River Oaks
PROPERTIES AN EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION OF MARTHA TURNER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
VOLUME ONE 2015
INWOOD Custom built by Tynes Sparks. Beautiful millwork, high ceilings, fabulous yard with exceptional landscaping. Corner lot in prime location in River Oaks. Perfect for entertaining.
4 BEDROOMS | 6.5+ BATHS | Price Upon Request
Front Cover - INWOOD
Dear River Oaks Neighbor, As River Oaks approaches its centennial, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty has launched River Oaks Magazine to celebrate your historic neighborhood’s distinct character and unique, world-wide appeal. It’s fair to credit River Oaks’ star quality to the vision of Will Hogg, a largerthan-life oil man and philanthropist who always thought big, especially about Houston. Howard Barnstone [“The Architecture of John F. Staub,” University of Texas Press, 1979] wrote that Will was approached in 1924 by his brother, Mike Hogg, and lawyer Hugh Potter about purchasing and developing 200 acres south of Buffalo Bayou near Colonel Tom Ball’s River Oaks Country Club Estates. Will’s response was characteristically challenging. “Why stop at two hundred acres?” he asked. “Why not buy out the country club? Why not make this thing really big, something the city can be proud of?” Will and Mike’s sister, Ima Hogg, remarked, “Don’t you start a little thing like that.” Big won. From a real estate point of view, River Oaks is almost a self-contained eco-system comparable only to itself. With that in mind, this issue offers a housing-market update that is current, comprehensive, and limited to what has sold and is currently for sale within River Oaks. I hope you enjoy 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
Pumpkin Park Groundbreaking
Martha Turner SIR agents Martha Adger, Mary Craddock, Liz Daniel (not pictured) and Jay Monroe (not pictured) attended the groundbreaking along with Terri Lemons, Martha Turner SIR Community Outreach Manager. Adger donated a child-painted tile for
Renovations for River Oaks Park, one of Houston’s most beloved and popular recreation areas, broke ground on June 11 with a ceremony hosted in the park by Council Member Oliver Pennington, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and Friends of River Oaks Park. Martha Turner Sotheby’s
the park’s planned pergola in honor of her two glden retrievers, Isabelle and Buddy. River Oaks’ longest resident, Corny Oldham, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1948, was also present at the event.
International Realty River Oaks agents and Martha Turner SIR are “Picnic Table Sponsors” for the endowment campaign and underwrote the cost of the event’s printed materials. Popularly known as “Pumpkin Park” in recognition of its iconic Cinderella Pumpkin coach, River Oaks Park has been cherished by generations of Houstonians since its creation in 1938 during the development of River Oaks subdivision. Joe Turner, Director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, revealed plans for the park’s improvements. Turner noted that the park was last updated in 1990 and that many of its features, including the cherished Pumpkin, are not up to today’s city codes or American with Disabilities Act standards. Plans for the playground’s new look include separate toddler and older-child play areas, elevated decks with picnic tables, a “Little Free Lending Library,” and a repaired and refitted Pumpkin coach. Friends of River Oaks Park, a group of neighborhood volunteers dedicated to improving the park, and the Houston Parks Board have created an endowment campaign entitled “Leave Your Mark on Pumpkin Park.” Focused on the playground and the historic community center building designed by John Staub, the campaign offers a number of opportunities to participate in present renovations and help fund future improvements. For more information on the Leave Your Mark on Pumpkin Park Endowment Campaign and to donate, visit http://houstonparksboard.org/projects/river_oaks_park or mail donations to the Houston Parks Board, 300 North Post Oak Park Lane, Houston, TX 77024. Donations are tax-deductible.
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 JUNE 2015 SOLD 62%
$1M-$2.99M
31%
7%
$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.
on SOLD* days market
sales price vs sold price
PRICE RANGE
ACTIVE
PENDING
$1M - $2.99M
11
7
18 38
94%
$3M - $4.99M
11
1
9 78
95%
$5M and Up
6
2
2 389
82%
TOTAL
28
10
29 *SOLD FROM 1/1/15 TO 6/30/15
ACTIVE LISTINGS
PENDING LISTINGS
SOLD
MIN. $1,495,000
MIN. $1,395,000
AVG. LIST PRICE
$3,128,138
MAX. $17,900,000
MAX. $7,295,000
AVG. SOLD PRICE
$2,896,586
AVG. $4,740,104
AVG. $3,024,000
DATA PER MLS JULY 10, 2015
INVERNESS
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS IN THIS UPDATED MID-CENTURY MODERN HOME. REMODELED WITH GREAT EFFORT TO MAINTAIN THE CLASSIC ELEGANCE WITH TODAY’S MODERN APPOINTMENTS AND AMENITIES. VERY SPACIOUS WITH LARGE ROOMS.
