River Oaks Properties 1/2017/Walter Bering

AN EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF MARTHA TURNER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

VOLUME ONE 2017

RIVER OAKS

PROPERTIES

TM

Front Cover - 3940 Inverness Drive

INVERNESS DRIVE Situated on approximately 2.8 acres, this River Oaks home has been called a "residential country club". Entertain on a grand scale with three fabulous swimming pools, lighted tennis court, party pavilion, outdoor kitchen and bar and multi-level patio areas. The formal living and dining rooms offer panoramic views of the wooded landscape. Master suite features separate dressing areas and closets, office/sitting area and fabulous views.

Spectacular modern-style home in gorgeous wooded setting.

3-5 BEDROOMS / 9.5+ BATHS | Offered at $10,500,000 MLS 7948318

Dear River Oaks Neighbor, The spring season gloriously highlights the magnificence of River Oaks. As one drives through the neighborhood it becomes evident there are few equals to the lush, pastoral settings. It is resplendent with color as a multitude of plants take bloom and enhance the far-reaching beauty of the spectacular homes.

Lamar High School, a historical River Oaks landmark, has recently enjoyed notoriety as it celebrated the groundbreaking of a four-story addition and $108 million renovation. In this issue you have the opportunity to read an account of the exciting day as Alumni and many distinguished guests gathered to celebrate 80 years of superb education for students attending this remarkable school. Fran Callahan, Lamar Alumni Association Executive Director, gave a compelling rendering of the accomplishments of countless students from the past. Additionally, there is an intriguing account of principal, Dr. James McSwain’s journey from Texarkana, Texas to Lamar in 1996. Having just received recognition as Texas Principal of the Year, he certainly wasn’t looking to move from his 10-year connection to the community, students and staff. However, upon visiting Lamar, a change of heart was in order and he has had tremendous success in reshaping the way the school teaches its students, thus bringing it into the 21st century with modern techniques. The article chronicles his effectiveness in ushering in technology and experiences necessary to make Lamar competitive, not only as a school, but also as an academic society where students and faculty have avenues for growth and achievement.

I am always happy to share a gorgeous portfolio of beautiful homes that are available in River Oaks. We have presented a fabulous estate on the front cover. This spectacular modern-style home is positioned on approximately 2.8 acres and for good reason is referred to as a “residential country club.” Entertaining options are endless with three swimming pools, multi-level patios, lighted tennis court and grand-style roofed party pavilion housing an elevated performance stage. The Lagoon pool reputed to be the largest residential pool in the United States, is replete with a wood-planked boat dock. The back cover features an exquisite French estate that has been completely renovated, has a 500-bottle temperature-controlled wine room and an approximately 1,000 square foot guest apartment.

There are many wonderful homes for you to enjoy in this issue of River Oaks Properties. Please call with any questions you might have. It would be a pleasure to personally visit with you.

Walter Bering Broker Associate

713.851.9753 walter.bering@sothebyshomes.com

LOOSCAN LANE Quintessential River Oaks. This beautiful English Tudor on idyllic tree-lined Looscan Lane has been perfectly lightened, brightened and expanded. Gracious formals, updated kitchen with stainless appliances, black granite and white marble, large butler's pantry and huge breakfast room. Family room overlooks the large backyard. Downstairs master with French doors to yard and luxurious marble bath and large walk-in closet. Upstairs are three more light-filled bedrooms and a study area. Beautiful hardwoods and crown molding.

4 BEDROOMS / 3.5+ BATHS | Offered at $2,235,000 | MLS 83528254

BRENTWOOD DRIVE Timeless, historically significant 1930s River Oaks residence designed by Hiram Salisbury situated on approx. 15,000 square feet of manicured grounds. Well-appointed formals flow together with a light-filled sunroom and screened porch overlooking the classic pool. Renovated kitchen and wet bar enjoy an open feel that encourages gathering at the expansive island. Extensive and seamless renovations completed in 2012. Upstairs master suite, three guest suites and large play room. The attached quarters have a private entry, full kitchen, upstairs loft and bedroom. Simply stunning.

