Houston's 10 most expensive homes sold in October: family-focused estates, a party palace, and more

enviable estates

Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Houston's red-hot luxury housing market is still booming as the end of the year nears. With that in mind, the Houston Association of Realtors has revealed the most expensive inventory (read: the 10 priciest homes sold) in the month of October.

Brand-new builds and marvelously updated and renovated estates are among the list of astonishing abodes, ranging from a Tudor-inspired mansion to a historic-designated home in Houston's Rice/Museum district.

1. 1069 Kirby Drive, River Oaks
List price: $6.99 million; sell price range: $5.86 to $6.77 million

1069 Kirby Drive, River Oaks, Houston real estate One of total five gas-log fireplaces at 1069 Kirby Dr. is located in the study, featuring a special Frida Kahlo self portrait.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Not surprisingly, Houston's No. 1 most enviable estate that was sold in October is located in none other than the prestigious River Oaks area. The home at 1069 Kirby Dr. was originally built in 1983 and features six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and three half baths across 9,262 square feet of space. The home received a couple luxurious facelifts in 2017 and 2020 to keep up with modern trends while still maintaining it's classic charm.

If the spacious bedrooms, expertly designed chef's kitchen, or five gas fireplaces aren't enough to suit the new owners and any potential guests, they can always console themselves with a chilled bottle of wine from the 590-square-foot climate-controlled wine room while they lounge along the relaxing pool cabana. Other luxurious features on the property include a three-car garage and a 850-square-foot one-bedroom apartment above it, and an additional three-car carport.

2. 3230 Del Monte Drive, River Oaks
List price: $6.8 million; sell price range: $5.86 to $6.77 million

3230 Del Monte Drive, River Oaks, Houston real estate No. 2: 3230 Del Monte Dr. in River Oaks.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Back to River Oaks for No. 2: This European-inspired home harks back to the Tudor estates from the early 20th century. The home at 3230 Del Monte Dr. sits on an oversized lot (about .58 acres) adjacent to a private fenced pool, a playscape, a pergola, and the detached three-car garage and second floor garage apartment.

Ideal for a young or growing family, the 7,573 square-foot, three-story home boasts six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and one half bath. In addition to a first-floor chef's kitchen, the new owners could choose to host game-day (or game night) meals for friends and family using the third-floor custom-designed kitchen. The third-floor kitchen is especially perfect for entertaining since it's connected to the dedicated game room.

3. 9110 Wickford Drive, Memorial Close-in
List price: $5.7 million; sell price range: $5.08 to $5.86 million

9110 Wickford Drive, Memorial Close In, Houston real estate No. 3: 9110 Wickford Drive in Houston's Memorial Close In Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Think of 9110 Wickford Dr. as a party pad lifted straight out of a music video. The massive, 10,211 square-foot home sits on more than a half-acre of land, with plenty of top-tier views looking into Houston's Bayou Woods. The interior is a modern paradise, complete with a sleek kitchen, granite and marble accents, and much more. The exterior of the home is the main attraction for anyone seeking to host fabulous pool parties.

4. 10 N. Fazio Way, The Woodlands (Tie)
List price: $4.3 million; sell price range: $3.83 to $4.42 million

10 N. Fazio Way, The Woodlands, Houston real estate This not-so-humble abode at 10 N. Fazio Way in The Woodlands is a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The home that earned the No. 4 ranking for Houston's most expensive home sold in October is a tie between 10 N. Fazio Way in The Woodlands, and 5506 Russet Drive in Houston's upscale Tanglewood neighborhood.

The former of these deluxe properties is a 9,350 square-foot contemporary Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece in coveted suburban destination Carlton Woods Creekside. Custom-made furnishings, multiple TVs, and a few deluxe kitchen and laundry appliances were included in the sale of the home.

The kitchen in this not-so-humble abode comes equipped with Thermador appliances, consisting of two sinks, two dishwashers, double ovens, and a six-burner stove. While there's one main refrigerator in the kitchen, the large walk-in pantry doubles as a scullery and hides away the second refrigerator.

4. 5506 Russet Drive, Tanglewood (Tie)
List price: $4.35 million; sell price range: $3.83 to $4.42 million

5506 Russet Drive, Tanglewood, Houston real estate Two fireplaces accompany the water features by the resort style pool at 5506 Russet Dr. in Tanglewood.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The latter home in October's fourth-place-tie is Tanglewood's exclusive 1.01-acre lot at 5506 Russet Dr. This French traditional three-story home was designed by Goodchild Builders and contains a two-story grand foyer, five fireplaces, a wet bar, home theater, library, wine room, gourmet kitchen, an elevator, and more.

