Houston Chronicle

Royal Oaks Country Club provides residentia­l oasis

- By Cheryl P. Rose HOMES CORRESPOND­ENT Photos courtesy of Heritage Texas Properties

The splashing waterfalls, scent-heavy blossoms, lush landscapin­g and an immaculate golf course are reminiscen­t of a luxury tropical resort, but can be found only 8 miles from the Galleria in Houston.

“Royal Oaks Country Club is like a little piece of California in the heart of Houston,” said Amanda Walsh of Heritage Texas Properties. “You enjoy the luxury of living in the city, but living like you’re on vacation behind the gates. When I bring visitors to Royal Oaks, they are amazed by the beauty and the location. It’s a hidden secret. There is nothing comparable to it within the city.”

At one time Andrau Airpark, community developer Sunrise Colony Company purchased the defunct airfield and created a neighborho­od with a nod to Southern California style, emphasizin­g landscapin­g, golf course views, Spanish stucco and tile, clean lines and lots of windows. Neighborho­od constructi­on began in 2000 and is nearing completion, with only a handful of lots and homes remaining to be built. The neighborho­od will ultimately number 875 homes.

Like a small village within a great city, the community’s nearly 500 acres are enclosed by 8 miles of stately masonry wall. The main entrance has a 24-hour manned gatehouse, with security cameras at all the coded access gates for residents as well as a roaming security patrol.

As the heart of Houston moves westward, Royal Oaks Country Club is positioned well for commuting with access to Beltway 8, U.S. 59, I-10 and Westpark Tollway within a few minutes.

With its proximity to the Energy Corridor, many of Royal Oaks Country Club’s residents have ties to the oil and gas industry, giving the neighborho­od an internatio­nal and diverse vibe.

“Many residents of Royal Oaks come from all over the world or have traveled and lived internatio­nally,” Walsh said. “There is a great diversity of people who choose to live here.”

A family- and petfriendl­y community, residents spend a lot of time outdoors, walking dogs, riding bikes and zipping about in golf carts. The strict security and enforced 20 mph speed limit allow residents to safely enjoy play and exercise outside.

At the heart of the neighborho­od is the Royal Oaks Country Club, an independen­t entity. The club offers a Fred Couples Par 72 18-hole golf course, three swimming pools, tennis courts, croquet lawn, fitness facilities and classes, and dining. The club is a social hub. Members organize activities and events from wine clubs to book clubs. Walsh notes residents who don’t choose to join the country club still enjoy the attractive landscapin­g and views the manicured golf course offers and know the lifestyle option is valuable for resale.

Whether members of the club or not, all residents of Royal Oaks Country Club share common areas that include a basketball park, playground and soccer halffield.

The neighborho­od has a very active homeowner’s associatio­n and some organized groups among residents for clubs and playdates.

Housing options include villas, which are similar to patio homes, single-family homes and estates. The estate sections are also gated. Walsh said home prices range from $550,000 to $3 million and properties range in size from 2,500 square feet to 10,000 square feet. Only about 60 properties are actively listed for sale at this time, Walsh said.

“I’ve noticed that residents will move within the neighborho­od as their lives and families change, perhaps moving up to an estate or moving down to a villa,” she said. “Their loyalty to living in Royal Oaks speaks volumes about the neighborho­od.”

 ??  ?? 3331 Louvre Lane, $1,105,560
3331 Louvre Lane, $1,105,560
 ??  ?? 3331 Bridgeberr­y Lane, $997,500
3331 Bridgeberr­y Lane, $997,500
 ??  ?? 2706 Tudor Manor, $649,000
2706 Tudor Manor, $649,000
 ??  ?? 11635 Noblewood Crest, $1,188,000
11635 Noblewood Crest, $1,188,000

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