than 350 gathered at the large, open-air Equine Rescue Arena on the Houston SPCA's Campus for All Animals for the event, which was co-chaired by longtime supporter and board member Zane Carruth , along with Cheryl Byington , a rescue dog mom and fierce animal lover.

The elegantly decorated soiree by Bergner & Johnson was filled with gauzy ghosts, candelabras, and pumpkins for the cocktail hour, where elegantly costumed guests bid on items that included a $3,000 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus.

A drawing for a beautiful, yellow-stone ring from Franco Valobra of Valobra Master Jewelers was also available, followed by a “Paws Up” live auction that included a private suite for 10 people at a TAMU football game and a rare opportunity to witness a rehabilitated bald eagle released back into the wild, and much more.

Honorary chair Linda McIngvale joined honorees Evelyn H. Griffin , Judge Roberta Lloyd , Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee , and the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Services.

Deborah Duncan , KHOU-TV’s Great Day Houston host, served as emcee. Dance presentations by TUTS student performers inspired guests to get up and boogie to tunes spun by — who else? — DJ L-Boogie.

The fun continued at the after-party with dancing as well as desserts, coffee, cocktails, and puppy cuddles in the adjacent Adoption Center. And here's a not-so-scary end to the night: Three lucky pets were adopted!

You can see all adoptable pets online at www.houstonspca.org , as well as learn how you can support Houston SPCA in its mission to promote respect for all animals and free them from suffering, abuse, and exploitation.

Photo courtesy of Wilson Farish and Jason Power

Ball co-chairs Zane Carruth and Cheryl Byington.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Prominent sports power couple lends a helping hand to deserving families at $525,000 HelpCureHD gala

a helping hand

While the Houston Astros are no doubt the hottest ticket in the Bayou City, but a recent soiree at Minute Maid Park proved just as scorching.

Former Houston sports power couple Allie LaForce , TNT’s popular sports reporter, and Joe Smith , former pitcher for the Astros and Minnesota Twins, were in town to host their annual HelpCureHD Gala at Union Station in Minute Maid Park.

The annual gala, only a few years old here in Houston but gaining buzz and notoriety thanks to the who’s-who of guests who attend, raised a record-breaking $525,000 was raised for the couple’s charity, the HelpCureHD Foundation . Astros owner Jim Crane and his wife Whitney , as well as players Ryan Pressly (and wife, Kat ) and Kyle Tucker , and former Astros player Tony Kemp joined a lively crowd of generous sports fans.

The at times emotional evening featured tear-jerking testimonials, videos, and a raucous live auction — with Crane often refusing to be outbid. Auction items included a three-night stay in Napa at the Four Seasons and Crane’s personal seats to a game, located in the Diamond Club, plus a chance for one guest to throw the first pitch. Another package promised two tickets to every home Astros playoff game including the World Series.

Needless to say, energetic auctioneer Johnny Bravo was busy.

Presenting sponsor for the event was OOVA and Fess Parker Wines provided sips. A show-stopping moment came with a raffle for a stunning 22-carat Asscher cut tanzanite gem set in 18-karat white gold with accent diamonds and mandarin garnets, donated by Shaftel Diamonds — giving the gala some extra glow.

As CultureMap has previously reported , the HelpCureHD Foundation is one of the few national nonprofits dedicated to battle the scourge of Huntington’s Disease (HD) and helping potential parents with Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis and In Vitro Fertilization (PGD-IVF) treatments. That process helps doctors screen and bypass HD, meaning a baby born free from its clutches.

Adding to the poignancy, LaForce and Smith greeted grateful families — and toddlers — helped by the foundation.

Still lesser-known that Alzheimer’s Disease, HD is a devastating neurodegenerative condition affecting more than 30,000 Americans each year. It slowly attacks the nerve cells in the brain, causing eruptive mood swings, loss of memory, emotional outbursts, and a litany of other neurological distresses.

For LaForce and Smith, the campaign is personal. Smith’s beloved mother, Lee Smith, passed away in 2020 after a long battle with the disease. As HD is hereditary, Smith himself faces a potential 50-percent chance of inheriting it. He’s chosen not to get tested, and instead, spread awareness and raise crucial funds through events like the gala.

