Category Archives: Million Dollar Listing

Houston’s Elite Garden Neighborhoods

Linked by the ship channel, Houston Texas is an inland port city founded in 1836. For an investment less than ten thousand dollars, brothers and founders John Kirby Allen & Augustus Chapman Allen purchased over 6600 acres on the Buffalo Bayou banks. Which once struggled as a trading post and developed as a regional transportation hub, Houston is now the fourth largest city in nation!

Over the years this town has attracted many entrepreneurs, oil tycoons, and a wealth of supporting businessmen and women. Just imagine the real estate back then??? I had the opportunity to meet architectural historian and author Stephen Fox. In his latest book “The Architecture of Birsdsall P. Briscoe” he examines Briscoe’s work here in Houston from a span of 1876 to 1971. The country homes displayed in this book is not for the modest. Briscoe’s designs embodied taste, style, class identity, and during periods of economic expansion catering to the most wealthy families and for generations to come! Showcasing extraordinary architecture, see the creations in such historic neighborhoods as Courtlandt Place, Shadyside, Broadacres, and River Oaks. If you love architecture, beautiful homes, history, and Houston, then definitely add this book to your collection. Take a step back in time and just dream! What was once considered the countryside, is today in the heart of Houston. You can purchase a copy of this attractive coffee table book on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and at most bookstores!

Carmel By The Sea: “Name That House”

Scenic Road
Scenic Road

My recent trip to Carmel, California was a real sea breeze treat!  Besides losing power at our highlands resort for 1.5 days due to bad weather, the stunning scenery was magical.  We even caught a glimpse of a rainbow a time or two!

The realtor in me had to take a road trip to Carmel By The Sea to check out some Pacific Coast real estate! Sotheby’s has an office in Carmel and Monterrey so I can help you with your RE needs here if you are looking, just an FYI!  Alongside Carmel Bay on Scenic Road we drove our rental car up and down and weaved in and out of the adjoining streets.  Look at this house as my main photo for this story!!!  This was by far my favorite.  Unobstructed views for miles out Continue reading Carmel By The Sea: “Name That House”

The Estate Life in Houston

1 E. Rivercrest Drive
1 E. Rivercrest Drive

I just acquired my dream listing in my dream neighborhood.  Let me introduce you to a little piece of heaven called Rivercrest Estates.  At any time imagine seeing peacocks, rabbits, horses, and other creatures.  In the massive pines, live oak trees, and vast lawns, this neighborhood offers the country life with the city amenities.  By neighborhood code all properties must be at least 3 acres and with at least a 100 ft set back from the street. Here is your exclusive video tour of this luxurious estate: http://youtu.be/v2kkjQ1QW8I

DCIM101GOPRO“Rivercrest Addition” was created in 1946, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This neighborhood originally totaled 367 acres with 95 estates. In the early 1950’s Rivercrest became part of the City of Houston and in the late 1950’s part of H.I.S.D. The first property owners in Rivercrest wanted to be able to keep horses, which allowed them to saddle up their horses, hitch up their buggies and maintain the simpler things in life. The street began as a quiet horseshoe shape with a tail called Crestbend, which follows the curve of Buffalo Bayou. As development progressed west, Briar Forest was cut through, in 1988. For a quaint neighborhood full of lush landscape just imagine it is minutes from The Galleria and City Centre!

1 E Rivercrest E 1 plN1There is a vast variety of homes situated here today from Ranch style to Mediterranean, Traditional, and French.  My new listing seen here is 1 E. Rivercrest.  This home was designed by famed architect Robert Dame Designs.  This 7500 square foot beauty offers immaculate detail throughout, dome ceiling, winding statement staircase, formal study, media room, game room, and plenty of entertainment space with its summer kitchen and butler’s pantry.   For complete details on this $5.7 million listing view my other website at www.NicoleBrende.com .

1 E Rivercrest E 1 drvN1E Rivercrest nicole and peacock