A detached additional garage is available for its new owner to build out to their liking, and also contains the full-size Generac generator to aid during any extreme weather events. Also on the property is a resort-style saltwater pool and terrace, an outdoor mosquito system, outdoor kitchen and fireplace, a private staircase leading to the primary bedroom, and a covered loggia.

5. 223 S. Fazio Court, The Woodlands
List price: $3.85 million; sell price range: $3.32 to $8.83 million

223 S. Fazio Court, The Woodlands, Houston real estate The kitchen at 223 S. Fazio Ct. opens up into the main living area, where off to the right is the back patio, and just on the other side is the wet bar.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Serious golfers and casual enthusiasts will surely love to live in a home that backs up to the Tom Fazio Golf Course, like this home at 223 S. Fazio Ct. in The Woodlands. This property is the first new-build construction on the list for Houston's most expensive homes sold this month, sprawling 7,500 square feet on a lot nearly three quarters of an acre wide.

A few highlights to note in this transitional style two-story home include a primary suite on each floor, an office suite that's perfect for remote workers, a game room with a full bar, a wine service area, and more. There's additional room for an elevator or generator, a cleared landscape to provide those amazing golf course views (and to leave room for a future pool), and plans in the works for an outdoor fire pit.

6. 1 W. 11th Place, Rice/Museum District
List price: $3.35 million; sell price range: $3.32 to $8.83 million

1 W. 11th Place, Rice/Museum District, Houston real estate Spending a nice spring morning in the backyard at 1 W. 11th Pl. sounds like heaven.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Similar to another Rice/Museum District treasure that was one of the most pricey Houston homes sold in July, 1 W. 11th Pl. showcases an abundance of greenery around the property.

According to its listing, the five bedroom, three full bath, and two half bath house was built in 1925 and is a designated historic home. There's an adjacent guest house on the property that also claims the chilled wine room that's capable of storing hundreds of bottles of its owner's favorite vintages.

But it's not just the private koi pond, backyard pool, summer kitchen, or backyard garden that makes this home is a serene paradise. The serenity can also be found within the home's cozy interior, complemented by whimsical wallpapers, hardwood flooring, and stunning archways leading into each room.

7. 207 Paul Revere Drive, Memorial West
List price: $3.4 million; sell price range: $2.88 to $3.32 million

207 Paul Revere Drive, Memorial West, Houston real estate No. 7: 207 Paul Revere Dr. in Memorial West.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

No secret that Memorial West is one of the most hotly in-demand neighborhoods for families. Fittingly, the home at 207 Paul Revere Dr. is the perfect dwelling for those looking for that family-friendly setting. There's no need to visit a theater when there's a private media room at home for family movie nights, and a game room for game nights. The backyard pool is perfect for hosting pool parties and grill outs with family and friends, with additional fenced turfed space for the kids to run around.

8. 2121 Kirby Drive, Unit 32S, River Oaks (Tie)
List price: $3.5 million; sell price range: $2.88 to $3.32 million

2121 Kirby Drive, Unit 32S, River Oaks, Houston real estate Check out the stunning views to downtown Houston from 2121 Kirby Dr., Unit 32S.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The homes that ranked the No. 8 most expensive homes sold in Houston also ended in a tie. The former, 2121 Kirby Drive, Unit 32S, is the only mid/hi-rise condominium on the list. Located inside The Huntingdon, this half floor condo has two balconies with breathtaking views into downtown Houston.

This condo is the epitome of elegance, as shown by the grand foyer that greets visitors upon exiting the private elevator into the 6,224 square-foot home. The master suite has its own private balcony overlooking downtown, and is adjacent to its own flex space that can be used as an office or craft space. The den is located next to the wet bar and 200-bottle wine room.

8. 2217 Inwood Drive, River Oaks (Tie)
List price: $3.6 million; sell price range: $2.88 to $3.32 million

2217 Inwood Drive, River Oaks, Houston real estate 2217 Inwood Dr. in River Oaks has stood the test of time thanks to some recent renovations.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

This historic early 20th-century home at 2217 Inwood Dr. has recently undergone a full renovation to update its standout historical features with a more modern, minimalistic style. Most notably, the open kitchen contains many designer appliances, including a La Cornue CornuFe' 46-inch dual fuel range, 36-inch Miele refrigerator and freezer towers, a Pureline Combi Steam oven, a Miele knock-to-open dishwasher, and more.