4-5 BEDROOMS / 5.5+ BATHS | Offered at $3,595,000 | MLS 50446045

INWOOD DRIVE Classic Southern Colonial estate attributed to noted architect Wiley Vale and builder C. C. Rouse on an approx. 43,700 square foot lot per HCAD. Open foyer flanked by formal room, first floor study or fourth bedroom with full bath, charming breakfast room, and den and game room overlook patio and gardens. Elegant master suite with sitting area and bookcases, dressing room and extensive closets.

En suite bedrooms with built-ins, garage apartment, pool and tennis court.

3-4 BEDROOMS / 4.5 BATHS | Offered at $5,175,000 MLS 7199332

SOLD*

days on market

sales price vs sold price

PRICE RANGE

ACTIVE

PENDING

$1M - $2.99M

14

4

7 38 99%

$3M - $4.99M

12

3

2 119 96%

$5M and Up

7

0

1 30 100%

TOTAL

33

7

10

53 98% *SOLD FROM 1/1/17 TO 3/31/17

ACTIVE LISTINGS

PENDING LISTINGS

SOLD

MIN. $1,599,000

MIN. $1,645,000

AVG. LIST PRICE

$2,888,890

MAX. $14,950,000

MAX. $3,950,000

AVG. SOLD PRICE

$2,843,388

AVG. $4,208,091

AVG. $2,775,714

DATA PER MLS APRIL 13, 2017

JANUARY TO APRIL 2017 SOLD $1M-$2.99M

$3M-$4.99M

$5M AND UP

PIPING ROCK LANE This custom built home sits on two River Oaks lots; 3662 Piping Rock and 3659 Meadow Lake. Formals and library off entry and the gracious stair foyer. Large family room off the island kitchen, breakfast room, patio with outdoor fireplace and a stunning backyard.

Master bedroom suite with private home office and a balcony with backyard views. All bedrooms have private baths. Third floor game room with full bath plus garage apartment. Incredible fenced grounds. A fine home; must see to understand.

4-5 BEDROOMS / 5.5 BATHS | Offered at $4,850,000 | MLS 63928264

KIRBY DRIVE This extraordinary River Oaks home has all the design elements of Palladian-style architecture. Classic symmetry and harmonic proportions. Reception hall with 22' ceiling and grand staircase flanked by large formal living and dining rooms. Spacious great room with access to back balcony. The formal European-style is adapted to contemporary living with open flow and clean lines. Completely gated and situated on a generous lot in a premier location. Impressive.

4 BEDROOMS / 6.5 BATHS | Offered at $4,950,000 | MLS 13159006

DEL MONTE DRIVE This custom Georgian-style estate was designed to pay homage to the country homes of highly acclaimed architect, John Staub. Elegant formals, fine moldings and generously proportioned entertaining spaces. Gourmet kitchen with highend appliances and beautiful stone counters is open to the family dining room.

Oversized master with dual baths and a separate study. Perfectly situated on a nearly half acre beautifully treed lot in the very best location within River Oaks, this home also offers full guest quarters and is elevator ready.

5 BEDROOMS / 7.5+ BATHS | Offered at $4,995,000 MLS 45960940

ELLA LEE LANE This elegant River Oaks home was custom built for the current owner with careful attention to design, craftsmanship and decor. Tastefully appointed interiors with designer wallpapers, Yost floors, ornamental moldings, high ceilings and nicely proportioned rooms. Formal dining room with wine vault. Informal family room has open access to kitchen and breakfast area. Luxurious master suite with study and separate closets. Elevator to all floors. Heated pool and spa.

4 BEDROOMS / 5.5 BATHS OFFERED AT $3,695,000 MLS 96622240

INWOOD DRIVE Classic River Oaks traditional home on large, approx.

