Winner of the 2011 John Staub Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, this brick and shingle home by Houston architect Jay Baker offers an open floor plan, multiple indoor/outdoor spaces, abundant light – in spite of the dense gardens that surround it – and a mix of modern and traditional materials. It’s located on one of the city’s rare hills and faces the River Oaks Rock Garden ravine, a tiny wild place in the heart of the city’s toniest neighborhood. Approach the house by either the stone steps from the street or the handy backdoor alley. Inside, a central hallway runs the length of the house, like a backbone that connects rooms on both sides, every one with a garden view. Because the sellers host many musicians, the living room is separated by two steps from a mezzanine (currently site of a grand piano) that acts as a stage. Upstairs are three large bedrooms, including a particularly nice master with his and her baths. Price: $3,250,000. Click here.

Completed in May 2019, this new construction from Unicus Developments offers an exceptional class of city dwelling that is at once lush and cool, cerebral and sexy. It is located on a quiet north-south street in Upper Kirby between W. Alabama and Richmond. Look for the custom gas lanterns, then enter via the gated courtyard with showpiece fountain. In the left wing, the formal living room and dining room merge as one. Ahead, the large family room and open kitchen likewise flow together. Black-pearl Venetian plaster surrounds the fireplace stack and elevator door, as well as the kitchen’s oversized vent hood. Just beyond a wall of glass doors are the pool, covered patio and summer kitchen. Four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, are located upstairs along with the utility room and game room. Upstairs and down, this is an art collector’s dream, with high ceilings and large sweeps of wall. An elevator connects the two floors.

This dazzling Beverly Hills-style Spanish Colonial Revival villa has caught the eye of passersby since it was built in 2014. Authentic details – white-washed stucco walls, rustic terracotta roof, ornamental wrought-iron work, balconies, hand-painted tiles, striking archways and heavy wooden doors – are a marvel of workmanship, and it’s all integrated with state-of-the-art modern amenities, including an elevator and house generator. Spacious entertaining spaces include a grand reception hall and oversized formal dining room. An impressive chef’s kitchen opens to a large family room and resort-like loggia and pool. Spanish revival architecture became widely known as a result of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego, and prominent examples include the Ponce de Leon Hotel in Florida and the Hearst Castle in California. This River Oaks home is surely Houston’s most outstanding expression of the style. Price: was $4,200,000 – now $3,500,000. Click here.

This updated four-bedroom home in deed-restricted Briargrove Park is perfect for entertaining friends and family – or for getting away from it all in the private rear garden filled with fruit trees, herbs and roses. The large covered patio with lights and ceiling fans transitions outdoor space to a kitchen with high-end appliances and custom cabinets with granite countertops and strategic pull-outs by Rev•A•Shelf. The home includes full-house generator, two cedar closets, plantation shutters, ceiling fans throughout, his and her master closets and custom showers with river pebble floors. The car-park has been updated with driveway pavers, and the garage floor is recently epoxyed. Founded in 1963, Briargrove Park is a well-tended neighborhood convenient to the Energy Corridor and Town & Country Village. Use of the Briargrove Park swimming pool and tennis courts, backyard garbage pick-up and security patrol are included in the annual maintenance fee. Price: $595,000  Click here.