Originally designed by Birdsall Briscoe, this River Oaks home, known as LEGEND, has undergone a masterful restoration by Suzanne Duin, ASID, & Joshua I. F. Jones, AIA. Extensive reconstruction includes all major systems while preserving flooring, doors, millwork, sash windows, & more.
This residence is a City of Houston Protected Landmark.
The grand foyer with a sweeping staircase sets the tone for this elegant home, flowing effortlessly into the formal dining, living, library, and breakfast rooms, this space includes refurbished hardwood floors, a stunning crystal chandelier, and a custom iron and glass door framing serene backyard views.
The generously proportioned living room flows seamlessly into a sophisticated library, offering a versatile layout ideal for both gracious entertaining and serene relaxation. Expansive windows bathe the space in natural light, while two charming alcove windows are artfully framed by custom built-in shelving and cabinetry, adding both character and functionality. At the heart of the room, an Isokern gas log fireplace with a natural stone surround and exquisite millwork creates a striking focal point.
Finishing details in the living room include classic crown molding, refurbished hardwood floors, a lacquer-painted ceiling, and subtle recessed lighting, all contributing to the room’s timeless elegance.
Step into an expansive, elegantly appointed dining room highlighted by a stunning designer mural wallpaper that makes a bold artistic statement. A stately Isokern gas log fireplace with a natural stone surround serves as the focal point, gracefully flanked by two alcove windows adorned with refined millwork. A custom built-in display cabinet adds both beauty and function, while solid wood double doors offer the option to enclose the room for added privacy.
The dining room exudes timeless elegance with classic crown molding, refurbished hardwoods, and a lacquered ceiling. A stunning Baccarat crystal chandelier and recessed lighting create a warm, refined ambiance ideal for intimate dinners or elegant entertaining.
This inviting breakfast room is thoughtfully appointed with custom window treatments and designer wallpaper, creating a warm, stylish setting for everyday dining. Two graceful arched entrances lead to the kitchen, while a built-in cabinet offers both charm and practical storage. One of two powder rooms adjoins the space, featuring a natural stone vanity, antique lighting, and richly textured wallpaper.
Equipped for serious cooking, the kitchen offers a large single-basin stainless steel sink alongside a matching prep sink. High-end appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator with integrated cabinetry, a La Cornue gas range and oven with pot filler and vent hood, plus a stainless-steel Wolf oven, steam/convection oven, and warming drawer.
Two charming Dutch (stable) doors open to the exterior, enhancing indoor-outdoor flow. An office nook features custom bookshelves, cabinetry, a built-in coffee bar with sink, and distinctive copper-screen cupboard fronts. A walk-in pantry with an antique entry door adds character and functionality.
Thoughtfully reimagined, this lower-level space now offers seamless access from the kitchen via a custom-designed staircase and stairwell. The temperature-controlled wine cellar features independent zoning for optimal preservation and display, complemented by reclaimed stone flooring and luxurious Segreto hand-finished plaster walls. A layered lighting scheme—including track, recessed, and under-cabinet lighting—creates an inviting ambiance perfect for entertaining.
This richly appointed library showcases thoughtfully crafted custom millwork and cabinetry, including a charming media cabinet and cleverly designed ‘book’ doors that blend seamlessly into the space.
A wet bar with built-in ice maker offers effortless entertaining, while steel-framed windows with bespoke window treatments bring in natural light and architectural character. Elegant crown molding, refurbished hardwood floors, and recessed lighting complete this space with timeless sophistication.
This charming powder room off the foyer near the library features a custom brass vanity with marble top, designer mural wallpaper, antique light fixtures, and refurbished hardwood floors—blending classic charm with refined style.
Occupying the entire north wing of the second floor, the primary suite is a serene retreat featuring custom window treatments and a gas fireplace. Two distinct primary bathrooms and custom walk-in closets offer generous comfort and storage. A private sitting room, a coffee bar, and elevator access add luxury and convenience.