11,000 square foot lot with stunning pool, spa and outdoor kitchen, plus quarters above garage. Gracious formals with wide plank hardwood floors. Handsome kitchen with cheery breakfast area. Library down with full bath. Cozy family room with wet bar. All bedrooms up. Oversized master suite viewing gorgeous grounds has marble bath with dual vanities, whirlpool tub and separate shower. Third floor bonus room can be game room, media room or exercise room.

4 BEDROOMS / 4 BATHS OFFERED AT $2,295,000 MLS 92445504

DEL MONTE DRIVE This classic River Oaks home was designed by noted Houston architect Eugene Werlin. With the assistance of architect, Martha Bute, the current owners extensively renovated the property. It features gracious formals and a comfortable family room. Open kitchen and breakfast area. Spacious master has coffered ceiling, sitting room and updated bath. Generous backyard with pool, gardens and cabana. Separate climate controlled wine room.

3 BEDROOMS / 3.5 BATHS | Offered at $3,950,000 | MLS 38972235

LIMITING DIVISION AND ENCOURAGING CONNECTION

By Ellie Sharp

In 1996 when the PTO President of Lamar High School tried to recruit a new principal from Texarkana, he was initially met with resistance; the candidate, Dr. James McSwain, was flattered but not interested. He had just received recognition as Texas Principal of the Year and was content to continue his 10year connection to the community, students and staff. A shift south was not on his radar – but he was open to at least visiting and talking to him. Once he arrived, however, things took a new turn when he discovered the unique energy and culture that permeated Lamar and felt compelled to rethink his decision.

“It's a good place for kids to go to school,” he says, “good things happen to them.” Though he didn’t know it at the time, twenty years of good things would continue to follow within those very walls including watching members of his own family graduate from Lamar – his youngest son (2003) and his grandson (2015).

With McSwain at the helm, the school flourished via his supportive and scientifically grounded contributions to academic and behavioral needs of students. "At that time Lamar had a very rich history, a very good reputation, but it was a Ellie Sharp is a writer, photographer and the local city editor of Zagat Houston.

place that hadn't moved very much into the modern world and it needed to move to the modern world,” he explains. He adds

with a slight laugh that students still used typewriters to

we knew then - but it's not the best we know now,” he says

learn typing since there weren’t enough computer labs.

– and students today deserve the best that is available now.

McSwain helped usher in the technology and experience

He uses the analogy of the medical field in which doctors

necessary to keep Lamar competitive as a school but also an

don’t practice using the same surgical techniques they used

academic society where students and faculty had avenues for

50 years ago, so why should the education world accept the

growth and achievement. He continued the school’s status

use of strategies that are equally outdated? "Malpractice of

as an International Baccalaureate accredited school (first

the medical establishment can be so bad that a doctor could

accredited in 1982), which is an internationally governed

go to prison. Imagine what would happen if we applied the

diploma path that follows a specific set of standards and

same principal to education because that’s exactly what

practices, in addition to developing on-campus resources for students in need of structure and guidance both in and outside of the classroom. One of his pillars as a principal has been to not only encourage but to demand direct involvement from his faculty whenever necessary to ensure students are successful. “I tried to build a place where I wanted my own children and grandchildren to go to,” says McSwain. “We’ve tried to make it and build it as a very unique

we’re doing. What we're saying is the scientific methodology that was used at that time -

“

Everybody deserves an opportunity to change their station in life if they're willing to work at it

community. It is about the individual and that’s the kind of staff we try to recruit. We tell people up front, ‘If you come here you will work harder than any other place you can possibly go.’ If you really enjoy investing in the lives of kids – there’s no extra pay for mentoring those kids, but that’s expected.”

”

which was great at that time – but we have more data now. If we don't use that knowledge we are guilty of criminal malpractice.”

McSwain used the past twenty years to slowly reshape the ways the school taught its students, thus bringing it into the 21st century with modern techniques such as addressing individual-based instruction and methods of pushing

every student to reach his or her full potential.

