526 West Friar Tuck Lane, Houston, TX 77024, USA
$18,950,000 USD
Situated on over an acre and a half, this gated estate is reminiscent of the finest European villa. Enter the front gates and cross the stone-walled bridge over the front ravine. Enter through the double glass encased front doors to a palatial 25 tall reception hall clad in Venetian plaster. Suspended from a silver leaf dome ceiling is the 12 custom glass chandelier. The dining room is anchored by patterned walnut wood floors, a hand-stenciled pine ceiling, trompe l’oeil faux wainscoting and an imposing limestone fireplace.
This unique home of grandeur, craftsmanship and keen attention to detail translates well for entertaining large groups, as well as the comforts of everyday living. The gallery will easily accommodate ten round tables for large parties. The living room offers a coffered ceiling, clerestory windows, and a prominent fireplace. Guests will gravitate to the sunken onyx-clad back-lit bar for conversation and refreshments.
The kitchen and casual dining area are accentuated by a barrel-vaulted brick ceiling with wood beams, furniture-quality Alder cabinets, honed marble countertops, and all commercial grade appliances. Adjoining the open kitchen area is large chefs pantry which can serve as a catering kitchen. Ideally suited for hosting a wine tasting and storing a collection of fine wines is the 1,000-plus bottle wine cellar. Enveloped by rubble limestone walls and ceiling, this wine room captures the romance of the Old World.
The outdoor entertainment areas include several seating and dining areas. Relax with a summer kitchen, an air-conditioned loggia, flat screen TV, outdoor speakers and picturesque views of the resort-style pool. The grounds are enveloped with a 25 hedge of western red cedar. Take a walk through the herb garden with symmetric beds and gravel pathways. Practice golf on the manicured putting green, but beware of the sand trap. A Memorial-area estate which affords the vacation experience while being in the comforts of home.