Rare estate in Houston inspired by English castles goes on sale for $26.5m

An estate inspired by castles in the English countryside is on the market for $26.5 million. 

The Storybook River Oaks estate in Houston is an 18,000 square-foot, six-bedroom, seven full and four half-bathroom manor offering a true sanctuary, tucked away in seclusion on more than two acres in Houston, Texas.

Built with over $1 million in stonework, the refined residence features superbly proportioned interiors, five stately carved fireplaces and masonry stone arches assembled of limestone and flooring imported from The Cotswolds, England. 

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Wood beams found throughout the residence were salvaged from fallen trees on the property after Hurricane Ike. The grand gathering foyer was inspired by a dinner party scene in the movie Atonement, and leads to an 800+ bottle wine cellar designed with triple barrel vault brick ceilings. 

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Hundreds of Houston’s elite have visited the home along with world-renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, and Jérome Bocuse. It's also played host to an array of celebrities, including astronaut Buzz Aldrin, American Idol winner Jordan Sparks and country music artist Clay Walker.

The pub-style billiard room with full bar and built-in aquariums is paired perfectly with a state-of-the-art theater built for tiered seating of eight.

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The estate has been home to several charitable events including the Historical Texas Treasures and the World Master Chefs Dinner benefitting the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Foundation. 

The romantic estate transports guests from city to countryside with a combination of indoor/outdoor living made up of serene grounds designed with stately English Tudor parterre gardens, disappearing fountains and a saltwater pool idea. A climatized pavilion with custom summer kitchen includes a commercial grill, pizza oven and crawfish boiler.

Love entertaining? Your guests will enjoy not only a private wing but also a separate guest cottage with lower-level gym and sauna ensuring for ultimate luxury. There's even a styled motor court and four-car garage that accommodates car lifts.

The property is listed by Douglas Elliman Texas Broker Associate Jeanine Kaminski-Ditzel and Realtor Associate Richard Ray