Tucked away on the third floor of the home is a flex space that can be used as a home gym and a study with floor-to-ceiling bookcases. The area can be equipped with a hidden camera, according to its listing. The gated property is complete with an infinity-edge pool, a detached garage with a carport, and a garage apartment with vaulted ceilings.

9. 2504 Inwood Drive, River Oaks
List price: $3.45 million; sell price range: $2.88 to $3.32 million

2504 Inwood Drive, River Oaks, Houston real estate No. 9: 2504 Inwood Dr. in River Oaks.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Coming in as the ninth most expensive home sold in Houston last month is 2504 Inwood Dr. in River Oaks. The turfed backyard is the main highlight of this home, with a personal plunge pool with waterfalls for the perfect calm scenery. A large bay window brings the outside in, added to the resort-style vibe. Even the primary suite, dubbed the "primary retreat" opens to a private balcony overlooking the backyard oasis.

The 6,304 square-foot home features four bedroom, four full bath and two half baths, with two-story ceilings in the living room and two kitchens. A catering kitchen is located next to the main kitchen, but smartly hidden behind a panel. Already stocked for renewable-minded — and storm-prepping-minded — owner, a whole-home generator and electric vehicle charging station are also located on the property.

10. 3708 Jardin Street, West University/Southside (Tie)
List price: $3 million; sell price range: $2.88 to $3.32 million

3708 Jardin Street, West University/Southside, Houston real estate Take in the timeless charm of 3708 Jardin St.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

1069 Kirby Drive, River Oaks, Houston real estate

Photo courtesy of HAR.com

No. 1 in October: 1069 Kirby Dr. in River Oaks.

Yet another tie to close out the list. What makes 3708 Jardin St. so special, besides its prime location, is its timeless architecture that exudes understated elegance. With five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and one half bath across three floors and 5,420 square feet, there's plenty of space for owners and guests to find relaxation time enjoying each other's company.

Picture-perfect for family-focused West U, each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, and the kitchen comes with Wolf/SubZero appliances and an oversized breakfast bar with seating for six. There are two pantries, a mud room, a wine alcove, and a separate breakfast room. Workaholics will appreciate the home office that boasts its own full bathroom with a shower. The primary suite and three bedrooms are located on the second floor, with another bedroom located on the third floor with a loft. Just like 5506 Russet Drive, this home also has its own outdoor mosquito system.

10. 14715 Bay Point Lane, Lake Conroe (Tie)
List price: $3.3 million; sell price range: $2.88 to $3.32 million

14715 Bay Point Lane, Lake Conroe, Houston real estate No. 10: 14715 Bay Point Ln. in Lake Conroe.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The final home on the list is 14715 Bay Point Ln. in Conroe, which was recently dubbed one of the fastest-growing affordable suburbs in the U.S., depending on a resident's definition of "affordable." This waterfront property has the most stunning views of the lake, with covered boat and jet ski slips for easy access. If the owners aren't feeling up for a dip in the lake, they can always float down the property's private lazy river.

Inside the six bedroom, six full bathroom and one half bath home is an aspiring chef's dream kitchen on the main floor, a media room, game room, primary suites on all three floors, and two additional kitchens on each upper floor. All of these luxurious amenities add up to a total 7,194 square feet of space.

Steven Devadanam contributed to this story.

Photo by Jose Losada on Unsplash

3 Houston ZIP codes are among hottest in U.S. for new apartments, report says

land of many high rises

Nearly all of Houston has experienced a flurry of apartment construction to accommodate the equally expanding population in the last few years. In fact, three Houston zip codes in the Inner Loop were the hottest markets for new apartment construction between 2018 and 2022, according to a new rental market analysis by RentCafe.

Most impressive for the city, ZIP Code 77007 was the No. 11 hottest market in the U.S., with a 51.8-percent growth rate for apartments. Over 5,000 new apartments were built in the last five years, according to the study. The ZIP code encompasses the area below I-10 from Memorial Park, down Memorial Drive, to where I-10 meets I-45.

Apartment dwellers are surely getting the best views and amenities living so close to the famed Memorial Park, where a state-of-the-art running facility just opened its doors to the public.

Southeast of that area is 77002, which encompasses parts of Midtown, Downtown Houston, the Central Business District, Theater District, and First Ward. The ZIP code ranked No. 24 with a 69.3 percent growth rate from 2018-2022. Nearly 3,700 apartments were constructed within that time frame, according to the study.