5 BEDROOMS | 5.5+ BATHS Offered at $6,200,000 MLS 27419183
MAGNIFICENT RIVER OAKS ESTATE AN AMERICAN COUNTRY HOUSE
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
PINE VALLEY DRIVE Modernized traditional-style home was designed by Claude Hooten, a member of Houston’s first generation of architects. Entry with access to formals. Enlarged den has pool and patio views, a wet bar, wine storage, and built-ins. 4-5 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHS | Offered at $1,885,000 MLS 99965734
STANMORE DRIVE Incredible River Oaks courtyard home that has been extensively renovated. Rare courtyard lot, elegant lines, light-filled 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
Masterpieces in the Making
tM
new York +1 212 894 1400 | London +44 20 7293 6430 | hong kong +852 2822 8113 | sothebYsdiaMonds.coM
Masterpieces in the Making
tM
new York +1 212 894 1400 | London +44 20 7293 6430 | hong kong +852 2822 8113 | sothebYsdiaMonds.coM
Masterpieces in the Making
tM
new York +1 212 894 1400 | London +44 20 7293 6430 | hong kong +852 2822 8113 | sothebYsdiaMonds.coM
RIVER OAKS BOULEVARD Secluded on a cul-de-sac, this designer’s impeccable home is featured in top design publications. Renovated with sophisticated style, this residence offers soaring, antique beamed ceilings, rare statuary marble and reclaimed 18th Century doors. Beams and mantles throughout, oak and antique brick floors and completely private grounds with sprawling lawn and pool, entertaining kitchen and keeping room.
5-6 BEDROOMS | 4.5+ BATHS Offered at $7,295,000 MLS 31150439
EXTRAORDINARY PLACES
SHELTER ISLAND, NEW YORK
Magnificent, exceptional home situated in an exquisite setting surrounded by fabulous gardens overlooking the bayou. Built by Maurice Teague, this residence features elegant formals, 3 fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, hardwoods and brick floors. Walls of glass provide majestic views of the gardens, lily pond, and bayou. Gourmet kitchen, morning room, and great room. Master down with luxurious bath and study. Guest apartment, quarters, and greenhouse. 7 BEDROOMS | 8 BATHS Offered at $11,995,000 Sotheby's Web ID 0056535
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Custom designed by iconic contemporary architect Milton Klein, the home is situated on ¹ .65 acre on private Chateaux Drive, a mid-town ocean-block street with gated beach access. Includes a Har-Tru Tennis Court and 60’ blue cobalt tiled swimming pool. 6 BEDROOMS | 6 BATHS Offered at $13,950,000 Sotheby's Web ID 0076613
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA
Impressive traditional-style, stucco and stone home offers iron and glass double doors into the open, light filled foyer and features a magnificent, gently curving staircase with iron balustrade, large formal rooms and spacious den that opens to the kitchen. Kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, breakfast area, sheltered summer kitchen and extensive outdoor living areas surround pool. 4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS Offered at $4,050,000 Sotheby's Web ID 0592859
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Located in the renowned Las Campanas community, known for its best of class recreational amenities: 2 Signature Jack Nicklaus golf courses, equestrian center with indoor/outdoor riding arenas, swim/tennis/fitness/spa, and club facilities offering casual and fine dining, providing lifestyle fulfillment at the highest level. Magnificent views of surrounding mountain ranges, architecture and design appeals to the most sophisticated tastes. 5 BEDROOMS | 6.5 BATHS Offered at $3,950,000 Sotheby's Web ID 0564655
AVALON PLACE Great opportunity to remodel this lovely home or build on a wonderful River Oaks lot. Large, grand entry with slate flooring. Large living room, dining room and den with high ceilings. Great space for expansion of kitchen/breakfast area.
4 BEDROOMS | 4.5 BATHS Offered at $1,600,000 MLS 16763454
MEADOW LAKE Classic River Oaks estate on an approximate 11,460-sq.ft. lot. Master bedroom can be up or down. Formals, spacious den and study/bar area. Nice backyard.
4 BEDROOMS | 3.5+ BATHS Offered at $1,850,000 MLS 53764354
Back Cover - 1915 KIRBY
KIRBY 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. 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.
5 BEDROOMS | 5.5+ BATHS Offered at $4,200,000 MLS 30988451
RIVER OAKS | 1915 Kirby Offered at $4,200,000 MLS 30988451