Properties 2015 v2 RiverOaks-PROOF1a

AN EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF MARTHA TURNER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

VOLUME TWO 2015

PROPERTIES

TM

Front Cover - 1721 RIVER OAKS BLVD

A Houston Legacy Reborn T

he reclusive and eccentric Dallas oil titan H. L. Hunt, already a billionaire by the late 1930s, built the Georgian Revival-style home at 1721 River Oaks Boulevard for Frania Tye in 1939. In the 76 years since, the elegant home has boasted a series of high-profile owners

including Houston construction magnate Harold Farb and his former wife, the philanthropist Carolyn Farb, from whom the home was purchased by the present owners in 1997.

The brick residence was substantially enhanced and updated in a lengthy and meticulous renovation undertaken by the present owners from 1997 to 2000. Renowned architect Martha Bute, working with interior designer Bonnie Harding, restored and enhanced the home’s innate elegance with stunning reproduction period paneling; exquisite Scalamandre, Schumacher, Thibaut, Osbourne & Little, Clarence House, and Brunschwig & Fils wallpapers and fabrics; Schenck & Company parquetry floors; and lavish, Sheryl Wagner marble fixtures. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems were replaced, an elevator added, and smart-home technology installed to bring the home to today’s standards of communication, automation, convenience, and security.

Brick pillars and automated iron gates secure the home’s driveway at the boulevard entrance.

The open, light-filled rotunda reception hall has an inlaid marble floor and magnificent serpentine staircase. Interiors are designed for entertaining large gatherings and encompass an impressive paneled library; an expansive living room clad in eggshell-blue French-style paneling that transitions into a glass-walled solarium; a grand formal dining room and inviting informal dining room; a lavish, marble-clad, mirrored, fully-equipped bar and lounge with a reconstructed Russian parquetry floor; and, reminiscent of a more refined age, “ladies” and “gentlemen” powder rooms. Views of the stone terraces, pool, extensive gardens, and side patios enhance the rooms through banks of windows and tall French doors.

Elegantly-appointed and designed to accommodate entertaining as well as casual daily living, the airy, spacious kitchen is enhanced by rich bull-nosed granite countertops, glass-front lighted cabinets, and windows overlooking the side driveway, motor court and gardens. Amenities include an island with pull-up seating and a prep sink; walk-in catering cooler; SubZero refrigerator and freezer; Lynx gas griddle; Dacor range, ovens, and wall ovens; two warming drawers; wardrobestyle pantries; and two extra-deep stainless steel sinks. The adjoining planning station or hobby room has two built-in desks, cabinets, and a sink.

Dear River Oaks Neighbor, The holidays are here and the eyes of Houston turn to River Oaks for the most spectacular holiday decorations in town. Evening explorations of this grand old neighborhood to “look at the lights” are an eagerly-anticipated tradition and River Oaks never fails to delight Houstonians with ever-more elaborate and phantasmagoric displays, year after year.

This holiday season, there’s even more celebration in store for the River Oaks area as the River Oaks District, which debuted in October, continues to collect the world’s finest luxury brands beneath its marquee. Dare we call it Houston’s equivalent to Bond Street? Our feature article on what’s in store now, as well as future additions and cultural events planned for this fabulous jewel in Houston’s crown lets you be the judge.

Over the years, many famous personages have elected to live in River Oaks where residents’ traditional sang froid granted them a degree of privacy bordering on invisibility. One such was the reclusive billionaire, H. L. Hunt. To be clear, Hunt himself never officially lived in Houston but, in 1939, he built a magnificent home for his “wife” on River Oaks Boulevard where she lived with their children until revelations that the marriage was bigamous brought it all crashing down. In the years since, this elegant, Georgian Revival-style residence has sheltered succeeding generations of titans in business, culture, and the arts. Recently, the home has been spectacularly renovated, updated and expanded by the present owners and we present it on our front-cover for your review.

