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Edward Vivanco
Located on the premier south-side of Houston’s iconic North Boulevard, Staub's penultimate house in Broadacres explores understated elegance and execution to convey the refined sophistication of his architectural expertise. With renovations completed by Michael Landrum, the home now possesses a refined exterior and interior ornamentation, seamlessly intertwining antique embellishments with modern design.
Employing a quintessential five-bay symmetry flanked by slender chimneystacks and offset wings, this historic estate echoes classical French manorial style. A circular driveway receives guests by the dozens, while an automatic driveway gate privatizes the motor court which leads to the 3 car garage and full quarters.
Staub kept the many of the details of the home simple to contrast with its expansive proportions and iconic facade. The front door is recessed and features a restrained cast-stone alcove with domed pediment. The formal reception gate alludes to the interior grandeur, maintaining a delicate design restraint within the intricate details.
The original custom 42’’ paneled front door opens to the grand reception room. The original transom window above the door as well as dual flanking embrasured circular windows illuminate the space while the central staircase, one of two in the home, sits opposite the front entrance.
Trimmed in gold, multiple sets of original paneled double doors ceremonialize passage between the entryway and formal spaces, while plaster interior walls construct sensations of solidity. Antique marble corner pieces ornament the space, reminiscent of the home's rich history. 
Sunlight filters through tree branches into this warm kitchen, renovated and expanded in 2009. Open to the breakfast room and butler’s pantry, this light and bright space benefits from natural light from all four walls. Vintage sconces and industrial inspired pendant lights further illuminate the room.
A premium stainless steel appliance package inspires culinary creativity, featuring a Thermador 6 burner and griddle double gas oven, custom vent hood, Bosch dishwasher, built-in Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer, built-in microwave, and warming drawer.
The kitchen features a mix of traditional and modern updates including period details such as antique sconces, the home’s original swinging door, and paneled cabinets. Modern upgrades include black granite countertops, a stainless-steel central island with storage and seating, instant hot water, built-in speakers, and hidden countertop appliance storage.
Part of the 2009 renovation and expansion, the breakfast room is a continuation of the relationship between interior and exterior compositions. French doors with screens open onto the covered patio and summer kitchen for the ease of an al-fresco experience, while well-proportioned spaces make this the ideal setting for enjoying a casual meal or morning cup of coffee.
Located between the formal dining room and the kitchen, the butler’s pantry features an expansive wall of built-ins which house the wet bar with mesquite wood countertops, Sub-Zero ice maker and dual zoned wine chiller, silver cloth drawer storage, pull-out liquor storage, and glass-front display. 
The custom herringbone tiles gleam beneath the sunlight of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Built-in cabinetry continues in from the kitchen and offers additional hidden storage. Lighting features include both recessed lights and a New York sourced statement fixture. 
Projecting off the back of the stairwell is the formal dining room, which looks out to the verdant backyard though a semicircular bay window. Triple-hung windows in all apertures give the tri-exposure space a grand, voluminous feeling.
The formal dining room, located between the butler’s pantry and formal living room, is full of period details. The original French doors gleam with gold leaf trim and original hardware. Above, the crown molding continues the gold leaf motif. A statement light fixture with dimmer is ready for both intimate dinners and lavish entertaining. 
The stately composure and scale of the reception foyer against the more intimate organization of gathering spaces delicately develops a spatial equilibrium throughout the home. Pictured is the formal living room, which functions as a main artery with commanding views of both the boulevard and resort-style backyard.
Since the triple-hung windows extend from floor to ceiling, the polished hardwood floors seem to extend outward to the grass plane of the lawn, making the interior feel very connected with the outdoors despite its formality.
Staub's iconic gold-trimmed crown molding, 7 inch baseboards, and warm oak hardwoods surround the room, while built-in sound system and recessed lighting enhance modern comforts. Organic flow to the foyer, formal dining, sun room, and study is granted through intricate encasements and dual sets of French doors.
Anchoring the space is a wood burning fireplace, encapsulated in an Adam’s style marble mantle with antique plaster pilasters from the 1960s. The commanding nature of a roaring fire is married with an inherent sense of elegance due to the rich detail and architectural significance of the design.
