Set behind a frosted glass and iron gate that opens into a hydrangea-splashed garden, 4002 Overbrook is an example of the International Style. The style was so named by Philip Johnson and Henry-Russell Hitchcock in 1932 and is characterized by an emphasis on volume, asymmetrical composition and minimal ornamentation. Sometimes called “minimalist” architecture, the International Style is known for the way a building’s rectangular volumes are arranged so as to often
seem nearly weightless.
Clearly intended to impress, the front door opens from the garden portico into an entrance hall with a 19-foot ceiling. It’s a model of design restraint, just wood, light and air. The home has an inverted layout: The first floor provides two useful and beautiful bedrooms and a comfortable TV room/study. Take the elevator or wide staircase to the second floor with its formal living room, dining room, kitchen and office.
This is the kind of home that would look smashing with either modern furniture or antiques, maybe some chinoiserie or a few primitive pieces included. Need a visual? Imagine a contemporary London townhome with a private walled garden, creamy walls, custom millwork, soaring ceilings and four-inch red oak floors. Built in 2007, the home has had just one owner Price: $2,750,000. Click here.

Ready to build the dream home you’ve been talking about for years? Want your children to attend acclaimed River Oaks-area schools? (Buyer to verify eligibility for attendance.) This prime Pelham Drive lot is finally ready for its next act. It’s 9550 square feet (per HCAD) of space – plenty of room to build a large home and pool, anchored by mature trees in both the front and back yards. The site is just three houses east of Kirby Drive and two blocks north of San Felipe – essentially the heart of River Oaks and close to River Oaks Elementary. Handsome new construction as well as elegantly preserved vintage homes are all around. The original 1936 home is not inhabitable, and this property is being offered as a lot. At less than $186 per square foot, it represents a superlative opportunity for a new single-family home. As this is an estate, all offers will be subject to approval of probate court. Price: $1,775,000. Click here.

Sensible and exceptionally elegant, 2324 Shannon Street brings together an organic merging of stone and wood, outdoors and indoors, lightness and strength. The owners of this 2014 custom home wanted a contemporary version of a prairie-style home with Mid-Century Modern highlights. To that end, the silvery exterior stone is brought inside on an accent wall that terminates inside the wine room, and there is a mix of striking materials (e.g. Italian tile floors, walnut veneers), styles and natural settings. The high ceilings and an abundance of windows and glass doors fill the house with natural light, and large expanses of wall provide space for grand art installations. The home has four bedrooms (all up) with ensuite bathrooms, plus one half-bath. This is a house that will appeal to owners who value high-end design, such as the Poggenpohl kitchen, as well as practicality: Miele and Thermador appliances, the all-glass climate-controlled wine room and two large kitchen islands with three sinks make cooking fun and entertainment a snap. Outside, the plunge pool, loggia with fireplace, summer kitchen, gardens and connecting hardscape are all put to efficient use. Aside from the home’s versatile contemporary architecture – it would suit modern furniture, antiques or traditional styles equally well – it is close to Highland Village and zoned to River Oaks Elementary. Price: $2,875,000. Click here.

Set behind private gates within a handsome garden and backing to Lazy Lane, 1558 Kirby Drive is a classic English manor house overlooking a half-acre-plus landscape with expansive terraces, swimming pool and even a delightful playhouse for the kids. It is an exceptional example of early River Oaks design and demonstrates the aspiration to put craftsmanship on show and display the quality of functional design and materials. It has had just two owners. Clad in white-washed red brick with a roof of wallaba wood shingles, the home’s first floor has been designed to provide useful and beautiful rooms, including the recently remodeled kitchen, breakfast room and family room, cypress-paneled study with wet bar, formals, sunroom and even a delicious little music room with velvet-covered walls. All the principal bedrooms are located on the second floor, along with two extra rooms. There is a good-size cellar with a home gym and plenty of storage and a roomy apartment over the three-car garage. Price: $5,950,000. Click here.

Exactly what you have been waiting for! Perfection in the River Oaks St. John's area on a professionally landscaped 16,200 sq. ft. lot (per HCAD). This lovely brick traditional with wide-plank French oak hardwood flooring, high ceilings and extensive millwork has been beautifully decorated by the owners with the expert guidance of designer Julie Dodson. It is move-in ready. You will love the gracious entry, handsome library/study, three masonry fireplaces, wrap-around rear veranda and summer kitchen, his and her primary baths, the sprawling game room, homework loft and three-car garage. All of the four secondary bedrooms have ensuite baths. The cook's kitchen has two Asko dishwashers, Wolf appliances, large pantries, house manager's office and a breakfast bar. There is a double-wide circular drive for ample guest parking. A must-see. Co-listed with Cathy Blum. Price: $5,650,000. Click here.

Imagine a storybook English cottage built of red brick and white stucco that is accented with dark wood beams and steep gables. Leaded glass, cut and assembled by hand, forms hundreds of diamond shapes in the windows. Inside there is a fire in the hearth, and out front a wrought iron fence keeps a chaotic world at bay. Chances are you are picturing a home like 2433 Inwood Drive, a vintage Tudor Revival home completed in 1945 (per HCAD). This three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home – which also has an office/studio/playroom on the second floor, separate quarters and poolside half-bath – has been thoughtfully updated with a major remodel that began in 2012 and concluded in 2019. Family-friendly, the home includes a heated pool, large loggia, professional landscaping and well-appointed summer kitchen. Located on a pretty block of Inwood between Chilton and Kirby Drive, 2433 Inwood is close to River Oaks Elementary. Price: $2,795,000. Click here.