He’s also chosen to focus on his family; miraculously, he and LaForce are expecting a baby boy this fall, and will finally enjoy the gift they’ve helped 18 families — and seven more soon — receive.

“We are incredibly grateful and inspired,” LaForce tells CultureMap. “Our goal every year is to raise more money than the previous year. We believe when people see what we are doing, and meet our HelpCureHD families, they will be supporters for life. Our gala attendees are a combination of dear friends, healthcare professionals, athletes and philanthropists — all of which understand the sense of urgency for our families and what we are trying to do. We couldn't do it without them.”

Seen in the crowd: Whitney and Jim Crane , Adrienne and Jared Crane, Kat and Ryan Pressly, Kyle Tucker, Tony Kemp, Marla and Matt Hurley, Jen and David Grisby, Dr. Erin Furr-Stimming and Chris Stimming, Jo and Jim Furr, Dr. Dottie Roach, Robert Clay and Dana Barton, Adrienne, Danny and Iris Shaftel, Jessica Roupe, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, Debbie and Rudy Festari, Julia Morales, Iraida and Danny Brown, Dean Putterman, Elizabeth and John Elder, Dr. Sherri Levin, Amanda Boffone, Julie Chen, and Shelley Boyer.

Jim Crane, Whitney Crane, Allie LaForce, and Joe Smith.

HelpCureHD Gala 2022 Allie LaForce Jim Crane Whitney Crane Joe Smith

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jim Crane, Whitney Crane, Allie LaForce, and Joe Smith.

Photo courtesy of The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Houston leading ladies receive surprise honor as 2023 Women of Distinction

2023 women of distinction

A group of Houston leading ladies recently received a surprise honor for their tireless work in the community.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recently held its Surprise Day for its newest class of Women of Distinction . The fun tradition was hosted by upscale boutique Elizabeth Anthony.

This year’s class is as follows: Tammie Johnson , Lisa Sailor , Jordan Seff , Rani Puranik , Mayte Weitzman , and Evelyn Leightman , who is the 2023 Ambassador.

These women will be honored at the annual Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 2023 Winter Ball, which raises critical funds for research and patient support.

Each year, Women of Distinction are selected based on their leadership in and impact on the Houston community. The nominations process is rigorous, according to the foundation. Judges represent a diverse group of CEOs, Women of Distinction, non-profit and community leaders. The Oversight Committee remains another touchstone to ensure the process remains fair and equitable. Both groups are anonymous to ensure the process is competitive, according to a press release.

As for the event, family, friends, foundation staff were on hand to surprise the nominees. Also making an appearance: Cheryl Byington, Gayla Gardner, Sharon Owens, Kelley Lubancko, Mary Ann McKeithan, Leila Perrin, Dena Rafte, Heidi Rockecharlie, Miriam Sera, Helen Shaffer, Kelli Weinzierl, Beth Wolff, Chris Rowley, and Tim Goedecker.

Socially minded locals should watch for date and location of the 2023 Winter Ball to be announced later this year.

Woman of Distinction Tammie Ann Johnson (third from left) with (left to right) Cheryl Byington, Heidi Rockecharlie, Beth Wolff, Mary Ann McKeithan, Leila Perrin, and Cynthia Wolff.

Tammie Ann Johnson Women of Distinction 2023

Photo courtesy of The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Woman of Distinction Tammie Ann Johnson (third from left) with (left to right) Cheryl Byington, Heidi Rockecharlie, Beth Wolff, Mary Ann McKeithan, Leila Perrin, and Cynthia Wolff.

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Drew Brees-backed sports bar kicks off in Bay Area with Cajun classics, 60 TVs, and more

shoot your shot

A spacious new sports bar has opened in the Bay Area. The Houston area’s sixth Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux opens this Monday, December 4.

Located in La Porte at 10003 Spencer Highway, the new sports bar and restaurant features more than 60 TVs for following games all day. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant features three outdoor seating areas and a mini arcade with a basketball game for shooting hoops.

Founded in 2003 by former LSU basketball walk-ons Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, Walk-Ons has grown to almost 100 locations in 15 states. Former NFL star Drew Brees became a co-owner of the concept in 2015.

