1005 RIVERBEND

Hunters Creek Village

RIVERBEND

Riverbend subdivision, part of Hunters Creek Village, began in the mid-1950s as Houstonians pushed west to buy larger homesites, many along the scenic ravines and banks of Buffalo Bayou. This stunning “cottage in the woods” inspired residence, featured in newspapers, magazines, and at least one home tour, is one of Riverbend’s legacy homes. Built in 1960 for Searcy Bracewell, a founder of Bracewell & Patterson law firm and a Texas state senator, the house was designed by Preston Bolton, FAIA, and shares its secluded cul-de-sac with homes designed by architects Cowan & Neuhaus, John Staub, and Northrop & Northrop.

Bolton designed the Bracewell house to accommodate its spectacular ravine setting and engineered the front approach via a winding drive and footbridge.

The house was featured on the Ninth Annual Houston Kitchen Tour in February 1964. An article and photo in the Houston Chronicle on Sunday, February 2, 1964 presented members of the Bracewell family gathered around the keeping room fireplace. Mrs. Bracewell often cooked in the fireplace on authentic wrought-iron pot hooks and other colonial-era utensils which have remained intact throughout the years.

Recently renovated and superbly updated by Mohle Design in harmony with its Mid-Century roots, the home features a light-filled foyer with dramatic divided staircases that access the lower and upper floors.

LIVING | DINING

The enormous, double-height, beamed living room offers hickory wood floors, original pine paneling; towering windows overlooking the veranda, ravine, and woodland; a massive colonial-reproduction, open-hearth, wood-burning, brick fireplace flanked by book/display cabinets; and a wine vault. The adjoining dining room shares ravine views through French doors that access the veranda, and transitions into a “keeping” room and kitchen with a second massive brick Williamsburg fireplace and a polished, vintage brick floor.

KITCHEN | BREAKFAST

The kitchen overlooks the “keeping” room and includes an arched brick surround with Wolf range, expansive breakfast bar, Dekton counters, built-in SubZero refrigerator and freezer, wall oven and separate microwave, butler’s pantry and amazing storage.

Primary Suite

A side hall travels from the foyer past the formal powder room to the primary suite, where floorto-ceiling casement windows overlook the front approach and ravine. Appointments include a custom-fitted walk-in closet with mirrored cabinets and a built-in dresser and storage. The spacious, spa-inspired, travertine-clad primary bath includes a steam shower, soaking tub, and water closet.

At the end of the hall, the laundry room offers abundant counter space, a built-in desk, a refrigerator alcove, a microwave, and is plumbed and wired for a catering kitchen.

Guest Cottage

The guest cottage provides a separate entry and is equipped with a bedroom and well-appointed slate-and-travertine-clad bath. This space also offers great flexibility for a home office or exercise room.

The upper floor includes an extra room currently used as a game room and study. This space includes custom built cabinets and mirrored wall which offers great flexibility. Two additional bedrooms complete this floor, one equipped with custom-built bunk beds the other with a custome sotrage bench. They share a Hollywood bath with granite sink decks.

PRIVATE PATIO

The charming brick patio off the back of the home offers incredible privacy and serenity and is surrounded by beautiful landscaping. These two outdoor spaces provide additional areas for relaxing in a peaceful setting or hosting social gatherings.

VERANDA

The expansive veranda, which serves as extended living/entertaining space, has vaulted tongue and groove ceiling and open side arches that overlook the ravine and woodland. Features include a wood burning fireplace with television mount in the over mantel and a summer kitchen with grill, sink, and icemaker.