I hope you enjoy our River Oaks Properties. Please contact me with your comments or inquiries about any of the information presented in these pages.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jay Monroe Broker Associate

713.504.6936 jmonroe@marthaturner.com

STANMORE DRIVE Incredible River Oaks courtyard home that has been extensively renovated. Rare courtyard lot, elegant lines, lightfilled large formals. Fabulously updated kitchen features 2 Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezer, Wolf double oven, Gaggenau steam oven and 6-burner gas range. Large breakfast room opens to den with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking terrace and expansive backyard. Master bedroom with bird's-eye maple dressing room, study and ensuite bath. Separate 2-story quarters plus game room. Gated drive with parking for 8 cars.

4-6 BEDROOMS | 5.5 BATHS | Offered at $2,250,000 MLS 76768654

Standing (l to r) - Ruthie Newberry Porterfield, Mary Elizabeth Hahnfeld, Robert Bland, Martha Adger, Patti Garrison, Walter Bering, Lynne Andress Seated - Pene Moore, Jay Monroe, Liz Daniel, Cindy Burns, Rochelle Pye

Renowned Realtors of River Oaks We celebrate the rare, the beautiful and the exceptional in all things. Including the most desirable homes in the world. We curate them. We showcase them. We present them as no one else can — to attract the most qualified buyers. Whether they are just down the street or a world away.

Chances are we already know them. And they know us.

We sell all kinds of jewels.

RIVER OAKS MARKET UPDATE

JANUARY TO OCTOBER 2015 SOLD

1721 River Oaks Blvd

$1M-$2.99M

$3M-$4.99M

$5M AND UP

Founded during a progressive period in American life when powerful civic leaders like Will Hogg envisioned beautiful and inviting public and private urban environments, River Oaks was one of the largest and most successful of the “Private Places” or “Garden Suburbs.” Unlike smaller enclaves such as Shadyside and Courtlandt Place that were created for Houston’s wealthiest citizens, River Oaks offered a range of housing options designed to attract the middle class as well as the upper crust. The Hoggs and lawyer Hugh Potter hired landscape architects and planners experienced in designing similar neighborhoods in Dallas, Kansas City and St. Louis to layout the lazy, winding streets, wide boulevards, parks, schools, and shopping centers that still make River Oaks one of the most unique - and desirable - places to live in the United States.

SOLD*

days on market

sales price vs sold price

PRICE RANGE

ACTIVE

PENDING

$1M - $2.99M

11

4

29 52 95%

$3M - $4.99M

14

0

11 83 95%

$5M and Up

5

0

4 219 89%

TOTAL

30

4

44

36 96% *SOLD FROM 1/1/15 TO 6/30/15

ACTIVE LISTINGS

PENDING LISTINGS

SOLD

MIN. $1,575,000

MIN. $1,195,000

AVG. LIST PRICE

$2,117,630

MAX. $9,300,000

MAX. $2,885,000

AVG. SOLD PRICE

$2,027,290

AVG. $3,639,532

AVG. $2,122,500

DATA PER MLS OCTOBER 12, 2015

WILLOWICK Bayou Breeze, a River Oaks estate on Âą3.7 acre bayou lot was designed by Curtis and Windham architects with interiors superbly appointed by New York interior designer Bunny Williams. Amenities include antique reclaimed wood floors, an elevator to all 3 floors, wine cellar with dining area, media room, separate guesthouse, 2-bedroom apartment over garage, pool and pool cabana, putting green, and stunning garden and woodland views from every window.

6 BEDROOMS | 6.5+ BATHS Offered at $14,995,000 MLS 9612435

THE NEW HEART OF RIVER OAKS?

by Heather Staible

S

ome husbands gift their wives stunning jewelry or luxurious vacations as a show of affection, but real estate developer Dene Oliver, CEO of Oliver McMillan, decided to take a more As in actual terra firma, in the form of the newly minted River Oaks District. The center is poised to become a destination for those seeking the finest in fashion, food and entertainment. It’s also a fitting love letter to Oliver’s wife Elizabeth, a fifth generation Houstonian who introduced the city, and its potential to her husband.

“This grew out a love for my wife. She taught me all about Houston.

It’s one of the greatest places in the world, and I can see the River Oaks District full of great people taking in the landscapes and dining at the cafes,” Oliver said.