This luxurious primary bathroom features an oversized vanity with marble countertop and a Bain Ultra whirlpool tub framed by elegant marble surround and trim. A spacious walk-in shower, also with marble surround, complements the space. The private water closet is equipped with a sleek TOTO Aquia bidet toilet. Custom millwork, wood trim, crown molding, heated marble floors, and a blend of antique and recessed lighting complete this serene retreat.
Featuring an antique vanity topped with a natural stone counter, this primary bathroom offers a walk-in steam shower framed by natural stone surround. The private water closet includes a sleek TOTO Aquia bidet toilet, plus a separate urinal. Crown molding, heated natural stone floors, and recessed lighting complete the refined ambiance.
The private sitting room includes a gas fireplace, built-in window seats, designer wallpaper, and antique lighting.
This oversized guest suite features an en suite bath and custom-designed walk-in closet, enhanced by custom window treatments, crown molding, refurbished hardwood floors, antique lighting, and built-in speakers for added comfort and ambiance.
The spacious en suite bathroom offers a marble-topped vanity, built-in linen cabinet, walk-in shower with marble tile surround, and matching marble tile flooring. Recessed and vanity lighting complete this refined retreat.
This spacious guest suite features an en suite bath and custom-designed walk-in closet, complemented by custom window treatments, crown molding, refurbished hardwood floors, and designer lighting.
The spacious en suite bathroom includes a marble-topped vanity, tub/shower combo with marble tile surround and seamless glass frame, a private water closet, and marble tile flooring. Recessed and vanity lighting complete this elegant space.
The third-floor media room features a wet bar with beverage cooler, cozy dormer window reading nook, floored attic access, refurbished hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and built-in speakers for the perfect entertainment experience.
The third-floor guest bedroom offers a private en suite bathroom and a custom-designed walk-in closet with convenient access to floored attic storage. A charming dormer window nook adds character and natural light, while refurbished hardwood floors and a blend of recessed and antique lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The en suite bathroom features a walk-in shower with classic white subway tile surround, natural stone flooring, and a combination of recessed and vanity lighting, providing both style and functionality for guests.
This side view of the home highlights the loggia, offering easy and convenient parking access.
The three-car garage was extensively restored and reconfigured, finished with durable epoxy flooring for easy maintenance. Adjacent to the garage is an exercise room with tile flooring and a mirrored wall, perfect for workouts at home. The attached half bath was renovated and thoughtfully reoriented to allow direct exterior access, adding convenience for guests and outdoor activities. Above the garage, a fully equipped guest house offers additional living space.
This inviting guest house features an open concept living, dining, and kitchen area with vaulted ceilings and shiplap wall treatments. The oversized kitchen boasts a single-basin stainless steel sink, natural stone countertops, and full-size stainless-steel appliances—including dishwasher, oven, gas range, and refrigerator. Reclaimed hardwood floors, recessed and pendant lighting, and a ceiling fan complete the welcoming space.
This spacious bedroom features reclaimed hardwood floors, beadboard wall treatments, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, and a generous closet.
The en suite bath showcases a marble vanity, walk-in shower, beadboard walls, tile floors, and layered recessed and vanity lighting.
Also offering reclaimed hardwood floors, beadboard walls, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, and ample closet space, this bedroom’s en suite bath includes a marble-topped vanity, antique bathtub, beadboard walls, tile flooring, and a combination of recessed and vanity lighting.
The expansive backyard bluestone slate patio, partially covered and designed for elevated outdoor living. Features a fully equipped summer kitchen with Fisher & Paykel gas grill, Sub-Zero undercounter fridge, stainless steel sink, and soapstone countertops.
Historic houses such as LEGEND tell the future about us and about those who came before us. Lifestyles and tastes change, but each generation must strive to create houses that future generations will be inspired by, feel compelled to preserve, and most importantly, want to live in. Thanks to studied, careful restoration, LEGEND is once again a stunning family home that has not only reclaimed its grandeur in the present but achieved robust sustainability for the future.
Listings courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS® MLS as distributed by MLS GRID.