An Estate For The Ages, A Houston Gem Intrigues With Legendary Design
There’s no doubt Henry Hobson Richardson was an architectural genius. His signature style—dubbed Richardsonian Romanesque—offers a modern interpretation of ancient Roman and medieval features. Today, few homes in the country carry out the aesthetic to its fullest potential, but the Romanov estate in Houston is one member of that elite club.
The Visionary
Long the subject of community mystery and enviable comment, Romanov—with all of its masonry, pronounced gables and archways—is the accomplishment of architect Ken Newberry.
Impassioned by the idea of bringing to life a home that perfectly showcased the strengths of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, Newberry put pencil to paper in the early 2000s. Together with owner/designer Colleen Romanov, builder Jeff Thompsen and construction supervisor extraordinaire Mike Timmons, he created an efficient, modern, private home fit for entertaining and made to last.
“As an architect who has worked for more than 35 years across the United States and in several other countries around the world, I can tell you that Romanov may be one of the most extraordinary houses you’ll ever see,” Newberry says.
In fact, only a privileged few have seen it. The interior has never been shown to the public, and the home hasn’t been for sale until now.
The Originator
To view Romanov beyond its façade would be an experience indeed. In those first meetings with Newberry and team, original owner Colleen Romanov expressed that she wanted to use only authentic, hand-cut Indiana limestone. The trouble was, a government need to dominate the market for the rebuilding of the Pentagon created a shortage.
Determined to fulfill her vision, Colleen spent the next year on a European sojourn with two antique and interior design experts. In France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and England, they scooped up treasures—from small trinkets and rugs, to ornate architectural details. With the exception of a single custom-built, walk-in fireplace, all of the exquisite mantels within Romanov come from European castles and manor houses.
The Details
Romanav seems to possess a quiet grandeur reminiscent of a centuries-old estate. It is set within the acclaimed Hunters Creek Village elevated high above and surrounded by a moat of the 18,000-year-old Buffalo Bayou on three sides. It’s also buffered by the expansive green space of the Houston Country Club, and yet, the city’s skyline peeks through for incredible views.
Abundant with high-tech security functions, one-of-a-kind curated pieces, handmade finishes and amenities ahead of its time, the 22,000-square-foot main home is complemented by a guesthouse titled The Lodge. Spanning 3,500-square-feet, the space was originally the site of Houston’s first hunting lodge and even a fabled exotic birdcage folly.
The Opportunity
History, intrigue and legendary design on a 9-acre legacy property near all Houston has to give … sounds like Camelot.
And it could be yours. The inimitable Romanov Estate is being offered to the public for the first time, exclusively by the Icon Global Group. Click here to learn more and make an inquiry.