1324 North Blvd

Broadacres

1324 North Boulevard

1324 North Blvd.

Offered at $6,495,000

• Cotswold Country Style Home • Designed by Birdsall Briscoe • Completed in 1926 • 7,196 Square Feet of living space + Quarters • 40,460 Square Feet of land

The Grand Foyer between the entry and rear doors provides direct access to both formals. Natural light reflects off of the hardwood floors from the rear door and windows overlooking the gardens. The block paneled walls and elegantly carved balustrades exemplify Briscoe’s attention to detail.

The abundant entertaining space in the formal dining room features classic chair rail, crown molding, and access to a handsome study. The South facing front window offers a picturesque view of the Boulevard and its magnificent oak trees. The wine room is located in the fully functioning cellar and boasts a climate controlled 1,400 bottle capacity.

Briscoe’s use of architectural detail is evident as you step down into the formal living room featuring a recessed window with North garden exposure opposite the fireplace. The moldings, recessed panel wainscoting, and circa 1850’s pegged wide-planked hardwood floors adorn this room.

The sun parlor off the formal living room is surrounded by arched windows and French doors opening to the outdoor living space boasting views of the gardens.

The ladies gathering room adjacent to the rear door off the entry offers a cozy conversation space and provides a glimpse of the history in this unique residence. The library is a centrally located retreat and has entries from the formal dining room and breakfast room through French doors.

The breakfast room affords views of the side gardens and courtyard off the study through vertical windows. Island kitchen with induction 7 burner stove top and double convection ovens has side by side Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer and glass front cabinets designed by Jorge Munoz. The bar area is consistent with the kitchen design and features a separate sink, dishwasher, and access to the dumbwaiter and cellar.

The kitchen and family room addition were designed by Jorge Munoz from 1987-1989.

The family room’s arched windows provide ample natural light while open access to the island kitchen creates the perfect gathering place.

The two-story family room was added in 1989 and designed by Jorge Munoz. Note the decorative beams and cathedral style ceiling.

With its arched windows and sweeping views of the gardens, this room is derivative of the sun parlor.

The family room’s arched windows provide ample natural light while the wall of doors in the family room open up to the West patio, creating a seamless flow to the gardens.

The mill work of the front staircase is a hallmark of Briscoe’s design sensibility while the window provides views of the gardens and bathes the front staircase in natural light. The Master Bedroom is its own private retreat offering views of the treetops from numerous sitting areas. It includes a dressing room, his and hers baths with two showers and separate tub.

The master suite encompasses a sitting room surrounded by treetop views from every angle. The room’s South, East, and North exposures provide views of the surrounding oaks and a perfect setting to read or enjoy a cup of coffee.

The main guest bedroom features a wall of built ins, en-suite bath, and a balcony overlooking the two-story family room. Jorge Munoz utilized the existing opening to create this magnificent balcony with views of the cathedral style ceiling and arched windows.

The secondary bedroom to the left with en-suite bath is currently used as an additional oďŹƒce and affords an inspiring view of the North Boulevard Esplanade. Another secondary bedroom with en-suite bath is currently used as an exercise room.

View of home, gardens, pool, garage with guest quarters, and back gated entrance from alley. Rear elevation displays Briscoe’s design symmetry and the addition which portrays the attention to detail necessary to sustain the charm of this phenomenal residence. The photo below provides a perspective of the family room which features a wheelchair ramp accessed from the winding driveway.

The East patio off of the sunroom parlor offers a relaxing getaway to enjoy views of the gardens featuring Rose bushes, Camellias, and Azaleas.

The beautiful grounds envelop the heated swimming pool while the lush gardens and mature trees frame the green space.

1,600 Sq. ft.

Original construction (1925/1926) Architect: Birdsall Briscoe; General Contractor: W.J. Groggan Family room addition, kitchen, and bathrooms (1987-1989) Chandler Robinson of Renaissance Builders and designed

by Fleschman/Munoz (now Munoz & Albin) Restoration (2016-2017) Chandler Robinson of Renaissance Builders