It’s one of the greatest places in the world, and I can see the River Oaks District full of great people taking in the landscapes and dining at the cafes ~ Oliver McMillan

He’s had quite a few years to perfect that vision too. After purchasing 14-acres of land

That level of service is to be expected with the roster of

in 2006, Oliver was forced to pull back on

high-end designers and retailers who chose to make River

developing the former apartment complex

Oaks District their home.

site into a mix-used center due to the downturn in the economy in 2008.

On the shopping front Akris, Anne Fontaine, Bannou, BONOBOS, Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Cartier, Chopard,

“It was disappointing, but we just decided

Patek Philippe at deBoulle, Dior, Diptyque, Dolce &

to ride it out,” Oliver said. “It’s an amazing

Gabbana, Etro, Giuseppe Zanotti, Hermès, INTERMIX,

location and piece by piece, inch by

John Lobb, Kiton L’Occitane, Moncler, Roberto Cavalli,

inch we got here.”

Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vince, Vilebrequin, Planet Blue and St. Nicola are open in the

And boy, have they arrived.

River is

Oaks located

center.

District off

While some retailers like Tom Ford are new to Houston

Westheimer, which as

in the way of its own brick-and-mortar store, others like

Houstonians

know,

Cartier chose to make the move to the new shopping

one.

destination. The jeweler was located in The Galleria and

Once in the center, it

was the very first retailer to open in early September 2015.

rests

for

just

no

feels nicely sheltered, purposely walkable and very upscale. It’s breezy and bright without being overpowering. Colorful flowers pack the thoughtful landscapes and shade is abundant throughout the open air center.

River Oaks District blends Texas swagger, European elegance and LA chic in a way that’s engaging, but not exclusive. And that’s by design.

“What’s most important here is the art of Southern hospitality. Everyone has been hired and trained, so the first question is,’Yes, how can I help you?’” Oliver said.

“This was a long time coming. We’ve been looking for

plans, keeping the interests of the neighborhood at heart.

a location to showcase Cartier and River Oaks District

When it comes to heart, Oliver wanted the development to

represents us very well. It’s elegant and there’s a natural

have plenty of it, so he reached out to Houston’s favorite

synergy between Cartier and the River Oaks District,”

arts maven and city ambassador Lynn Wyatt.

Cartier’s North America President and CEO Mercedes Abramo said.

“We carefully curated this landscape, yes, I use it as a verb, because we curated art, design and music along

If there’s anything Houstonians like more than shopping,

with our retailers and restaurants. And there is no one

it’s dining out and sipping as sport. Steak 48, a warm,

who interfaces with the art and fashion world like Lynn

upscale contemporary American steakhouse, The Porch

Wyatt,” Oliver said. “She’s an amazing person.”

– a concept featuring downhome food and Uptown cocktails, Taverna Italian, Le Colonial, upscale French-

Oliver and Wyatt are collaborating on art experiences

Vietnamese fare, Thirteen Pies, a high-end pizzeria

for River Oaks District and Wyatt said she believes the

serving artisanal pizzas and house made pasta, and

arts are the true soul of any city and Houston has great

Toulouse Café and Bar, a traditional bistro, are all on the

international allure.

River Oaks District menu.

“This is Houston, like never before,” Wyatt said.

Equinox Fitness and iPic Theaters give visitors two very different lifestyle experiences, but the luxury bar is

The arts were an additional draw for the decision makers

raised just as high. In addition to dining and shopping,

at Cartier when contemplating the move.

the center will also house more than 90,000 square feet of office space and 279 apartment buildings. During the

“We both appreciate design and the arts. Going into the

development plans, Oliver had envisioned a tower-heavy

future, this is not a short term investment for us,” Abramo

development, but his wife steered him away from those

said. “We believe in Houston.”

And so does Oliver. River Oaks District has been almost a decade in the making and Oliver is quick to give to kudos to those who helped the project along, namely Houston mayor Annise Parker and member of the Houston City Council. Permits and construction aside, Oliver was pleased when Parker gave the project her seal of approval, saying the project would not have happened with her “help and support.”

There are those who quibble with name of the development and the actual address.

Technically, River Oaks District isn’t actually in River Oaks, rather it’s just southwest of the city’s most glamorous and storied neighborhood.

Incorporating River Oaks in the title of the development certainly elevated its cache that much more, but the true quality of the center lies within.