As one might expect, Walk-On’s puts a Cajun spin on sports bar fare. Some of its most popular scratch made dishes include chicken and sausage gumbo, shrimp and grits, fried alligator, po’ boys, and crawfish etouffee. Other options include burgers, salads, wraps, and tacos. They’re paired with an extensive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

“At Walk-On's, we're passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests. Our expansion into La Porte is a testament to our dedication to providing communities with an extraordinary combination of delicious, made-from-scratch dishes and a sports-centric, fun environment.” CEO Chris Dawson said in a statement. "We look forward to becoming La Porte's go-to spot for guests supporting their favorite teams, celebrating with friends, or just enjoying a fantastic meal."

The restaurant touts its scratch-made food as one way it’s different than other sports bars. It also aims to be more family friendly than other, similar establishments and makes regular donations to local charities, schools, and other organizations.

Walk-On’s celebrated its grand opening with a special ribbon cutting ceremony and a donation of the La Porte Police Department’s Blue Santa Program. The first 100 customers had the opportunity to win free Walk-On’s for a year.

“We want to be a part of the moments that matter in our guests lives, whether big or small,” operating partner Brett Gunn added. “Beyond serving delicious food, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in this La Porte and we can't wait to become an integral part of this wonderful community.”

3 steps to get a Texas medical marijuana prescription online

Easier Than You Think

Getting a prescription for medical marijuana in Texas is easier than you think. With telemedicine appointments, Texans can get qualified from the comfort of their homes.

In 2015, the Compassionate Use Act passed, legalizing medical marijuana treatment for Texans living with intractable epilepsy.

The program has since expanded several times, allowing treatment for more than 150 conditions including PTSD, muscle spasms, neuropathy, cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, and more.

Texas Original , the leading medical marijuana dispensary in Texas, makes the process of receiving a prescription online easy. It all starts with a few simple steps:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment
To find out if you qualify for medical marijuana in Texas, schedule an appointment with a doctor registered in the Compassionate Use Program. Appointments can be completed securely online from the comfort of your home.

To connect with a doctor, visit Texas Original’s website and fill out the form. Make sure to check your email for a confirmation after submitting.

Step 2: Meet with the doctor
During your telemedicine appointment, the doctor will review your medical records and confirm if you are eligible for medical marijuana in Texas, then discuss your treatment plan.

Once approved, your doctor will add your prescription to the online medical cannabis registry, where licensed Texas dispensaries can access it.

Step 3: Place an order
After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to place your first order. The dispensary team will help you select your products, then schedule you for a pickup at a location nearest to you.

Texas Original’s medicine is made locally in Texas, and all products undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality, consistency and purity.

As a legal treatment for more than 150 conditions, medical marijuana provides Texans with a legal, safe option to help alleviate common symptoms like pain, insomnia, nausea, and anxiety.

If you or a loved one are interested in getting a medical marijuana card in Texas, reach out to Texas Original to get started. Plus, enjoy a 20 percent discount on your first order at Texas Original.

Regal River Oaks manor and sprawling Spring estate list among 10 most expensive Texas homes in November

texas' priciest purchases

Discerning Texas buyers only have one month left in the year to purchase that next dream home. Fortunately, the Lone Star State offers plenty of luxury, multi-million-dollar homes for savvy shoppers.

With that in mind, the Houston Association of Realtors has revealed the most expensive inventory (read: the 10 priciest properties) currently on the market from November onwards throughout Texas.

These posh properties range from new-build masterpieces and marvelously modern estates and astonishing abodes. Locals will want to check out the Jacobean-inspired mansion in River Oaks neighborhood and the a massive 10-acre, 40,000-square-foot retreat in Spring.

1. 319 Verna Trail N., Fort Worth
List price: $15.9 million

319 Verna Trail N., Fort Worth home for sale The Lazy H ranch is located on 50 acres of land. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The No. 1 most expensive home on the market in November was 319 Verna Trl. N. in western Fort Worth. Dubbed the Lazy H Ranch, this private property is located on 50 acres of sprawling land. Each of the four bedrooms in the main house have their own en-suites, with an additional two half baths elsewhere. The 6,500-square-foot main home also boasts a media room equipped with a 100-inch TV, and a state-of-the-art kitchen with Miele appliances. Outdoor features include a reverse osmosis pool, a gas fire pit, a climate-controlled patio (made possible by the home's GeoThermal system), and an infrared sauna in the pool bath.

