River Oaks estate meets royal expectations
Initially built in 1986, this River Oaks estate was commissioned by a royal family as their Houston home.
The present owners purchased the 3.1-plus acre estate in 2007 and embarked on a comprehensive renovation that further enhanced and expanded the residence’s already luxurious living and entertaining facilities.
Additions included an inviting resort-style pool, spa, and fully equipped entertaining cabana; a separate summer kitchen with a pizza oven and bar; a gazebo with a commercial hibachi grill; extensive protected and open-air outdoor gathering and dining terraces and decks; and exceptional children’s play areas.
Listing agent Walter Bering of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty says the residence accommodates a luxurious lifestyle for everyday living,
entertaining and professional requirements.
Positioned within a gated compound overlooking Buffalo Bayou, the light-filled main house offers more than 22,000 livable square feet; three elevator-accessible floors plus a basement; nine-plus bedroom suites; 11 bathrooms; and four half bathrooms.
Out buildings include a staff cottage with offices and living quarters, a six-car garage, and a mechanical building. North and south controlledaccess entrances lead to extensive front and rear motor courts with parking spaces for as many as 50 cars.
Anchored by the enormous, triple-height, marble-and-glass reception hall, the first floor encompasses the elegant formal living and dining salons with space for well more than 200 guests; a professional-grade, eat-in kitchen extensively equipped to service household gatherings or entertainments of any size; a 1,000-plus bottle wine cellar; service and catering areas; staff bedroom suites; and a large office/conference/ library/den complex that includes a smaller full kitchen and second, less formal, dining room.
Positioned on the second floor, the sumptuous master suite offers the luxuries of space and privacy, with a pair of serene bedrooms served by two elegantly appointed full bathrooms; custom dressing areas; lavish, custom-fitted room-sized closets; a gym/fitness center/beauty salon; and two balconies.
Additional bedroom suites on this level surround a playroom/study hub and have access to a juice bar/kitchenette.
Third-floor guest suites feature lavish bathrooms, custom-fitted closets and private balconies, and share a living room with a large balcony.
With compelling design, impeccable quality throughout, and a floor plan tailored for elegant daily living as well as grand events, this modern estate is in the heart of River Oaks.
With nine to eleven bedrooms, 11 full baths and four half-baths, 1000 Kirby Drive is priced at $20,000,000.