Storied River Oaks Boulevard Mansion That Used To Be the Party Palace Of An Italian Baron Hits the Market — $21.9 Million For a Historic Treasure With 007 Vibes

We just can’t get enough of the bygone glory and the modern day circumstance of the late Baron Ricky di Portanova’s party house at 2115 River Oaks Boulevard. Since the heir to the Cullen oil fortune passed away in 2000, the 20,000-square-foot mansion has sold twice and has now hit the market for only the third time in 26 years.

Nancy Almodovar of Nan & Company Properties once again has the listing that in 2001 carried a $16 million asking price. The current owners, who have put their own spin on this historic River Oaks treasure, are coming to the table with a $21.9 million asking price.

Party Royalty

For those unfamiliar with the storied residence, the Italian Baron and his wife — native Houstonian Baroness Alessandra (aka Sandra) di Portanova — brought ostentatious star power and wealth to the otherwise staid River Oaks Boulevard.  They threw lavish parties, entertained movie stars and once hosted a James Bond themed party that featured Sir Roger Moore rappelling down the exterior of the house in character as Agent 007.

After purchasing the rather traditional home in the 1970s, the couple transformed it into a party palace, adding a 12,000-square-foot glass-enclosed natatorium, a climate controlled entertaining space centered around an indoor saltwater pool. The addition became the epicenter of the di Portanova’s storied reveling.

Frequently after charity galas late at night, the di Portanovas would invite friends back to the house for Dom Pérignon, Cuban cigars and cream-laden pasta dishes that the baron would cook himself at the summer kitchen in one corner of the natatorium.

The previous and current owners of this River Oaks Boulevard marvel have lived rather quiet, if not under the radar, lives in contrast. In fact, Nan & Company is under contract not to reveal identity of the current owners. But, of course, their friends and family know and coincidentally so does this writer. Lovely people.

The most recent owners have updated the property across several fronts including installing new doors and windows, refreshing landscaping, adding Viking appliances, upgrading the chiller systems, adding Gaggenau wine storage, enhancing the home theater and adding an elevator, a necessity for today’s champagne wishes and caviar dreams lifestyle.

The 21,500-square-foot River Oaks estate includes six bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and one half bath, a catering kitchen, a private theater, a wine room and a mahogany paneled study. And the primary suite features a private balcony overlooking the pool pavilion.