Elsewhere on the property are two casitas, each boasting two bedrooms and two bathrooms with fenced patios and large backyards. The eight-stall stable barn contains a vet room with a commercial washer and dryer, refrigerator, office, a half bath, tack room, a separate saddle room, and two workshops. A stable caretaker's apartment is also located on the property. Additional amenities include a hay barn, equipment barn, eight pastures, and much more.

2. 862 Grape Creek Road, Fredericksburg
List price: $14.9 million

862 Grape Creek Road, Fredericksburg home for sale Grape Creek Estate is an ideal private compound for a family. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Privacy is the central idea behind Texas' second most expensive real estate listing in November. 862 Grape Creek Road in Fredericksburg contains two estate homes and a guest house across 116 acres of wooded Hill Country land.

"The property is fully fenced, gated, a paved road system connecting all improvements, under ground utilities and 3 wells with large cisterns," the listing says. "The property was designed for a family compound offering privacy between the two main homes and guest house."

3. 4625 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas
List price: $14.75 million

4625 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas home for sale The ceilings on the first floor range from 12 to 22 feet high. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

3217 Del Monte Drive, Houston home for sale

Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The sixth most expensive home listed for sale in Texas last month was 3217 Del Monte Dr. in Houston.

A modern home at 4625 Walnut Hill Ln. in Dallas is the first new construction home that made it on HAR's list of the most expensive Texas listings last month. The listing brags that the 11,858-square-foot home is "Preston Hollow modern living at its finest" while also being priced at the lowest cost-per-square-foot in Dallas.

"The house is surrounded by over 70 evergreen trees coupled with a tall aluminum fence, establishing a very private sanctuary," the listing says. "[The fence's] automatic gates open to [the] granite driveway and leads to [a] five-car garage with aluminum doors featuring epoxy floors."

The house features five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, one half bath, high ceilings throughout the first floor, an open-concept living space, wood flooring, marble accents, and more.

4. 419 Lighthouse Drive, Horseshoe Bay
List price: $14.5 million

419 Lighthouse Drive, Horseshoe Bay home for sale There are lake views from every room at 419 Lighthouse Dr. in Horseshoe Bay. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

While modernity has been a dominant design feature between the top three most expensive homes, 419 Lighthouse Dr. in Horseshoe Bay takes a much different approach. This grandiose Spanish Colonial lake home sits on two connected lots with waterfront access to Slickrock Creek which leads into the Colorado River.

The two-story home was built in 2015 with six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and three half baths. The house's exterior is constructed from solid, hand-cut limestone blocks that creates a distinguished appearance that also exhibits a timeless luxury. A few other defining characteristics of the home include multiple antiquely-carved 17th century doors, reclaimed ceiling beams, antique French limestone floors, French oak wood floors, and more.

5. 4231 W. Lawther Drive, Dallas
List price: $13.98 million

4231 W. Lawther Drive, Dallas home for sale Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Those who enjoy the coveted White Rock Lake area of Dallas will definitely covet this home on the sought-after Lawther Drive in Lakewood. Sitting more than 3.6+ acres of prime land along White Rock Lake, this property offers an unparalleled waterfront living experience. Five bedroom suites, 5 full baths, and 3 half bath soffers ample space and privacy; a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line Viking, Subzero, and Wolf appliances, perfect for master home chefs.

Three living areas, three suites, and a game room with a wet bar make for ideal gathering places for family, friends, and guests. Ideal for a getaway or party space, an 2,775 square-foot basement makes for even more community space. Car collectors and large groups can park it in the13-car covered parking area.

For privacy, guests can crash in the 785 square-foot full guest quarters, while a three-stall barn, pool house, an 820 square-foot workshop bring the outdoorsy lake life home. Take in the scenery at the 2735 square-foot of exterior patios and porches, which offer majestic lake views.

