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Boulevard Oaks Houston, Texas
Located on a premier historic boulevard with canopies of massive old oaks along its esplanade, this lovingly remodeled and expanded North Boulevard estate combines unique and enchanting design elements, the finest of building materials, and antique architectural embellishments collected throughout Europe and Italy, with state-of-the-art modern conveniences to create a home of sophisticated beauty perfect for grand entertaining. In addition to stunning formals, an expansive kitchen and morning room, and a spacious den/media room, entertainment spaces include an upstairs loggia with an extensive summer kitchen and a spectacular performance hall that can seat large groups, all overlooking the breathtaking gardens, piazza and pool below. An adjoining carriage house provides complete guest quarters, while an award-winning spa offers a relaxing retreat. Renaissance-inspired frescoes and statuary abound suggesting a visit to an Italian villa and creating an atmosphere both exciting and serene. Offered at $5,785,000, Mitch Beasley, 713-341-1688, www.1604northblvd.com
www.heritagetexas.com info@heritagetexas.com
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Houston Written by B. B. Smith
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hen it comes to almost everything, Houston’s upward bound with plenty of bragging rights. What other city can claim its name was the first word spoken from the moon? (That happened July 20, 1969.) “Space City” is also where the astronauts aimed their cry to NASA’s Mission Control: “Houston, we’ve got a problem.” They knew where to find the help they needed. That’s the tradition of the Bayou City, so called because of the numerous natural canals that traverse the area. Houston’s name comes from the legendary Sam Houston, then President of the Republic of Texas. Houston’s geology developed from erosions of the Rocky Mountains, transported by rivers on their way to the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting de deposits make areas around Houston ideal for rice farming. Unfortunately the city’s spread (well over 100 miles from farthest tip to farthest tip) has encroached on all but the farthest outreaches. On the SEARCH LUXURY HOMES IN HOUSTON
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other side of the coin, Houston was not that long ago ranked first in the list of “Healthiest Housing Markets.” Houston metropolitan area has ranked first in Texas and third in the U.S. within the Category of “Best Places for Business and Careers” by Forbes magazine. Forbes has also ranked Houston first on “Forbes Best Cities for College Graduates,” “Forbes List of Best Cities to Buy a Home” and “Best City for Shopping.” Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best Cities” has ranked Houston at the top based on local economy, employment opportunities, reasonable living costs and quality of life. The Greater Houston area is larger than New Jersey and only slightly smaller than Massachusetts. The largest city in the southern United States, Houston is the fourth largest in the nation. If Houston were an independent nation, it would rank as the world’s 30th largest economy. And yet, after-taxes living costs are lower than the national average, mainly because housing (including, luxury, high-end housing) is way below the national average. No wonder upscale residential neighborhoods are the best sellers in the Houston market, according to Heritage Texas Properties, the go-to source for the finest homes in the most exclusive neighborhoods. With Houston’s continual influx of those who can afford the very best have come all the amenities that such clientele expect, the cremé de la cremé in schools, arts, culture, entertainment, shopping and, of course, cuisine. ‘Tis a fact that Houstonians eat out more than residents of any other city in the nation. Fortunately, Houston is also home to the largest medical center in the world, the Texas Medical Center. Houston’s Theater district is second only to New York City in terms of concentrated seats in a single locale. With more than 500 cultural, visual and performing arts organizations, Houston is one of only five U.S. cities with year-round resident companies representing all major performing arts. And when it comes to sports, well, bragging gets Texas-sized. The Heisman Trophy is named for John William Heisman, the first full-time coach and Athletic Director at Houston’s Rice University. The first indoor domed stadium in the nation was, of course, the Houston Astrodome,
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nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Sports teams abound: Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamo, Houston Comets, and more. Speaking of the Comets, they are the only team in the country to win four back-to-back WNBA championships. Headquarters for more than 23 Fortune 500 companies (only NYC has more), Houston boasts more than 5,000 energy-related firms, earning it the title of Energy Capital of the World. Houston’s port, the 10th largest in the world, is first in the nation in terms of international waterborne tonnage handled. This contributes no doubt to Houston’s eclectic population. Over 90 languages are spoken in this city, which has one of the youngest populations in the nation. With such high level executive influx comes a need for a Realtor who intimately knows this community. Heritage Texas Properties is a leading marketer of single family, townhome, condominium, loft, mid-rise and high-rise homes and lots in the Houston region’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Under