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Rafael Perez
[Front Elevation] This stunning residence in the premier section of River Oaks, River Oaks Country Club Estates, was built by builder/designer L. W. Lindsay for Mr. Sam Merril in 1926. Lindsay built the clay tile-roofed home in the Latin Colonial manner, an architectural style popularized by architect John Staub. The Houston Chronicle of January 31, 1926, described the Merril house as “brick with Texas cream limestone trim and a roof of red tile.
[Front Elevation] This 5,000+ sf home on a 27,342 sf lot is surrounded by heirloom trees and mature, beautifully landscaped grounds. The original Ludovici tile roof has been painstakingly cleaned and maintained.
[Front Approach] This view from the circle drive reveals the side porte cochere and wide front plaza.
[Front Portico] In 1926,before air conditioning, it was still the custom to gather on a wide front plaza like this one and mingle with the neighbors.
[Foyer] A wide center hall travels from the foyer past the formal rooms, an impressive reverse staircase, and through glass doors to the family room at the rear. Note refurbished hardwood floors.
[Foyer] An alternate view of the foyer reveals the original front door, sidelights, and transom. Open doorways at left and right access the living and dining rooms.
[Dining Room] Period-style, one-over-one sash windows provide scenic views in the dining room. A pivot door accesses the butler's pantry and kitchen.
[Dining Room] This view of the dining room travels across the foyer into the living room.
[Living Room] Paneled bifold doors open from the foyer into the living room where classically-styled fireplace has a marble surround and hearth. The wide opening to the right, also equipped with paneled bifold doors, leads into the adjoining den/study with a glass door that accesses the patios and pool. Opening at the rear reveals the family room.
[Living Room] An alternate view reveals the paneled doors and period-style sash windows.
[Library] A closer look into the study/den. Note glass door to the patios, pool, and gardens.
[Family Room] The breakfast bay and family room are enhanced by Palladian-style windows, a fireplace, media/display/storage cabinet with pocket doors to conceal the television, a book/display case, and paneled bifold doors that open into the living room.
[Family Room] Alternate view of the family room.
[Kitchen] Comprehensively renovated and reconfigured by the owners, the gathering kitchen opens to the family room. Appointments include furniture-quality cabinetry and sculpted granite countertops; custom tile backsplash; a television niche; a glass door to the driveway and porte cochere; a cabinet-front SubZero refrigerator and freezer; Viking Range with two ovens; and a pair of microwaves.
[Kitchen] The kitchen island offers storage and a prep sink. Closed pocket door at center right opens into the butler's pantry with a second SubZero refrigerator/freezer, a wine chiller, workstation, cabinet storage, and adjoining laundry room.
[Breakfast Bay] Bay windows overlooking the patios, cabana, and pool create a cozy spot for the breakfast area. Note open window with granite shelf for easy serving from the kitchen.
[Breakfast Area]
[Staircase Landing] This view from the wide middle landing of the reverse staircase reveals the foyer and main landing.
[Staircase] The reverse staircase travels to a middle landing beneath a leaded Palladian-style window and stained-glass transom and sidelights which overlook a stone balcony above the patios, pool, and gardens.
[Main Landing} This useful space, equipped with a full wall of book shelves and cabinets, would serve well as an office, sitting room/library, or study hub.
[Primary Suite] The secluded, light-filled primary suite includes a juice bar and sink, abundant closet storage, and a loft/flexible space (staircase at left).
[Primary Suite] This view reveals the entry into the primary bath.
[Primary Bath] The renovated bath offers a sumptuous, serene environment with an inlaid travertine floor; a spacious “U” shaped double closet with custom-designed storage and a window; vanity and double sink cabinets with granite decks; a jetted tub beneath a stained-glass window; seamless-glass and tile shower; water closet; and television shelf.
[Primary Bath] A closer look at the jetted tub and leaded-glass Palladian-style window.
[Primary Closet] The U-shaped primary closet offers abundant storage and dressing space.
[Secondary Bedroom] Note wainscot paneling, window seat, and bookshelves. This bedroom shares an updated connecting bath with another bedroom.