“Everybody deserves an opportunity to change their station in life if they're willing to work at it,” explains McSwain stressing, “we just keep going as far as we can until we completely run out of options. The attitude is if a child doesn't make it, it has to be in spite of everything we

One of the challenges McSwain faced when he came to

can humanly deem in our arsenal to bring to this kid.” The

Lamar was dismissing outdated approaches to education in

provision of individualized solutions for each kid is what

favor of modern standards and practices. Many of his staff

helps everyone move forward to an ideal and productive

(and parents of students) were used to old ways of teaching

outcome as much as possible.

and learning – the view that “it’s always been done that way therefore it works.” Because everyone has a school experience, everyone has an opinion on how that experience should be presented to current students regardless of the decade. Opinions aside, explains McSwain, it’s not good enough to follow the same procedures just because they are familiar and worked in the past. “It may have been the best

Through persistence and vision, McSwain’s grounded and considerate leadership style allowed the school to transition into what it is today: An institution with a strong track record of successful programs geared towards helping every student achieve a positive learning experience regardless of situations or setbacks beyond their control. For example, he

initiated the Student Service Center in 2003 for students who needed resources they may not have otherwise had access to due to personal history or financial circumstances. Though it was small at first, the center has grown over the years to provide an incredible network of resources for everything from tutoring to assistance with bus passes to connecting with health providers. The center is entirely funded from the campus budget – a feat of its own considering its invaluable aid.

Furthermore, the center matches students with mentors, either from within the school or the local community, to give them much-needed support that is likely to translate into improved behavior and better grades. By giving them the tools and structure they need to succeed outside of the classroom, students are able to focus and commit more fully to learning.

McSwain himself takes a couple of students under his wing every year offering a sort of surrogate father figure to help them navigate their changing world of adolescence with daily and weekly meetings for accountability and simply listening to their

concerns. As he puts it, the continued connections between his staff and the students help offset the changing connections felt between the students and their parents as they work to assert themselves as independent beings. Maybe the 15-year-old won’t listen to what Mom and Dad have to say, but if a respected member of the local community offers one-on-one time without judgment, perhaps she’ll be more receptive to the lessons – even if they are essentially they same. This personal attention to the individual needs of students is but one more way in which McSwain has made a lasting impact that will continue long after graduation.

“We compete against the outside not against the inside,” says McSwain of the school’s underlying principle of limiting division and encouraging connection amongst all members of the extended academic family. By the looks of things, the inside is pretty good.

ELLA LEE LANE Exceptionally inviting and light-filled River Oaks brick home with 6,800+ square feet positioned on an approx. 11,116 square foot lot. Superbly appointed by designer/owner with gracious formals, impressive library, large open great room and gathering kitchen overlooking outdoor living/dining/summer kitchen/bar with fireplace, pool with bubble fountain and spa. Kitchen with enormous island and pull-up seating. Cabinet-enclosed Sub-Zero and Turbo Chef ovens and Wolf range. Sumptuous master suite includes gym/massage room and Calcutta marble-clad bath with dual custom-fitted closets. En suite bedrooms. Third floor game room with full bath and bar. Limestone and wood floors, Mahogany paneling and custom ceilings. Other features include Venetian plaster walls, graceful stone staircase, Palladian windows across front elevation and French doors across rear wall of great room.

Elevator installed. Pool. 3-car garage with full apartment above.

4 BEDROOMS / 5.5 BATHS | Offered at $3,750,000

| MLS 59338988

PELHAM DRIVE This River Oaks home has been updated with a modern gourmet kitchen with Carrera marble island/breakfast bar and breakfast room, stainless appliances, coffee bar, mudroom and backyard veranda area. Keeping its charm are the hardwoods throughout, morning room down and study. Spacious master suite and two secondary bedrooms upstairs. Front and back yard space for family entertaining and room for a pool. Gated motor court with 2-car garage. Âą8,000 sq. ft. lot in the heart of River Oaks. Driveway has electronic gate. The home sits in the middle of the block on this lovely street.