the leadership of Broker/Owner, President & CEO, Robin Mueck, Heritage Texas Properties benefits from years of market knowledge, a wealth of experience and service to the community. A HUB certified business led by one of Houston’s most recognized real estate leaders, Robin Mueck, Heritage Texas Properties employs more than 250 licensed real estate professionals working from multiple office locations throughout the Houston region and the near Hill Country, Heritage is able to provide an unmatched range of services and geographic capabilities to meet all of their clients’ real estate needs. In addition to their premier residential brokerage services, they offer nationally and internationally recognized corporate and individual relocation services, a farm and ranch properties division, as well as property management. The company has successfully weathered the volatility of the dynamic Houston real estate market and has consistently succeeded in both tough times and boom times. Three+ decades of experience in changing markets is a real plus for buyers and sellers. But, in the end, it’s all about performance. Results have earned Heritage Texas Properties the respect of their community, their peers, and over three decades of satisfied clients. For additional information on your real estate needs, please contact Heritage Texas Properties at 800-856-7797 or email at info@heritagetexas.com. SEARCH LUXURY HOMES IN HOUSTON
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Boulevard Oaks Houston, Texas Located on a premier historic boulevard with canopies of massive old oaks along its esplanade, this lovingly remodeled and expanded North Boulevard estate combines unique and enchanting design elements, the finest of building materials, and antique architectural embellishments collected throughout Europe and Italy, with state-of-the-art modern conveniences to create a home of sophisticated beauty perfect for grand entertaining. In addition to stunning formals, an expansive kitchen and morning room, and a spacious den/media room, entertainment spaces include an upstairs loggia with an extensive summer kitchen and a spectacular performance hall that can seat large groups, all overlooking the breathtaking gardens, piazza and pool below. An adjoining carriage house provides complete guest quarters, while an award-winning spa offers a relaxing retreat. Renaissance-inspired frescoes and statuary abound suggesting a visit to an Italian villa and creating an atmosphere both exciting and serene. Offered at $5,785,000, Mitch Beasley, 713-341-1688, www.1604northblvd.com
www.heritagetexas.com info@heritagetexas.com
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Raintree Place Houston, Texas Located in a distinctive gated oasis, this exceptional contemporary home with five bedrooms, four full and three half baths, custom-built with exquisite finishes and very special architectural details, offers the ultimate in luxury. Its downstairs master suite includes striking built-ins and enormous separate his and her baths and closets. The magnificent living areas, overlooking beautiful courtyards, a reflection pond, and a pool, all feature hardwood floors by Randy Yost. There is a state-of-the-art custom kitchen and butler’s pantry by Poggen Pohl, a den, study, two staircases, three wood burning fireplaces, spacious quarters and more. Nothing has been overlooked in this very special home. Offered at $1,499,000, Sarah Lee Marks, 713-341-1608, www.10sbriarhollow-2.com
Houston Heights Houston, Texas This remarkable 2009 custom built home, on a much-desired corner of the Heights, offers an open plan with elegant entry, curved staircase and high ceilings. The living room opens to great chef’s kitchen. Rare for a Heights home, there is an elevator, a climatecontrolled wine room that holds up to 800 bottles, and a butler’s pantry with icemaker and mini-refrigerator. The master retreat has a sitting area and two-sided fireplace. The master bath has an oversized closet and many custom touches. There are two guest suites, a game room, study, finished quarters and an outdoor kitchen with DCS grill. The back lawn has space for a pool/large spa. Offered at $1,397,000, Keith Cummins, 713-341-1651, www.701-columbia.com
www.heritagetexas.com info@heritagetexas.com
Royal Oaks Country Club Houston, Texas
Truly one of a kind, this golf course estate, located on a quiet cul-de-sac and overlooking the 11th fairway at Royal Oaks Country Club, is spectacular! It has a private courtyard entry with pool, fountain, loggia, summer kitchen and expansive entertaining area. Inside its masterful floor plan, with five bedrooms, six full baths and 2 half baths, offers gracious formals, with a floating loft library over the living room, a two story gallery, a wine room with storage for 500+ bottles, an amazing gourmet island kitchen, and a spacious family room, with the master suite and a guest room downstairs, as well as an equally large game room and adjoining media room with wet bar up. There are golf course views from almost every room through panoramic windows on the rear of home, and there is a private spa courtyard and golf cart garage off the master wing. There are three fireplaces, two staircases, two computer alcoves, full quarters, and a three-car garage plus the separate golf cart garage, in addition to travertine and inlaid walnut floors, a Lutron lighting system, surround sound, and a very long list of exceptional finishes, features and amenities! Offered at $2,595,000, Bridget Martin, 281-679-0101, www.11718bistro.com
www.heritagetexas.com info@heritagetexas.com
Royal Oaks Country Club
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