“Houston is a world-class city and we wanted to raise the bar. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to come here and have a good time,” Oliver said. “We curated something extremely special for the city of Houston.”

It looks like Elizabeth Oliver isn’t the only one who received a Valentine.

OVERBROOK Location, Location, Location!

Beautifully maintained home on a desirable street in River Oaks offers close proximity to St. John's School and tasteful updates.

Amenities

include:

handsome hardwoods; classic millwork and built-ins thru-out; added wet bar in den; updated island kitchen to include granite counters and stainless steel appliances; plantation shutters; renovated master bath; custom wardrobe in master bedroom; two

fireplaces

and

gated

driveway. Ample size back yard offers outdoor enjoyment!

3 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHS Offered at $1,575,000 MLS 58994837

KIRBY Situated at the gateway to River Oaks, Mirador Builders brings you one of its finest works to date. Designed to pay homage to the 17th century farmhouses in Provence, this stone and stucco home with antique tile roof sits comfortably behind privacy walls and under beautiful towering live oaks. The interior boasts random width hardwoods, reclaimed antique hex tile floors, pecan wood beams, antique iron and crystal chandeliers and sconces and open kitchen with leathered soapstone counters. Beautifully landscaped grounds include a kitchen garden with fountain and fire pit, front motor court, pool and outdoor wood burning fireplace.

4 BEDROOMS | 3.5+ BATHS Offered at $4,675,000 NON-MLS

HUNTINGDON Lovely residence with great cub appeal in a prime location just off River Oaks Boulevard.

Beautiful entry, elegant formals, cozy paneled library with wet bar, large den and light filled sunroom. Kitchen and breakfast room renovated in 2008 (per owner). Spacious master suite.

The home has many special amenities which include: hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, a study off the master bedroom, incredible storage space throughout, quarters/office above the 2 car garage, gated rear access with expansive motor court, two beautifully landscaped patios and a sprinkler system. Great flow for entertaining.

4 BEDROOMS | 4.5 BATHS Offered at $2,385,000 MLS 93471568

INWOOD Custom built by Tynes Sparks. Beautiful millwork, high ceilings, fabulous yard with exceptional landscaping. Corner lot in prime River Oaks location. Wonderful enclosed outdoor area, perfect for entertaining.

4 BEDROOMS | 5.5+ BATHS Price Upon Request

KIRBY Santa Barbara meets River Oaks. The home you've admired for years is now available. This spectacular Spanish Colonial-style custom home was designed and built by highly revered Mirador Builders.

Located in the heart of Houston's River Oaks, this is truly a one-ofa-kind estate: custom designed tile-work, antique lighting, oak and Saltillo tile flooring. Fantastic cook's kitchen with Wolf, Sub-Zero and Asko appliances and huge pantry. Great floor-plan for entertaining.

Gardens, pool and motor court is truly a must-see-to-believe experience.

5 BEDROOMS | 5.5+ BATHS Offered at $3,975,000 MLS 809044

STANMORE A beautifully landscaped courtyard welcomes you to this charming New Orleans style home.

Perfectly situated overlooking a Stanmore courtyard, there are lovely views throughout the home. A spacious floor plan offers formal dining and living areas with a guest bedroom downstairs and a breakfast nook with views of the side patio. The master and an additional bedroom are upstairs along with a large den with built-ins and a covered veranda overlooking the courtyard. A carport with an upstairs apartment offers a 4th bedroom and bath.

3-4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHS Offered at $1,575,000 NON-MLS

PINE VALLEY DRIVE This Contemporary and modernized River Oaks home was designed by Rice graduate, Claude Hooten, a respected member of Houston’s first generation of architects. Entry with access to formals. Enlarged den with pool and patio views, a wet bar, wine storage and built-ins. Island kitchen and breakfast room with glass wall overlooking fountain. Master suite with great walk-in closets and luxurious master bath. Three or four additional bedrooms with two more baths up. Attached garage. A fine home.

4-5 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHS Offered at $1,785,000 MLS 99965734

RIVER OAKS BLVD Premier, approximately 68,693 sf lot in the heart of River Oaks.

This rare lot has majestic oak trees and has been beautifully maintained and is prepared as a building site. Located on River Oaks Boulevard at the corner of San Felipe Boulevard this lot has a double entrance driveway on River Oaks Boulevard and a single entrance driveway at the rear of the property on San Felipe Boulevard.