3 BEDROOMS / 2.5 BATHS | Offered at $1,599,000

| MLS 40127765

INWOOD DRIVE Beautiful, extensively renovated River Oaks classic with elevator. Spacious formal living room and a light-filled sunroom den that looks out to English garden. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Second floor master suite, study with natural light and two secondary bedrooms with en suite baths. Off the master, there is a flex room that could be used as a media room, nursery or fourth bedroom. Large renovated third floor flex space as well. Basement with ample storage space. Recently renovated guest quarters over the 2-car garage and a 2-car carport plus gardener’s workshop.

4 BEDROOMS / 3.5 BATHS | Offered at $2,300,000 | NON-MLS

ELLA LEE LANE Move right in to this beautiful River Oaks home.

Fresh and ready. Updated kitchen and baths.

Island kitchen with stainless appliances.

Formal entry, beautiful refinished hardwoods, back porch overlooks pool with water chiller and spa. Covered outdoor kitchen area.

Updated guest house/quarters over garage.

New roof. Awesome oak tree in front yard. Well located and well cared for. A fine home.

4 BEDROOMS / 3.5 BATHS OFFERED AT $2,480,000 MLS 78414414

RIVER OAKS BOULEVARD This elegant Georgian-style home is situated on more than 1 acre in a prime River Oaks location. Originally built in 1939, the current owner significantly updated the home in 1999 with room additions, fresh interiors and upgraded systems. Designed for entertaining on a grand scale with an inviting foyer, beautifully appointed formal living and dining room, wine cellar, movie theater, extensive butler's pantry, breakfast room, gourmet kitchen and more. Luxurious master suite and magnificent closets.

6 BEDROOMS / 10.5+ BATHS | Offered at $14,950,000 | MLS 64300568

CHEVY CHASE DRIVE Finally a new River Oaks home to be built on the prestigious north side of Houston's most premier inside-the loop neighborhood. Steve Streller of Charter Custom Homes will bring to life a traditional white brick home to grace the large, lovely lot on beloved Chevy Chase. Plenty of time to personalize the plans to suit your needs and desires. Visualize 4-5 bedrooms all with en suite baths, a grand, yet family friendly great room and all of the entertaining spaces imaginable.

Family and friends will be able to enjoy the backyard year round with its beautiful lanai/summer kitchen and plans for a pool. No expense spared when it comes to quality and style. Set up an appointment to walk the lot and meet the builder.

4-5 BEDROOMS / 5.5+ BATHS | Offered at $5,295,000 | MLS 27268947

DEL MONTE DRIVE This impressive brick home is a City of Houston Protected Landmark. According to the Landmark Designation Report, it was built on speculation in 1935-36 by J. Leon Osborne. It is an excellent example of Tudor Revival-style and is a visual reminder of the initial development of River Oaks. The home's floor plan follows a traditional pattern with formal rooms flanking the foyer which transitions into the rest of the house through arched doorways.

Generous room sizes. Gorgeous lot in prime location.

4 BEDROOMS / 4.5+ BATHS OFFERED AT $3,495,000 NON-MLS

Lamar High School Groundbreaking Ceremony

By Sharon Witt

Lamar High School/An International Baccalaureate World School had a groundbreaking ceremony March 30th, 2017 celebrating the receipt of their $108 million facility. It was a glorious, historic day as ground was broken by former students dating back to 1937. Eighty years ago, the building was designed in the Art Moderne style and unlike any other school in Houston. The intent was for it to reflect the best ideas and methods thought to benefit the students of the day. Constructed in the middle of The Depression, it opened with 1,310 students, took 300 days to complete and cost $683,108; a gigantic sum for that day.

Principal James McSwain addressed the prestigious gathering expressing an optimistic, bright forecast for generations to come. He introduced Dr. Michael J. Waters, Student Council President, 1998, who delivered a dynamic, moving invocation. Fran Callahan, Lamar Alumni Association Executive Director, gave a more than impressive summary of the levels of professionalism that former graduates have achieved. Alumni include a Nobel Prize winner, a governor, a mayor, ambassadors, architects, artists, district attorneys, generals, judges, Olympic medalists; the list goes on and on. Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, HISD Board of Education Trustee Anne Sung, HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza and Lamar High School Alumnus and Former Texas Governor Mark White, were part of the memorable ceremony.