Thoughtful in its design, the heartbeat of the home prioritizes natural light and flow between the grand living areas and more casual, intimate spaces to subtly counteract the structure's stateliness. The southeast corner is bathed in natural light through extensive windows, while a full light doorway delivers you straight into the yard.
Characterized by a deep gray hue, sunlight pours into this room injecting a natural glow throughout, while custom drapery frames each window and doorway to allow for privacy and shade. Views of the flourishing grounds and iconic Boulevard scenery throughout the house encourage warmth throughout the spaces, harnessing the nationally recognized topography.
Enveloped in geometric fruitwood paneling, the formal study is positioned on the northeast wing of the home, overlooking the verdant esplanade. Quadruple built-in bookcases and an integrated audio cabinet maximize storage and display opportunities, while a wood burning fireplace injects a warm sophistication into the ambiance. 
Antique lighting and hardwood floors continue throughout home, indicative of the meticulous owner maintenance throughout the last 27 years. The most valuable design features have been implemented even in the smallest details, preserving the integrity of the build's history while adding in personal touches from Europe and Southeast Asia.
Tucked off the back hallway while remaining easily accessed for guest use, this powder room remains true to its original form and function. Vintage French sconces and a crystalline chandelier pair with soft blush walls and gold accents, crafting a feminine yet clean sense of style. A Toto toilet is privatized in its own water closet, allowing the dressing room to serving as a casual conversation area during grander scale entertaining
Serving as the crown of the dramatic two story foyer, this large illuminated medallion with inlaid glass was imported from a Paris train station during the original 1920's build, paired elegantly with a 19th century chandelier. Slender cylindrical balusters supporting the delicately profiled handrail of the stair emphasize its spiral curve.
Renovated by acclaimed designer Michael Landrum, the private second-floor primary bedroom features 10’ ceilings, oak hardwoods, French doors, and oversize windows with unobstructed backyard views.
Recent updates such as the custom drapery and new light fixture (2021) compliment period details including original millwork door casings and antique glass doorknobs. An alarm keypad and deep storage closet provide additional convenience.
Behind dual sets of French glass and secondary screened doors, the wrought-iron Juliet balcony overlooks the home’s iconic century oak, lush backyard, and pool. 
The luxurious renovated master bath features endless thoughtful updates. Clad in marble, the spa-like retreat offers heated floors, a walk-in marble shower with rainfall and wall-mounted shower heads as well as steam shower capability, and a separate soaking tub with English-manor inspired mirror accents. 
Designed to maximize natural light, the dual vanities feature marble floating sinks with counter-mounted mirrors flanked by floor-to-ceiling storage with built-in drawers. 
Not pictured in the expansive and renovated primary bath is a separate mirrored vanity area, a separate water closet, and a large walk-in closet with dual his/her wings with expansive hanging space and floor-to-ceiling furniture style built-ins. 
Inviting windows seats in this tree-top game room look out to the resurrection ferns growing along the ancient oak limbs in the backyard. The surround built-ins provide for abundant storage and display space. 
With details including a wood-burning fireplace, crown molding, millwork and oak hardwoods, this versatile space provides access to two secondary bedrooms, the central stair, and a full bathroom. 
Located at the front of the home, the North Bedroom, benefits from gorgeous Boulevard views through large front-facing windows. A spacious closet and en suite bath sit nearby
The North bathroom features access from the bedroom as well as the game room. The iconic black and white checkerboard, a trademark of John Staub builds (as seen in Bayou Bend), appears throughout the second-floor baths. This historic space features a porcelain sink with original fixtures as well as a walk-in shower. 
Also accessed via the game room, the South bedroom offers oversize windows with custom shades, drapery, and backyard/pool views. Additional features include built-in bookshelves, a Horchow light fixture, and lush carpeting.
Located along the front of the home with Boulevard views, this detached bathroom is adjacent to the South bedroom and echoes the iconic Staub black and white motif and offers a shower/tub combo. An attached dressing room features additional closet space.
Tucked away on the opposite wing of the home, this private West bedroom benefits from large windows with Boulevard and side yard views, oak hardwoods, and a vintage chandelier. A walk-in closet and remodeled bathroom round out the space. 
Recently remodeled, this bathroom pays homage to the original design and traditions while adding a modern touch with mirrored panels above the original tile work. A built-in linen storage closet and a walk-in shower are not pictured here. 