[Secondary Bedroom]
[Secondary Bedroom] This bedroom is en suite.
[Secondary Bedroom] This bedroom is en suite.
[Elevator] The elevator is located in the hall that connects the foyer and the kitchen.
[Formal Powder Room] Located in the side hall that also contains the elevator, the powder room features this custom sink cabinet, a fluted sink, and designer wall covering.
[Cabana] The spacious cabana offers a full summer kitchen/bar with grill and under-counter refrigerator, and living/dining space.
[Cabana] This view of the cabana reveals the raised fireplace (left), tongue-and-groove hardwood ceiling, and the bar counter. Closed door at right rear opens to the full pool bath.
[Pool] Travertine patios surround the pool.
[Pool] A view across the pool and water wall into the cabana. The garage at rear includes a spacious full apartment on the second floor.
[Pool] This view reveals the side patio and gardens just outside of the den/study.
[Side Patio / Boxwood Garden]
[Side Patio/Boxwood Garden]
[Rear Elevation]
[Front Elevation]
Stunning Mediterranean Revival-style home on 27,342 sq. ft. lot (per HCAD) with magnificent trees in River Oaks Country Club Estates. Built by builder/designer L. W. Lindsay, this home has been meticulously renovated by the current owners. The home retains its original footprint, Ludovici tile roof, hardwood floors, refined millwork, and glass-paned doors. The floorplan seamlessly connects formal and informal spaces. A central hall leads from the foyer to the family room. The living room, adorned with ornamental molding and a marble fireplace, opens to the den. The dining room features sash windows and leads to a side hall with a powder room and butler's pantry. The kitchen, modern and open, includes a large island, SubZero appliances, and flows into the breakfast bay and family room. The focal point of the backyard is the pool and manicured gardens. Travertine hardscape extends to a cabana, equipped with a fireplace, pull-up bar, and full pool bath. Spacious quarters over the garage.
| District: | Houston ISD |
| Elementary School: | River Oaks Elementary School   Excellent |  |
| Middle School: | Lanier Middle School Excellent | |
| High School: | Lamar High School  Good | |
| Tax Year | Cost/sqft | Market Value | Change | Tax Assessment | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $927.20 | $5,423,205 | 15.53% | $5,163,400 | 10.00% |
| 2022 | $802.53 | $4,694,000 | 5.72% | $4,694,000 | 5.72% |
| 2021 | $759.10 | $4,440,000 | 3.26% | $4,440,000 | 3.26% |
| 2020 | $735.17 | $4,300,000 | 0.48% | $4,300,000 | 0.48% |
| 2019 | $731.65 | $4,279,410 | 3.30% | $4,279,410 | 3.30% |
| 2018 | $708.27 | $4,142,700 | -1.36% | $4,142,700 | 2.16% |
| 2017 | $718.07 | $4,200,000 | 13.51% | $4,055,103 | 10.00% |
| 2016 | $632.59 | $3,700,000 | -9.30% | $3,686,458 | 10.00% |
| 2015 | $697.44 | $4,079,340 | 33.90% | $3,351,326 | 10.00% |
| 2014 | $520.89 | $3,046,660 | 6.71% | $3,046,660 | 6.71% |
| 2013 | $488.12 | $2,855,030 | 0.00% | $2,855,030 | 0.00% |
| 2012 | $488.12 | $2,855,030 | $2,855,030 |
2023 Harris County Appraisal District Tax Value |
|
|---|---|
| Market Land Value: | $4,648,140 |
| Market Improvement Value: | $775,065 |
| Total Market Value: | $5,423,205 |
2023 Tax Rates |
|
|---|---|
| HOUSTON ISD: | 0.8683 % |
| HARRIS COUNTY: | 0.3501 % |
| HC FLOOD CONTROL DIST: | 0.0311 % |
| PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY: | 0.0057 % |
| HC HOSPITAL DIST: | 0.1434 % |
| HC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: | 0.0048 % |
| HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE: | 0.0922 % |
| HOUSTON CITY OF: | 0.5192 % |
| Total Tax Rate: | 2.0148 % |
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