From the beginning, Lamar has employed teachers, counselors and administrators who have worked hard to offer students educational, emotional and psychological support. The same holds true today. Lamar has 3,300 students from all over the city and ranks in the top one percent of public high schools in the United States. This extraordinary school continues to turn out leaders for the city of Houston, the state of Texas and the Nation. The hands-on approach has proven time and again that public education matters. It has been resplendent with technology, knowledge and emotional support to springboard the future generation into greatness at every turn of life.

Alumni formed a semi-circle on the front lawn of the school to proceed with the actual groundbreaking for the stupendous addition. Following the dramatic drum roll, participants were encouraged to “break ground.”

Marilyn Thompson, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty President, was invited to represent the Class of 1970. She and Dr. Susan Cooley shared a shovel and plowed the spade into the beloved dirt of their former Alma Mater. MTSIR agent Ruthie Porterfield was on hand (l to r) MTSIR President, Marilyn Thompson and Dr. Susan Cooley

April 2016

KEY FACTS Scope: New facility preserving KEY FACTS the architecturally significant Budget: $00.0 Million building structure for a campus Project Type: New Addition accommodating 2,800 – 3,100 & Renovations students.

Trustee: Name Trustee: Harvin C. Moore, Location: Address District VII Location: 3325 Westheimer Rd.

LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Located in Houston’s Upper Kirby district, Lamar High School offers an International Baccalaureate World School and a magnet program in Business Administration. The campus consists of four main school buildings and several small ancillary buildings. The original building was constructed in 1937 with additions erected in 1987. to r) Ruthie Porterfield andschool son Brownie (l to r) Tennesseethe Titan, Brian Orakpo and Marilyn Thompson Under the(lHISD bondNewberry program, the high will Porterfield receive a new facility that preserves architecturally significant building structure and accommodates 2,800 to 3,100 students. The design phase is well underway, with plans to bid the project as early as this summer and start construction before the end of the year. to support her son, Brownie Porterfield, as he proudly broke To accommodate the school’s new academic model, students ground representing the Class of 2006. will be separated by grade level, with each organized into self-contained neighborhoods of about 200 students or less.

FEATURES Lamar is going to receive a $108 million facility that Once the construction is complete, Houston Independent • Flexible,preserves modern the learning spaces significant building structure architecturally School District will have one of the most modern portfolios and accommodates up to 3,300 students.

The well-known of urban high schools in the country.

• New culinary arts lab just off the main lobby art deco façade building will remain as the main entrance to • Multi-story parking garage the school. It will house the existing auditorium, an alumni History has a way of repeating itself and today it was • New athletics featuring a new natatorium, rooms center, wing a child-care facility forgym, faculty and staff, locker and the evident that eighty years later, future generations of Lamar performingofarts area onpractice the east fields end offor thefootball, building.baseball and High School students will embark on yet another cutting • Full complement athletic edge journey with an innovative, unparalleled educational softball teams The new building will have four large flexible academic areas. experience that will change the world in which we live.

• Existing building will be renovated while preserving architecturally significant building structure

Lamar High School New Campus Development Schedule

SCHEDULE

PROJECT PHASE

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Planning Design Construction Target Opening Completed

In Progress

Scheduled

Houston

Independent

Continued Site Development

School

District

APRIL 2016

LOOSCAN LANE A true River Oaks jewel with guest house and spectacular pool and grounds.

Elegant entry leads to gorgeous formals with hardwood floors. Living room with fireplace has views of side garden and fountain. Updated kitchen with Italian marble counters, stainless appliances and gas range. Cozy family room with built-ins and spectacular views of grounds and pool. Master suite has walk-in closet. Separate guest house has Murphy bed, full bath and kitchenette with views of pool and grounds. Air conditioned storage room with skylight can make great artist studio.

