$16.5 Million River Oaks Mansion Emerges as a True Show Stopper — The Most Coveted Real Estate Listing in Houston?

For the most discriminating and heavily funded home buyer looking for something unique, there appears to be only one solution at the moment in the quest for a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping dwelling. That would be 3001 Inwood — the only new construction — on an acre lot — in River Oaks. It’s the triple threat of high end real estate in Houston.

Shortly before he welcomed a clutch of real estate agents in to see the home, veteran realtor Walter Bering of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty guided PaperCity on a walk through of the 12,000-plus square foot mansion from Robert Dame Designs that is listed for $16.5 million.

Located at the foot of Lazy Lane, 3001 Inwood commands attention for its slate tile roof and the exterior in French white cast stone. As we pulled in to the stone paver circular drive, we noted the attention to detail that included not only the clean lines of the steel and glass windows and doors but also the clever architectural lines that can easily play traditional or contemporary.

Likewise, the interiors of the six bedroom home with vast open living spaces and two-story ceilings can wend to the deft touch of hometown favorite designer Randy Powers or perhaps the creative bent of Kelly Wearstler.

The Wows of 3001 Inwood

We were particularly fond of the ground floor primary bedroom, actually a suite with a 14-foot vaulted ceiling and brushed white oak floors. Views to the pool garden are expansive from both the sleeping area and the corner sitting area which is wrapped on two sides with steel and glass windows. The study was also compelling with floor-to-ceiling white oak block paneling, a box beamed ceiling, built in bookcases and cabinet storage.

At 16,000 square feet, the house delivers more than ample room for large-scale entertaining with the open flow from living to dining to family room/kitchen. The dining room opens to a wet bar, full-sized for entertaining, and overlooks the glass wall of the 2,000-bottle wine room. And while the kitchen is outfitted in state-of-the-art appliances, a caterer’s kitchen provides more entertaining options.

The mansion by the numbers: seven full baths, four half baths, three fireplaces, a guest suite, second floor game room, first and second floor utility rooms, first floor and second floor spacious “extra” rooms, a four car garage, two staircases and an in-ground pool, which Bering advises is what buyers are currently looking for.

Henry Benjamin Builders completed the construction with interiors by Christine Ho. Staging for the house was done by  Jon Fortuna, senior designer with Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture.

According to the Houston Association of Realtors, this is currently the fourth most expensive house for sale in River Oaks, falling well below the $29.5 million, 17,405 square foot property at 2920 Lazy Lane originally listed at $35.5 million.