House
This Irish Palladian city home, built in 1998 and as finely wrought as a Fabergé egg, was inspired by the original owners’ fascination with early 19th century neoclassical architecture and decorative arts.
Commissioned and finished by interior designer Michael Siller and custom-carpet legend Larry Hokanson, 903 Kirby Drive includes three grand rooms – a gold dining room, red living room and green library – that provide nearly a sweep through the formal second floor. Each or all of these rooms, with their 13-foot-plus ceilings, elaborate draperies, crystal chandeliers and Rococo plasterwork, would have suited the monarchy of Europe’s storied empires, from France’s Napoleon to English King George IV to Imperial Russia’s Alexander I.
In fact, while building in the 1990s, the original owners traveled to Saint Petersburg to the State Hermitage Museum, founded by Empress Catherine the Great in 1764, to research colors, window treatments, lighting and decorative arts for the home. The result is a home that is luxurious, majestic and, yes, unapologetically opulent. It’s no surprise that it was featured in a major article in Architectural Digest in 2001.
“Rapidly guests gathered, then three taps were heard on the floor; and silence fell. A last quick arrangement of one’s train or one’s sleeves was possible before the double doors opened and in the frame stood his majesty, looking as shy as possible and as if dreadfully sorry to interrupt.” – from My Life, Here and There (1921), a memoir by Princess Julia Cantacuzene and hand-lettered around the perimeter of the library at 903 Kirby Drive.
Besides the second floor’s large formals and library, there is a French kitchen, jewel-like powder-room and walk-in wet bar; third-floor primary suite with his and her bathrooms (and adjacent study) and a secondary bedroom; and first-floor formal foyer and guest bedroom, plus access to the four-car garage that boasts abundant built-in storage and a separate utility room. The garage can be approached most easily from the alley behind the home (off S. Shepherd Drive). A leather-lined elevator serves all three floors.
Architecture
Designed by the renowned New York City architectural firm of Ike Kligerman Barkley, this home was conceived in the Palladian style, which is named for Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and much appreciated for its classical elements and grand appearance. The use of Ionic columns – here they are in the living room – bring a stately and timeless feel to the formal rooms. And while the outside architecture is austere, the inside is lavish and regal. The interiors are gorgeously appointed and include extensive mouldings and cornices with carved medallions, transom windows over French doors, Scalamandré draperies, custom hand-made Hokanson carpets, rough-hewn hardwood floors and brass fixtures throughout.
Neighborhood
Founded by brothers Will and Mike Hogg and attorney Hugh Potter in the 1920s, today River Oaks is Houston’s premier residential neighborhood, located conveniently close to the central business district and to the city’s main retail, arts and medical areas. It was the founders’ wish that River Oaks would demonstrate the highest standards of modern community planning, a model for the rest of Houston to follow. Since its creation, River Oaks has been published in national news, real estate and design media and been the focus of scholarly analysis in recognition of its contributions to the 20th-century American elite community development. Property values have been protected and enhanced by strong deed restrictions, subdivision governance and architectural preservation. The subdivision, home to the River Oaks Country Club and numerous pocket parks, is patrolled by a 24-hour proprietary security service.
By The Numbers
Year built 1 998 (per HCAD)
House 4 ,442 (per HCAD)
Lot 7,437 (per HCAD)