3 BEDROOMS / 2.5 BATHS OFFERED AT $1,865,000 MLS 94204147

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EXCEPTIONAL FURTHER LANE ESTATE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Distinctive location, distinctive design and architecture. Designer’s own distinctive 7,400+/- sq. ft. estate, custom built to exacting standards on 3.2+/- acres in the prestigious Further Lane area is the best estate all season beach house just one block to the ocean beach. Beautifully detailed with curved mahogany doors, polished stone floors, huge top of the line kitchen, luxurious master suite with sitting room, steam shower and private balcony, four additional en-suite estate bedrooms, ocean view rooftop porch and more. Ideal for entertaining with separate catering kitchen. With a gated entrance and multi-layered landscape, privacy is assured. A remarkable garden surrounds the 55 ft. heated gunite pool with waterfall , poolside cabana with gym, summer kitchen and changing room, private hot tub area, tennis court and three car garage.

$19,750,00

| 5 Bedrooms | 5 Full / 3 Partial Baths | 7,400 sq. ft. | Sotheby's Web #: 0046256

AIKEN ROAD OASIS

GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT

On a quiet country lane off of Round Hill Road, this French Palladian country estate is nestled amid lush, brilliantly manicured lawns rolling down to a crystal lake; a home of whimsy and romance, there are surprises at every turn. The traditional center of the home is framed by an extraordinary two-story folly with flying spiral staircase to balcony sitting areas and views, art gallery, architecturally distinguished winter garden on one side and spectacular master bedroom space on the other. Fabulous home theater, indoor pool, billiards room and staff accommodations round out an estate like no other. For the most creative among us, this is not to be missed.

$12,995,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 8 Full / 3 Partial Baths | 11,691 sq. ft. | Sotheby's Web #: 0068192

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SKYCASTLE

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA

Welcome to Skycastle. Step into a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece, one of the most spectacular homes in Los Angeles. Situated prominently atop its own privately gated, half-acre promontory above the Hollywood Hills, the impressive structure with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass and skylights captures the breathtaking views of the city of lights to the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

The impressive glass staircase escorts you over the voluminous, 60-foot grand entry and into the lavish master bedroom suite, richly appointed with burl wood details and an opulent dual master bathroom. Designed by international award-winning architect David Grey, the irreplaceable home was built to the absolute highest standards in steel and concrete.

$50,000,000

| 7 Bedrooms | 10 Full / 2 Partial Baths | 12,000 sq. ft. | Web #: 0355834

AIKEN ROAD OASIS

GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT

On a quiet country lane off of Round Hill Road, this French Palladian country estate is nestled amid lush, brilliantly manicured lawns rolling down to a crystal lake; a home of whimsy and romance, there are surprises at every turn. The traditional center of the home is framed by an extraordinary two-story folly with flying spiral staircase to balcony sitting areas and views, art gallery, architecturally distinguished winter garden on one side and spectacular master bedroom space on the other. Fabulous home theater, indoor pool, billiards room and staff accommodations round out an estate like no other. For the most creative among us, this is not to be missed.

$12,995,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 8 Full / 3 Partial Baths | 11,691 sq. ft. | Sotheby's Web #: 0068192

Back Cover - 960 Kirby Drive

KIRBY DRIVE This absolutely stunning River Oaks estate has been renovated from head to toe. No detail has been overlooked. Fully gated home on an approx. 1/2 acre boasts five bedrooms, five full and one half bath, and an additional approx. 1,000 square foot guest apartment. There is a circular motor court, 500-bottle temperature-controlled wine room, exquisite formals and a downstairs master suite. There is also a resort quality pool and spa in the backyard with pergola and fire pit. Three-car garage and beautifully manicured grounds round out this contemporary French estate on prestigious Kirby Drive.

5 BEDROOMS / 5.5+ BATHS | Offered at $3,990,000 | MLS 99644914

Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty 50 BRIAR HOLLOW, STE. 700W HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 4126

RIVER OAKS | 960 KIRBY DRIVE Offered at $3,990,000 MLS 99644914