MAIN HOUSE: • Ground Floor Includes: Main Hall, Living Room, Sun Parlor, Ladies Gathering Room, Powder Room, Dining Room, Back Hall, Kitchen with dumbwaiter and access to kitchen, Breakfast Room, Library, Family Room, Front & Back Stairs, Indoor Two Room Dog Quarters, Silver Closet • Updates: Family room addition from 1987-1989; Design is derivative of the East sun parlor done by Chandler Robinson, Renaissance Builders, as designed by Fleischman/Munoz (now Munoz + Albin) Additionally, the kitchen and bathroom were remodeled from 1987-1989 Extensive restoration done 2015-2016 by Renaissance Builders with Munoz + Albin, Architects Indoor/Outdoor Audio System (2016) Alarm, audio, & video are Wi-Fi and phone app driven (2016) Generac 48kw, full-house, monitored natural gas generator (2017)

• Special Features: Recirculating pump for hot water throughout the house Fireplaces are featured in both the formal living room and family room Kitchen features top of the line appliances - 2 Ovens, 2 Dishwashers, 2 (Sub-Zero) refrigerator/freezer, Induction 7 burner stovetop 3000+sqft. floored attic with shelving & closets (not included in current square footage) Chandeliers in formal dining room, downstairs sun parlor, ladies gathering room, library Basement with washer/dryer, two storage closets, 1400 bottle wine cellar Dumbwaiter that services cellar (laundry area), kitchen, and second floor The Pegged formal living room hardwood floor is Belgian Oak reclaimed from circa 1850’s structure Silver/storage closet with lined silver cloth off the front hall All bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms and ample storage

GUEST HOUSE: • Guest Quarters Includes: First Floor with Two-Car Garage, Tool Room, Exterior Powder Room, Greenhouse & Second Floor with Guest Quarters featuring Two Bedrooms, Hardwood Floors, Full Bath, Hall, and Kitchenette

GARDENS & EXTERIOR: • Gardens & Exterior Includes: Heated Swimming Pool, Deck, East and West Patios, Camellias, Azaleas, Roses, and Numerous Other Plantings, Statuary, Three Stone Benches • Special Features: Custom chevron brick front walkway (2017) Wheelchair ramp into the family room door from the driveway Fully automated, zoned sprinkler system French drains in the front and back of the home Copper gutters, tile roof Trees are maintained by Anderson Arbor Services Indoor/Outdoor Audio System (2016)

The gazebo was moved to the Northeast corner of the garden from the back door of the house where it was previously used as the porte-cochere. The gazebo now serves as a place of quiet reflection with a wonderful view of the back elevation.

Also Included: Supply of antique bricks, roof tiles, hoses, wrought iron pool surround (currently in storage) plus a strong fabric fence (removable)

HISTORY: Prior significant owners include: Jemison Lester (1926), Flora McIver Streetman, Hiram Clarke, Reverend John A. Morkovsky 1324 North Boulevard is Noted in Several Publications: Houston Architectural Guide, AIA, Stephen Fox Broadacres Historical District, Anne Schlumberger Bohnn Houston House & Home Houston Home & Garden Houston Business Journal New York Times Upcoming: Stephen Fox’s soon-to-be Published Retrospective of Birdsall Briscoe

The original porte-cochere has been relocated from the rear door and now provides a quiet spot for reflection in the northeast corner of the garden. Enjoy wonderful views of the rear elevation of this spectacular residence. The two-story garage has a guest quarters featuring 2 bedrooms, hardwood floors, full bath, hall, and kitchenette. The first level provides a greenhouse, tool shed, exterior powder room, and two-car garage.

Historically significant, Broadacres was originally conceived by the land owner, Captain James Baker and family. Envisioned as an enclave for Houston’s most prominent families, architect William Ward Watkins, the original architect of Rice University, was retained to design the public spaces, lush oak tree lined esplanades creating a serene retreat which feels far from its busy urban location.

Designed in the Cotswold country vernacular by Birdsall Briscoe in 1925, 1324 North Boulevard stands as a testament to the splendid vision of Broadacres. Many feel that Briscoe’s designs in the 1920’s represented his best work. Sited under canopies of oak trees, the two-story red brick estate with beautifully manicured gardens is distinguished by its geometric composition and elegant detail.

In their nearly four decades of stewardship, the current owners have meticulously maintained, renovated, and updated this gem. Originally designed for Mr. and Mrs. Jemison E. Lester, other notable owners have included Hiram Clarke, President of HL&P and the Most Reverend John A. Morkovsky, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston.

Market ed by:

Ed Wolff • 713-446-9205

Jose Oti • 713-898-2326

1775 St. James Place • Suite 100 • Houston, Texas 77056 • 713-622-9339 No representation or warranties either expressed or implied are made as to the accuracy of the information herein or with respect to the suitability, usability, feasibility, merchantability or condition of any property described herein.