Houston locals and newcomers flocking to the area likely moved there for its bustling nightlife, such as the new speakeasy-style cocktail and vinyl bar Off The Record or NYC-based Dominican restaurant and bar Mamajuana Cafe.

ZIP Code 77008 over Lazybrook/Timbergrove, Shady Acres, and Greater Heights earned No. 43 in the study, and had 2,887 new apartments built from 2018-2022. This ZIP Code had the highest growth rate out of all others in the Houston area, at 75.3 percent.

The top 10 zip codes that built the most new apartments from 2018-2022 are:

No. 1 – 20002 in Washington, D.C. (73.1 percent growth rate)
No. 2 – 20003 in Washington, D.C. (122.2 percent growth rate)
No. 3 – 11101 in Queens, New York (73.5 percent growth rate)
No. 4 – 37203 in Nashville, Tennessee (96.6 percent growth rate)
No. 5 – 75304 in Frisco, Texas (69.5 percent growth rate)
No. 6 – 85281 in Tempe, Arizona (38.8 percent growth rate)
No. 7 – 30309 in Atlanta, Georgia (65.1 percent growth rate)
No. 8 – 92101 in San Diego, California (46.4 percent growth rate)
No. 9 – 07302 in Jersey City, New Jersey (41.1 percent growth rate)
No. 10 – 98052 in Redmond, Washington (51.8 percent growth rate)

The full report can be found on rentcafe.com.

Houston boasts a wealth of new homes on the market.

Texas booms with most new homes built in the U.S. since 2010, new report finds

welcome home, y'all

Housing markets might be stabilizing in most areas of Texas, but there's one sector that's still booming. A new housing report by RubyHome Luxury Real Estate has revealed Texas leads the nation with the highest new home construction rate.

The study examined property data from U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey, including the number of occupied properties and the number of homes built between 2010 and 2022.

Nearly a quarter (22.5 percent) of all occupied housing units in the Lone Star State have been built since 2010, the report found. That adds up to nearly 2.5 million homes out of a total 11 million-plus in the state.

Texas' new home construction rate was predictable, as the state had gained the most new residents between 2000 and 2022, according to a RubyHome spokesperson. That's another trend that doesn't appear to be slowing down in Texas, or in Houston for that matter.

"Residents of Texas are more likely to live in a new, modern property than any other state across the country," the report said.

Houston has its own reputation for being the Texas city with the highest new home construction rate in 2023, with more than 23,000 new home permits issued as of June, which includes 15,400 single-family home permits.

For comparison, there were about 131.2 million recorded occupied households in the U.S., according to the 2022 Census survey. Over 15.7 million of those homes were constructed since 2010, which is nearly 12 percent of the homes across the country.

North Dakota fell behind Texas in No. 2, with less than 69,000 out of a total 331,481 homes built within the same time frame. New construction homes made up less than 20.74 percent of all of the housing stock in the midwestern state.

The top 10 states with the highest new home construction rates are:

No. 1 – Texas (22.5 percent)
No. 2 – North Dakota (20.74 percent)
No. 3 – Utah (20.65 percent)
No. 4 – Idaho (20.01 percent)
No. 5 – South Carolina (19.75 percent)
No. 6 – North Carolina (18.17 percent)
No. 7 – Nevada (16.74 percent)
No. 8 – Delaware (16.49 percent)
No. 9 – Colorado (16.30 percent)
No. 10 – Tennessee (15.73 percent)

Photo by Getty Images

Texas booms as 3rd hottest state for international homebuyers, new report shows

global demand

The trend of international buyers purchasing homes in Texas shows no signs of slowing down, as revealed in the latest Texas International Homebuyers Report.

Released September 6 by Texas Realtors, the report shows that the Lone Star State remains the No. 3 hottest U.S. destination for international homebuyers. Texas ranks behind Florida and California for the fourth consecutive year.

From April 2022 to March 2023, 9,900 Texas homes were purchased by buyers from outside the U.S. These homes make up 11.7 percent of the total number of Texas Realtors sales transactions.

For comparison, Florida (No. 1) accounted for 23 percent of purchases, with California (No. 2) at 12.2 percent.

"Texas has long been one of the most popular states for international buyers," said 2023 chairman of the Texas Realtors Marcus Phipps in a release. "Our strong economy, diverse population and high quality of life make the Lone Star State an attractive destination."

