$26.5 Mil River Oaks Estate Hits the Market

$26.5 Mil River Oaks Estate Hits the Market

THE NEW YEAR has started off with a bang for the Houston housing market. Sales of homes priced at $750K and above — ones categorized in the "luxury" segment, per HAR — were up nearly 75 percent in January, compared to the same timeframe last year. Buyers appear to be taking advantage of the low interest rates, and not letting homes sit on the market for very long.


But let's see who snatches up this brand-new listing by Douglas Elliman broker Jeanine Kaminski-Ditzel and realtor associate Richard Ray. A "storybook" River Oaks estate reminiscent of an English countryside manor has hit the market, for an asking price of $26.5 million. The 18,000-square-foot home at 3996 Inverness Drive is situated on two acres, and the building boasts $1 million in stonework alone (some imported from Cottswald, England).

With interiors by Houston designer Robert Dame, the property is made for entertaining: There's a grand foyer that leads into a massive wine cellar with triple-barrel-vaulted brick ceilings. And a billiard room makes guests feel like they've been transported to a British pub. (They can even stay the night in a guest cottage that has its own gym and sauna!) Current owners Lawrence and Deana Blackburn have hosted several glam charity events at the home, including the World Master Chefs Dinner benefiting the HSCO Foundation.

Indoor-outdoor living has never been so popular, and this estate was made for it. A climatized pavilion in the backyard is outfitted with a commercial grill, pizza oven and crawfish boiler; enjoy an al fresco feast while taking in the view of English Tudor parterre gardens and the resort-worthy saltwater pool.

The complete listing can be viewed here.


Home + Real Estate
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Late photographer Jhane Hoang (center) and some of her subjects, including fashion models and musicians

WHEN JHANE HOANG died late last month after a quiet, private battle with cancer, Houston lost one of its most talented and exacting photographers — and my colleagues at CityBook and I lost a beloved contributor and friend.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

John Bryan, Mary Jon Bryan, Billy Bob Thornton, J.P. Bryan

MORE THAN 500 guests gathered in Galveston for the Bryan Museum Gala, an evening that celebrated both the 10th anniversary of the museum and some of the most influential names in Texas oil and gas. Titled the Wildcatters Gala, the event honored Ernie H. Cockrell, Mary Ralph Lowe, Trevor Rees-Jones and the families of Eddy C. Scurlock and R.E. “Bob” Smith — all recognized for their legacy of leadership and philanthropy in the industry.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties