West U home on more than half acre offers gym

Designed by Gary Chandler and built by Bardwell Building Company, this two-story home in West University Place includes a full-size gymnasium, an incredible backyard and 15,000 square feet of living space.

Listing agent Heidi Dugan of Greenwood King Properties, Kirby office, said the custom Italian villa is on a rare 23,000square-foot (0.53 acres) homesite in the close-in community.

The open entry offers a view of some of the home’s stunning details that include pine ceilings, painted concrete floors, multiple sets of French doors and a beautiful stone fireplace that is at the center of the first floor.

The living room has access to a temperaturecontrolled wine cellar, and a wall of arched French doors that open to a brick sunroom overlooking the backyard and pool.

Located off the main entry, the formal dining room has views of the kitchen and two sets of French doors, and the den has access to an enclosed brick hallway that leads to the gymnasium.

The kitchen is just as stylish as it is functional with two side-by-side, glass-front Sub-Zero refrigerators with double freezer drawers; a Thermador six-burner gas cooktop with griddle, two Thermador dishwashers, an oversized white quartzite island with a breakfast bar, custom cabinets with stainless-steel hardware, and a long wall of storage drawers along the back wall.

The breakfast room off the kitchen has built-in hutches with marble counters and brass hardware, and Roman shades.

The home also has a large, informal study on the first floor with a builtin desk with magnetic backsplash and a custom dog area under the stairs.

Upstairs, the large master retreat showcases pine hardwood floors; a beamed ceiling; a Juliet balcony overlooking the backyard and pool; and a spacious master bath with a stone surround shower with glass door, a separate tub with Italian mosaic surround, Italian mosaic floors and dual vessel sinks.

The walk-in closet has a packing island, built-ins and abundant storage.

Six spacious secondary bedrooms each offer unique design elements that add to the flexibility of the home’s design. Also included on the second floor is a game room with a custom built-in entertainment system and fireplace, an upstairs study with an adjoining craft room that features custom cabinets and work spaces, and a laundry room with two washer/dryer sets and a folding area.

The truly unique feature that is described by Dugan as “one of a kind in West U” is the full-size gymnasium that includes a VertiMax training system, a shoot-away basketball shot trainer and half-bath, a mess curtain to block any fly balls, and a built-in kitchenette with honed black granite counters, a microwave, warming drawers, two wine/beverage refrigerators, and a dishwasher.

Outside, an open living area viewing the backyard includes a summer kitchen, dining area, bar seating and a grill, and the large backyard features a pool and spa, pergola and outdoor seating area, pristine landscaping, and mature trees.

The elevator-ready home also includes a Crestron smart home security system with security cameras and a three-car garage.

The home features seven bedrooms, five full baths and four half-baths. Price upon request.

Further details

For additional information, contact Dugan at HeidiDugan@GreenwoodKing.com.