International buyers spent $4.3 billion on these Texas homes during the time period, the report says. Nearly half (49 percent) of buyers avoided the need for a mortgage by paying for their homes in all-cash.

In all, 84,600 international buyers bought property in the U.S. between April 2022 to March 2023, down from 98,600 buyers in last year's report.

The report further states that the median home price for international buyers is slightly lower than the overall Texas median: $320,800 versus $342,000. However, the average purchase price for international buyers was significantly higher, at $446,100.

In a breakdown of the foreign buyers, over half (51 percent) bought a primary residence in Texas. Mexico made up 41 percent of the top buyers, followed by China (8 percent) and India (7 percent). Nigeria and Venezuela accounted for five percent each within the top foreign buyers.

Photo via HAR

Houston first-time buyers must earn this much to afford a starter home in 2023

plan ahead

A new income analysis by online real estate brokerage company Redfin has revealed just how much money a potential homeowner needs to make in 2023 to afford a "starter home" in Houston. Lately, home ownership is a concept that's becoming seemingly less attainable with rising mortgage rates and increased competition among buyers.

The report revealed that first-time homebuyers need to earn $57,513 annually to afford home in Houston this year, which is 13.9 percent more income than what was required in 2022.

It's also $6,893 below the national average. According to Redfin, the average salary needed for a typical starter home in the United States is $64,403, about 13 percent more than a year ago.

These findings further confirm that affordability is one of the biggest struggles for potential buyers in the current real estate market. Median sale prices for starter homes in Houston are sitting at $217,000, and median mortgage payments are about $1,438 a month, the report said.

Redfin senior economist Sheharyar Bokhari said in the report that it's a "wild goose chase" for homebuyers seeking their first home in the current market.

"The most affordable homes for sale are no longer affordable to people with lower budgets due to the combination of rising prices and rising rates," said Bokhari. "That’s locking many Americans out of the housing market altogether, preventing them from building equity and ultimately building lasting wealth. People who are already homeowners are sitting pretty, comparatively, because most of them have benefited from home values soaring over the last few years."

Bokhari predicted the wealth gap between current and potential owners could become "even more drastic" if current trends continue.

Buyers looking elsewhere in the state might find some success. Even though the income necessary to afford a San Antonio home has risen by 18.7 percent, that only amounts to $55,657.

A first-time homebuyer would need to make $64,933 to afford a home in Fort Worth, which is 14.4 percent more than in 2022. In Dallas, potential homeowners saw a 10.6 percent increase in income needed to afford a home, making it the city with the second highest income required out of all Texas cities in the report: $72,885.

Potential homeowners in Austin saw a 3.3 percent decrease in income needed to afford a home, but it's still the highest income required out of all Texas cities in the report: $92,057.

The full report can be found on redfin.com.

Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Houston's 10 most expensive homes sold in July: Elegant estates, midcentury masterpieces, and more

enviable estates

Houston has long been home to some of the luxurious and expensive homes in the country, drawing in power players like billionaires to former professional football megastars.

From high-profile to under-the-radar, many wealthy residents favor upscale neighborhoods like Tanglewood, River Oaks, and Memorial Villages, while others seek residence in suburbs like The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, and Conroe.

With that in mind, HAR recently shared its rundown of the 10 big-budget, grandiose Houston homes that were the most expensive inventory sold in the month of July. Brand-new builds and well-kept renovated estates are among the list of astonishing abodes, ranging from a Mediterranean mansion to a mid-1960s palazzo.

1. 1923 Olympia Drive, River Oaks
List price: $5.6 million; sell price range: $5.08 million to $5.86 million

1923 Olympia Drive, River Oaks, Houston The private backyard at 1923 Olympia Dr. in River Oaks is a perfect little retreat.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Much like past reports, the most expensive home sold in Houston last month is nestled in one of the city's most prestigious and old-guard neighborhoods. This opulent two-story manor at 1923 Olympia Dr. underwent an extensive facelift in 2021 to bring it to its current modern style. The builders adding a new roof, a new kitchen, and more.

The manor spans just under 7,400 square feet across four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half baths. Other wonderful features of the home include backlit floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a private study,, a second-floor balcony that lines the back of the house, and a pool.

2. 5328 Cherokee Street, Rice/Museum District
List price: $5.4 million; sell price range: $4.42 million to $5.08 million

Photo courtesy of HAR.com

No. 1: 1923 Olympia Dr. in River Oaks.