OFFERED AT $7,100,000

EXTRAORDINARY PLACES

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NEW YORK

One of the most desirable Bridgehampton / Water Mill South locations. Approximately 1.4 gated acres, this approximately 9,200-sq.ft. English Country manor is constructed to the highest standards, offering the most breathtaking horse farm views. The best kitchen ever leading to stone terraces, garden, pool and views beyond. A finished 3500+/- sq. ft. basement with home theatre, wine cellar, staff rooms, gym and much more. First time offering.

9 BEDROOMS | 10.5 BATHS Offered at $13,450,000 Sotheby's Web ID 0037623

STUART, FLORIDA

Lifestyle defined, where refined, relaxed living - segue. The renovated Mediterranean Plantation 3-story, with 4th story ocean view sun deck, has 6 en suite waterfront view bedrooms. A fabulous owner's suite, dual full baths, walk-in closets, relaxing loggia. The home is thoughtfully positioned on an estate approx. .639-acre lot, with 200 feet of waterfront and direct ocean access.

6 BEDROOMS | 8.5 BATHS Offered at $4,400,000 Sotheby's Web ID 0076497

Back Cover - 1721 RIVER OAKS BLVD

A Houston Legacy Reborn ...continued from inside front cover

D

own the return staircase at basement level, the large, superbly-appointed wine cellar has bottle storage and offers additional dining and entertaining options with a full kitchen and a powder room. Wine storage is also provided in the mechanical room near

the kitchen.

Imbued with the rich ambience of an exclusive club, the game room features leather wall covering; a stained-wood dropped-block, box-beamed ceiling; plush designer wool carpet; a walk-in bar/ full kitchen with Dutch door to the terrace and pool; and a wall mount for a flat-screen television.

The leather walls and elaborate ceiling extend into the adjoining theater, equipped with a movie screen and tiered stadium and recliner seating for 21. Custom-painted murals adorn the walls and portray a dazzling array of top Hollywood stars as well as H. L. Hunt, Ms. Tye, the Farbs, and the family of the present owners.

A large, light-filled room behind the game room and theater has been custom-fitted for use as a photography or art studio and would serve well as a playroom if desired. Amenities include track lighting and abundant built-in counter space and cabinets.

A secluded hallway on the second floor leads from the main staircase landing to the lavish master suite and gym. The master bedroom, accessed through solid wood double doors, offers a chevron-patterned parquetry floor; paneled wainscot; an 18th-century marble fireplace; and a concealed juice bar with instant hot water sink, two-burner cooktop, and Delft tile backsplash.

The luxurious, divided master bathroom features a fireplace; marble floors; marble countertops and sinks custom-built by Sheryl Wagner from one solid piece of marble; mirrored walls with hidden cabinets; jetted tub beneath a window; marble and glass shower; and two enclosed water closets. An elaborate dressing room with mirrored walls and wardrobes, a vanity table with sink, and a separate shampoo sink adjoins a boutique-style closet with bays of customfitted wardrobes, shelving, racks, and a packing island. The gym offers an exercise area with mirrored wall and ballet barre and an enclosed, European-style, tiered sauna.

Secondary bedrooms feature antique marble fireplaces, custom-fitted walk-in closets, and en suite marble-clad bathrooms. The finished third-floor contains a playroom with a built-in media cabinet, a bedroom, and a full bathroom.

A pair of apartments located above the garage provides additional living space. The renovated and updated smaller apartment has a separate entrance, living room, full kitchen, a bedroom with walk-in closet, and a full bathroom. The larger apartment was built by the present owners in 2000 and includes a living room with fireplace and dining area, full kitchen with pull-up bar seating, two bedrooms with walk-in closets, and two full bathrooms.

Stone terraces surround the classically-styled rectangular pool enhanced with spa, water feature, underwater lighting, arcing fountain jets, and recently upgraded with Pebbletech surface. Additional outdoor amenities include a full bathroom with a shower that serves the pool and a gardener’s half bathroom.

RIVER OAKS | 1721 River Oaks Blvd Offered at $16,950,000 MLS 41891616