6. 3217 Del Monte Drive, Houston
List price: $13.5 million

3217 Del Monte Drive, Houston home for sale Despite still being under construction, 3217 Del Monte Dr. in Houston is already proving to be a beautiful masterpiece. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

This resplendent new construction home in Houston's River Oaks neighborhood was the only property in Greater Houston to make it onto HAR's list of the most expensive homes for sale in November. The home 3217 Del Monte Dr. is inspired by English Jacobean manors and was designed by local luxury home builders Fifty Seventh + 7th.

While the home isn't completely finished yet, architect Robert Dame has a grand vision for the final product, which includes a two-floor entryway, a personal library, a dining area with a show-stopping steel and glass wine room, a catering kitchen, a bar and tasting room, and much more. Once finished, the home will have six bedrooms, which includes a second-floor primary suite that opens to a terrace.

7. 4020 Glenwick Lane, University Park
List price: $13.4 million

4020 Glenwick Lane, University Park home for sale The second floor balcony overlooks the turfed yard and pool. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

As of December 1, the luxuriously modern home at 4020 Glenwick Lane in University Park is under contract, but it was the seventh most expensive Texas real estate listing in November. The property is located on a .59 acre lot in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Dallas.

The 10,111-square-foot home features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two half baths, and a three-car oversized garage. Additional highlights include Italian-imported travertine tile throughout the home, Sky Frame phantom doors that connect the indoor and outdoor spaces for a perfectly seamless look, a turfed back yard, a marble waterfall wet bar, pool, fountain, and spa.

8. 2449 Mountain View Court, Cedar Hill
List price: $12.9 million

2449 Mountain View Court, Cedar Hill home for sale It costs a pretty penny to have views like this 24/7. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

While guests may not find mountain views at 2449 Mountain View Ct. in Cedar Hill, they'll definitely be satisfied with the stunning panoramic visuals of Joe Pool Lake from the comfort of the backyard resort-style pool. This Dallas-Fort Worth paradise property boasts a 13,739-square-foot mansion on more than four acres of land.

The Mediterranean-style abode boasts eight bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and two half baths. Three ornate floating stairways lead to the second floor, which showcases similar breathtaking views that reach hundreds of miles into Fort Worth and Las Colinas. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with quartz counters, Wolf and SubZero appliances, a butler's pantry, and a wine room. But the most impressive features of the property are located just outside the home.

"Designed for a luxurious lifestyle, the magnificent mansion features...a resort style pool featuring two grottos, waterfalls and water features, a sunken fire pit, fire sconces, and a cabana with outdoor kitchen and bath," the listing says.

9. 19525 Doerre Road, Spring
List price: $12.79 million

19525 Doerre Road, Spring home for sale 19525 Doerre Rd. is perfectly suited to host retreats, vacation rentals, or can be turned into an assisted living center. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

November's penultimate priciest Texas real estate listing is none other than the gargantuan retreat center at 19525 Doerre Rd. in Spring. The property consists of one gargantuan main estate, and five separate estates on 10 perfectly-manicured acres of land.

Other features of the property include an attached five-car garage, a detached six-car garage with a garage apartment; a two-bay RV garage, a fitness center, resort-style pool, tennis court, and sand volleyball court. Huge families can look forward to a 40,000-plus-square-foot space offering anywhere from eight to 30 — yes, 30 — bedrooms.

10. 2502 Oestrick Lane, Austin
List price: $12.5 million

2502 Oestrick Lane, Austin home for sale Floor-to-ceiling windows display the entirety of the back yard, but ceiling curtain tracks surround the room to provide guests with the ultimate privacy. Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The final property that was among the most expensive Texas listings in November is a gorgeous award-winning home situated in the hills of West Austin. 2502 Oestrick Ln. is a five bedroom, five full bathroom and two half bath Hill Country paradise brimming with natural light and expertly-designed modernity. The home sits on a 3.7 acre estate and was originally built in 2014, according to the listing.

"The interior spaces are studies in the manipulation of natural light, achieved through the strategic placement of windows, skylights, and innovative ceiling geometries," the listing says. "The choice of warm, luminescent materials for cabinetry and walls juxtaposes the industrial simplicity of concrete floors, cultivating an atmosphere of calm sophistication."

With a list price of $12.5 million, it's no wonder how this innovative residence has earned its many accolades, including The 2018 Architecture Master Prize and the 2017 American Architecture Award.

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