5328 Cherokee Street, Rice/Museum District, Houston 5328 Cherokee St. in the Rice/Museum District is a minimalistic haven.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Though this new-construction home may look unassumingly modern from the outside, the inside is a minimalist's paradise. The builders drew their inspiration from Belgian interior design, complete with wall-to-wall 60-foot sliding steel doors that eliminate the need for artificial lighting during the day. The 6,949 square foot, two-story haven is complete with five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half baths.

5328 Cherokee Street is located on a 10,605 square foot lot just a single block from Rice University, making the tree-lined area one of the most sought-after streets in the area.

3. 10914 Bridgewood Street, Memorial Villages
List price: $5.23 million; sell price range: $4.42 million to $5.08 million

10914 Bridgewood Street, Memorial Villages, Houston No. 3: 10914 Bridgewood St. in Memorial Villages.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Sitting on a half-acre wooded lot in Hunter's Creek is 10914 Bridgewood Street, a newly built French-traditional home with six bedrooms, three full baths, and three half baths. This family-focused home features a large breakfast room for morning gatherings, and a study suitable for any office work or schoolwork. The chef's kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, an oversized island, and multiple pantries.

4. 18740 Palm Beach Boulevard, Lake Conroe
List price: $5.2 million; sell price range: $4.42 million to $5.08 million

18740 Palm Beach Boulevard, Lake Conroe An exterior view of 18740 Palm Beach Blvd. in Lake Conroe.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

This Conroe home will have guests feeling like they're on a vacation. The design is a mix of European and modern styles, with plenty of room to personalize. Some incredible interior features of the home include eight bedrooms, six full bathrooms, a modern kitchen with a Thermador gas range, a spiral staircase, leading to the outdoor kitchen, and more.

Sitting on the largest lot out of all homes on the list, 18740 Palm Beach Boulevard about 4.64 acres. It backs up to Lake Conroe, providing constant views of the beautiful oasis. Guests can explore the lake by using one of the three lifts on the private boat dock, or park their vessel at the guest boat dock. If outdoor waterfront exploration isn't the order of the day, guests can choose to relax by the pool or hot tub just steps away from the back patio.

5.773 Pifer Road, Memorial Villages
List price: $4.99 million; sell price range: $4.42 million to $5.08 million

773 Pifer Road, Memorial Villages, Houston The owners of 773 Pifer Road will be the talk of Memorial Villages with this custom wine wall.

A resplendent, new construction home at 773 Pifer Road in prestigious Hunter's Creek is the height of luxury without being overly dramatic. It sits on a little less than half an acre of land, while the home spans 7,500 square feet. Construction was set for completion at the end of June, making this home the newest on the list.

The inside of the home gives a peek at the deluxe finishes, such as a gourmet chef's kitchen with Subzero and Wolf appliances, an accompanying wet bar, and a custom-designed wine wall intended to be the center of attention in the formal dining room. But photos keep the remaining secrets of the home a secret – the design of the six bathrooms, five full baths, and two half baths.

6. 2530 Stanmore Drive, River Oaks
List price: $4.5 million; sell price range: $4.42 million to $5.08 million

2530 Stanmore Drive, River Oaks, Houston No. 6: 2530 Stanmore Dr. in River Oaks.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

2530 Stanmore Drive is an ode to Long Island homes from the 1920s, but with modern updates from the current century. Described as a "Cape Cod" contemporary, this stately home boasts a striking white interior with black, gold, and mahogany wood accents.

Every bedroom comes with its own en-suite bathroom, and there are two additional half-baths elsewhere in the house. Guests can take advantage of the game room, or lounge on the patio with an outdoor kitchen and fire pit, and there's even room for a pool if the owners choose to install one.

7. 6062 Riverview Way, Tanglewood
List price: $4.43 million; sell price range: $3.83 million to $4.41 million

6062 Riverview Way, Tanglewood, Houston No. 7: 6062 Riverview Way in Tanglewood.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

This English traditional mansion in at 6062 Riverview Way in Tanglewood is the definition of elegance. Spreading across 7,197 square feet on a .4 acre lot, this home features several stylish amenities like a gourmet kitchen with a butler bar, four to five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a game room, an outdoor kitchen overlooking the back yard and pool, and more.

For any extra guests that arrive in Houston for a getaway, they can stay in the 593-square-foot guest quarters above the three-story garage. And with the home's close proximity to the Houston Country Club and other upscale businesses around Tanglewood, there's no shortage of activities in the area.

