A Grand ‘Hôtel Particulier’-Style House in Houston

Listing of the Day

Location: Houston, Texas

Price: $15.9 million

An extravagant mansion in Houston has hit the market. The 15,003-square-foot house has a grand entry, akin to a "hôtel particulier" along the lines of Musée Jacquemart-André or Hôtel de Soubise, both in Paris. Before reaching the oversized front door, one moves through a gated circular driveway and is met with the enormous house, which is made from Texas Cream limestone.

Inside, every square inch is embellished, from the intricate inlaid hardwood floors to the extensive ornate molding.

"There’s a lot of mahogany wood moldings. It’s exquisite," said listing agent Walter Bering. "It’s more of an opulent style, but it’s tasteful; it’s not gaudy. It’s impressive to see the amount of detail in the craftsmanship. Even the bathrooms have mosaic tiles. In every room, there is something awe-inspiring."

The house has a formal living room, a formal dining room and a kitchen with a wine cellar. The library has a marble mantle over the fireplace, and the family room has a stained-glass dome ceiling.

There’s a wet bar in the foyer.

The master suite has more storage space in the closet than many clothing boutiques. The indoor pool area features extensive crotch-cut mahogany paneling and doors, which gives the wood an elevated feathered quality.

Stats

The 15,003-square-foot house has four bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, one partial bathroom and stands on 1.01 acres. Additionally, the guest quarters have one bedroom and one bathroom. There are several exercise rooms and a salon. The garage can hold up to five cars.

Amenities

The mansion has a natatorium with a heated pool and a 10-foot projector screen. It also features Creston home automation that controls the Lutron lighting, automated window shades, and security system. There’s also an elevator.

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Talking Point

"This house is an entertaining house," Mr. Bering said. "This family entertained quite a bit, and you can put a dance floor over the pool and make the natatorium into a large ballroom."

Neighborhood Notes

River Oaks is "probably one of the most sought-after locations in Houston," Mr. Bering said. It’s an affluent neighborhood that’s fairly close to downtown. Home prices range from $1 million for a tear-down home to $20 million to $30 million, according to Mr. Bering. River Oaks Boulevard is the main street, where this home and the River Oaks Country Club are both located.

"It’s attracted a lot of oil money, and because it’s close to downtown, there are doctors, lawyers and other professionals who live there," Mr. Bering said. There are high-end shops and restaurants in the surrounding area.

More:Click to View a Houston Mansion Lists for $30 Million

Agent: Walter Bering, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty - Briar Hollow Brokerage

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