The epicenter of the near-acre grounds, a threefold water fountain feature mirrors the symmetry of the interior design, emanating a spa-like soundtrack to the backyard retreat. Settled just off the pagoda, the heated saltwater pool offers both shallow and deep depths for maximum enjoyment, while the spa maintains flow and designation of space.
Positioned off the breakfast room, the covered patio encourages an elegant current between indoor and outdoor gathering areas. Intricate iron work frames the lavish surroundings, lending unobstructed views of the sprawling pool, spa, pond pepped with leaves of oaks, magnolias, and Japanese yews.
The summer kitchen is divided to flank the French doors, harnessing seamless transition when hosting summer barbecues or outdoor occasions, while a ceiling fan keeps you cool. Outdoor LED lighting integrated into landscaping brightens the area as dusk approaches, allowing this space to be enjoyed equally day and night.
A grand culmination of the icon for which the neighborhood is known, a mature oak sprawls across the entirety of the space, creating a natural crown above the professional landscaping. A bird's eye view reveals how the entirety of the 37,260 sqft lot is enveloped within a green safe haven, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere amongst the urban setting.
Through repetition and symmetry, the south-facing facade mimics the composure of French design with a masterful execution of mixed mottled brick accents. Triple-hung windows are encased with contrasting shutters that recall the home’s timeless charm.
Showcasing the approach of the home within the pool pagoda, one can fully absorb the imposing scale of the architectural compositions. Acknowledged in the New York Times as one of the most beautiful historical neighborhoods in America, the home pays homage to its unparalleled narrative and location like a moment frozen in Houston history.
Dual side yards flank either side of the home, inviting future playset placement, open air patio arrangements, garden development, and more. Tiers of landscaping designate the path towards the 3 car garage, which contains an elegant guesthouse (844 sqft) above with full bath, kitchen, living and sleeping spaces. Alternate spaces include a third floor space with half bath and basement, allowing for additional storage and lifestyle flexibility to serve as a gym, wine cellar, and more.Positioned under a canopy of trees along the renowned Broadacres boulevard, this historic John F. Staub design is individualized as his reinterpretation of a classical French manorial estate. With renovations by Michael Landrum that complement the home’s historic nature, the floor plan pivots around the 2-story polygonal entrance hall, dedicating space for elegant formals, a chef’s kitchen, study, sun room, game room, 4 bedrooms, & 4.2 baths rife with antique design elements sourced from Europe. Lofty ceiling heights & floor-to-ceiling triple-hung windows imbue the main arteries with a degree of grandeur & voluminous natural light, making the interior feel connected with the outdoors. French doors invite you outside to explore the near-acre grounds, complete with a covered patio, summer kitchen, pagoda, heated saltwater pool spa, & extensive green space. Additional features include a gated driveway, basement, 3rd floor flex space, & guest quarters with full kitchen+bath
| District: | Houston |
| Elementary School: | Poe 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 | $785.74 | $5,373,700 | 10.04% | $5,371,960 | 10.00% |
| 2022 | $714.08 | $4,883,600 | 12.25% | $4,883,600 | 12.25% |
| 2021 | $636.17 | $4,350,800 | 0.00% | $4,350,800 | 1.19% |
| 2020 | $636.17 | $4,350,800 | 11.31% | $4,299,715 | 10.00% |
| 2019 | $571.55 | $3,908,832 | -8.03% | $3,908,832 | -8.03% |
| 2018 | $621.44 | $4,250,000 | 0.00% | $4,250,000 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | $621.44 | $4,250,000 | 0.00% | $4,250,000 | 2.39% |
| 2016 | $621.44 | $4,250,000 | -7.10% | $4,150,718 | 10.00% |
| 2015 | $668.96 | $4,575,000 | -2.92% | $3,773,380 | 10.00% |
| 2014 | $689.06 | $4,712,500 | 51.11% | $3,430,346 | 10.00% |
| 2013 | $455.99 | $3,118,497 | 2.55% | $3,118,497 | 2.55% |
| 2012 | $444.64 | $3,040,900 | $3,040,900 |
2023 Harris County Appraisal District Tax Value |
|
|---|---|
| Market Land Value: | $3,353,400 |
| Market Improvement Value: | $2,020,300 |
| Total Market Value: | $5,373,700 |
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 % |