8. 55 Hollymead Drive, The Woodlands
List price: $4.4 million; sell price range: $3.83 million to $4.41 million

55 Hollymead Drive, The Woodlands Natural light floods the inside of 55 Hollymead Dr. in The Woodlands.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Demand in and outside the Greater Houston area has been on the rise throughout the years as more residents look for a more suburban lifestyle, and The Woodlands is no exception. This home at 55 Hollymead Drive is a newly built home residing in the Village of Cochran's Crossing.

Featuring five to six bedrooms (as the listing says), six full baths, three half baths, this lavish home is a dream for any owner who prefers a laid-back, relaxed modern style that isn't ostentatious. Guests will surely be enamored by all of the natural light provided by this home, along with the calming neutral tones and high-end finishes throughout the interior.

9. 5835 Indian Trail, Tanglewood
List price: $4.2 million; sell price range: $3.83 million to $4.41 million

5835 Indian Trail, Tanglewood, Houston No. 9: 5835 Indian Trail in Tanglewood.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

This two-story Tanglewood home boasts a magnificent Mediterranean architecture style on a 30,302 square foot lot. With a full-house generator already installed, this six bedroom, seven bath, and three half bath home is perfect for those who like to be prepared for any adverse weather conditions.

But in the bright summer months where that's less of a concern, the owners can imagine they're living at a resort while enjoying a dip in the luxurious pool and catching the beautiful backyard views.

Adding to its prestigious appeal, 5835 Indian Trail also backs up to the Houston Country Club for the ultimate recreational convenience.

10. 700 Pine Shadows Drive, Tanglewood
List price: $3.99 million; sell price range: $3.83 million to $4.41 million

700 Pine Shadows Drive, Tanglewood, Houston Rounding out the top 10 is 700 Pine Shadows Dr. in Tanglewood.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Our final dwelling might be the oldest one on the list, but it still retains a significant history. This home at 700 Pine Shadows Drive was built in 1965 on a 1.06 acre lot, spanning about 7,000 square feet among five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half baths.

Traditional architecture anchors the home to the sophisticated Tanglewood neighborhood, with an abundance of timeless charm to wow guests and neighbors.

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Booming Houston burb's top U.S. rank for holiday spending leads week's top stories

this week's hot headlines

Editor's note: It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week.

1. Wealthy Houston suburb boasts the 10th biggest holiday spenders in U.S. Shoppers in the affluent Houston suburb are expected to spend $3,316 this festive season.

2. Retro Montrose pizzeria scores coveted spot on Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America list. The restaurant looks like a Gen X fantasy, but thankfully the pizza is up to today's standards.

3. Inside the new La Griglia: Murals are out, tableside touches are in, and more. "We took this restaurant a little more upscale," senior executive Brandon Busch explains.

4. Romantic River Oaks mansion boasting coveted neighborhood rarity lists for $11.5M. Inviting, yet secluded, rustic, but elegant, it offers everything a modern homebuyer needs.

5. Cozy neighborhood restaurant from Common Bond team opens doors on Heights' 11th Street. The diverse menu caters to a wide range of tastes.

ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill's guitars, flashy duds, and more hit Dallas auction

sharp dressed man

A massive collection of guitars, fancy clothes, boots, and other memorabilia belonging to the bassist from rock band ZZ Top makes its Dallas premiere. Julien’s Auctions presents “The Collection of Dusty Hill of ZZ Top," a three-day auction taking place December 7-9 in Dallas at 915 Slocum Street and online at Julien's Live.

The auction will feature nearly 1,200 lots showcasing Dusty Hill's one-of-a-kind instruments, Western style wardrobe worn on stage and in appearances, gear, documents, favorite cowboy hats, boots, buckles, and memorabilia. As a prelude, the collection will be on display at 915 Slocum Street through December 7.

A Dallas native who passed away in 2021, Hill was notorious for his collection of stuff, some of which was already sold off in an estate sale in Houston in 2022.

The auction's headlining item will be Hill’s fur bass guitar played on the “Legs” music video. The 1983 Dean Explorer style bass, in sheepskin finish with ZZ Top logo painted on the fretboard, was attached to a rig worn around Hill’s waist to make it spin. They're predicting it will fetch $80,000 to $100,000.

Another offering is Hill’s signature 1953 Fender Precision bass guitar, and most-played instrument by Hill out of all the guitars in this collection. The bass was heavily used by Hill and served as his go to stage guitar for numerous ZZ Top live performances and in the studio until Dusty retired the bass in 2012 due to road wear.

