This Heights gem was built in 1908 with an extension to the back in 1935.  The main living space is 4089 square feet on a 9900 square foot lot. The original architect is unknown, and the style is somewhat unusual, though clearly a Victorian turn-of-the-century design.  The brick pillars on the front porch replaced the original wooden ones in 1938 when it was converted to a boarding house, its use for fifty years. All the original hardwood flooring and many other features are still present in the 1908 portion of the home. Prior to the current owners, the home had been converted to offices and it has been refitted for residential use over the last eleven months. Many relics and documents from home’s history were inherited by the current owners, presumably passed down by each of the five keepers of the home along the way.

Stilwell/Elton Home – 235 W. 18^th Street

Erbland/Woods Home – 709 E. 19^th Street





 

  
Wanting to live close to downtown, but still wanting the warmth of a real neighborhood, Marylou and Robert chose the Houston Heights to call home.  Only the third owners since it was built in 1928, they set out to renovate this charming bungalow by adding a much-needed master suite and a half bath.  The stylishly-updated kitchen was opened up to a new great room—making it all perfect for their frequent parties and watching the big game.  The home is filled with unique furnishings and a large collection of local artwork.  An inviting pool and lush backyard landscaping complete this beautiful home.

Noelle and Eric loved the spacious lot and its beautiful old oak tree which, sadly, did not survive Hurricane Ike. Built in 2005, they liked the home’s original contemporary design, but knew they would eventually renovate. When that time came, a grand entrance was added, the windows and roofline were changed—giving the house a contemporary Craftsman feel—and the living area, kitchen, and master bedroom were expanded and redesigned. The removal of two load-bearing pillars in the kitchen required the installation of a steel beam support running the entire width of the house. The landscape design is clean and modern to complement the lines of the house without competing with it.

Reed Home – 1532 Tulane 

Klaybor Home – 1615 Cortlandt





 

  
A sense of community and history is what drew the homeowners to this vintage 1920 Houston Heights home.  This quaint bungalow has undergone some fabulous renovations that include the addition of an updated kitchen that looks into a spacious den featuring a commissioned stained glass window.  The master bedroom suite also includes a beautiful stained glass window over the master bath.  Looks can be deceiving as you meander through the home and onto the back deck revealing a stunning garden that has been lovingly landscaped to include a fountain from a 19^th Century Japanese Shinto Temple.

 

This recently built Heights home tastefully integrates traditional Craftsman style with modern amenities.  Designed by the owners and Jim Phillips and built by Levitt Partnership, the home’s inspiration came from multiple visits to the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok, Thailand.  The modest bungalow facade, designed to integrate with the existing neighborhood, hides a large, comfortable living space, which includes a gym, yoga/meditation room and children’s play space.  The kitchen and living area features a spectacular wall of glass that overlooks a peaceful Zen courtyard and pool.  The home contains art and antiques acquired during the owners’ world travels.

Parks/Bouzek Home – 1617 Columbia 

Derr Home – 2310 Rutland 

Known as the WashDERRteria, this structure was built in 1969 and operated as the Courtesy Washateria until shortly before it was purchased by Karen and Bob in 2010. The one story “cinder block” home has its original metal frame ceiling, concrete floors, and commercial windows and doors. A colorful paint palette is used to display their extensive collection of art, unique furnishings, and fun collectibles. The cleverly-designed, distressed wood fireplace surround is a focal point in the home’s open living/dining/kitchen area. A small space, including a custom-made wine rack, has been skillfully organized into a comfortable niche for reading, watching old movies, and an evening cocktail. Landscaping incorporates a rain barrel and an eclectic assortment of plants sourced from a local nursery.