Fans will find a museum-like exhibition created a la “Dusty Land” with instantly recognizable items on display, such as:

Circa 1983 Wayne Charvel, Custom Eliminator Hot Rod car-shaped bass guitar in custom red and yellow Eliminator hot rod finish previously displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
Circa 1960s Fender body Telecaster bass guitar, in grey / blue finish with custom pinstriping by Houston artist Jim Carnifax done in 1983, used in “Gimme all your Lovin" and "Sharp Dressed Man" music videos
An MTV Moonman award statuette presented to Dusty Hill for Best Group Video "Legs" at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards ceremony held in 1984
Bald eagle jacket by Manuel with talons and feather accents down sleeves, accented with prong-set stones, with personalized "Dusty Hill" Manuel label
Black leather motorcycle jacket with custom painted skeleton motif, eagle head pins on lapel, and silver spike embellishments with "StreekLandslide" written on the back

Special wall displays feature a horseshoe ring of hats, awards, Elvis Presley memorabilia, cowboy boots, and Western style accessories.

”Dusty treasured all of the items in this auction and it means so much to me that the fans, whom he loved, will have an opportunity to own something from his personal collection. He would be so happy to know that this auction will benefit other musicians in need through the efforts of MusiCares,” says his widow "Chuck" in a statement.

"The Collection of Dusty Hill" was previously exhibited at Julien’s international exhibitions in Kildare, Ireland, and then in New York at Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. It's currently on display at 915 Slocum Street through December 7. Photos of auction items can be seen here. The exhibition is free and open 12-8 pm weekdays, 10:30 am-6:30 pm on Saturday-Sunday December 2-3.

Hill's widow Chuck's involvement is notable. Houstonians may recall that a sale purporting to be "official" Dusty Hill items was not — and ultimately forced a cease and desist from Hill and her attorney. The experience left Charleen "Chuck" Hill "devastated," though she found no fault with media outlets that reported the sale as it was presented (including CultureMap): “you were misled too, just like the fans,” she told us.

The Rustic's co-owner dishes on his Tex-Mex future, plus our visit to Rumi's

What's Eric Eating Episodes 334 and 335

On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Kyle Noonan joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Free Range Concepts. The Dallas-based hospitality group operates four restaurants and bars in Houston: Bowl & Barrel and The Generic Public in CityCentre and two locations of its concert venue The Rustic in downtown and Uptown Park.

The conversation begins with Noonan discussing his time working for Pappas Restaurants. From there, he partnered with his college room, finance professional Josh Sepkowitz, to open the first Bowl & Barrel in Dallas. The duo then partnered with Texas country music singer Pat Green on The Rustic, which becomes one of the highest grossing bars in Texas.

After discussing the company’s operations in Houston, including plans for possible new locations of both Bowl & Barrel and The General Public, Noonan shares that Free Range is looking beyond Texas. It has already committed to opening locations of The Rustic in Arizona, Denver, San Diego, Orlando, and Tampa and has eyes on potential locations in the Carolinas and Georiga. Any of those cities or states could also become home to Joe Leo Fine Tex-Mex, which is named for Noonan’s grandfather.

“We’re really interested in Tex-Mex outside of Texas, to be honest. I had experience with the Pappasitos brand. There is a real hunger for Tex-Mex outside of Texas,” Noonan says. He notes that the market for such a restaurant would include former Texas residents as well as people who are curious about the cuisine.

“We like to look for opportunities and low-hanging fruit,” he adds. “I see a lot of green space for Tex-Mex outside of Texas.”

Listen to the full interview to hear Noonan share why he likes to visit a city’s oldest restaurants when traveling instead of its hotspots.

On this week’s other episode, Sandler and co-host Michael Fulmer discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: the Houston return of Dallas Tex-Mex favorite Mi Cocina and Mexican bakery El Bolillo opening a new location in west Houston.

In the restaurants of the week segment, Fulmer and Sandler discuss their recent meal at Rumi’s Kitchen, the Atlanta-based Persian fine dining restaurant that recently opened next to Uchiko. They also share first impressions of Comalito, the new taqueria in the Houston Farmers Market led by star Mexican pastry chef Luis Robledo Richards. Finally, they describe their recent breakfast at Burnt Bean Co., the barbecue joint in Seguin that earned a finalist nomination in the 2023 James Beard Awards for Best Chef: Texas.

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