Hi Friends! Even though it is definitely hot in Houston, I haven’t let it interfere with my weekend morning walks; such a great way to reflect on the past week and plan for the next. This last weekend I strolled past a project that we completed a number of years ago and I saw that it was on the market. I was delighted to see that one of the key selling features is the beautiful plaster work we did throughout the house. I thought you might enjoy taking a tour with me in a home with Segreto Finishes throughout!

214 Terrace Drive is so close to Houston’s favorite urban recreation area, Memorial Park , on a truly stunning and very private feeling multi-terraced 35,000 square foot lot. Built in 2005 by Allan Edwards and designed by Murphy Mears Architecture, the home has old world villa charm with Tuscan, Spanish and French influences. I can just see myself sitting on the terrace, drinking a glass of vino and imagining I’m at my own private vineyard estate in Italy or Provence.

The architecture of the house was created by the renowned Kirby Mears who worked with the amazing Eleanor Cummings with the selections. In the formal dining room, reclaimed limestone floors from Houston’s own Chateau Domingue grounded the room. These lucky new homeowners will be able to keep the antique French sconces and a chandelier! Our job at Segreto Finishes was to compliment the other hard surfaces and architecture of the house with the right type and tone of plaster. Just like flooring or lighting choices there are as many types of plaster and an infinite number of shades, so this selection needed to lend authenticity to the architecture and reclaimed elements built in.

I consistently say that I’m always the bridesmaid and never the bride! I love formulating the perfect backdrop to a home’s architecture, surfaces, art and furnishings!! I feel the plaster chosen elevated the home and created an ambiance impossible with a painted sheetrock wall. Through this beautiful barrel hallway is a truly remarkable kitchen!!

The European style kitchen features a really striking La Cornue range and a countertop that looks like a great place to try a new bread recipe!

Interior design legend Eleanor did such an amazing job furnishing the home! After plastering for close to 30 years, I still simply love the shadow, play of light and mood it creates and 17 years later the plaster in this home remains current!! The entire home is plastered in the same shade and this picture is a good representation of tone; a soft warm white-classic!!

This house is so special that it even landed the cover of Veranda Magazine in April of 2010. I was so excited!! I found a link to the original article, which you can read here.

It’s not unheard of but unusual to see homes without baseboards anywhere throughout, especially ones built in 2005. Thinking back on the project, I remember how thankful I was that Allan Edward’s Builders made sure the substrate we plastered on was so professionally installed. Our artisans have to take special care without baseboards to make sure the seams between floors and the walls are smooth and crisp, especially when such beautiful natural floors are selected. Although an elegant and clean look, it is a more expensive construction process and more difficult to maintain.

This home has so many architectural features like these beautiful groin vaults!

The Master bedroom with its lovely views of the terrace transports you to another place entirely. It almost feels like a slice of Europe in the heart of Houston. And the Master bath…………………..

……….I could definitely soak in that tub with my favorite Chardonnay! French please!

Of course the house isn’t just beautiful on the inside. Not only does it have a stately infinity pool, but also……(drumroll please)……

………a full-sized basketball court! If you are on the market for a home in Houston this is a true find! Lil Newman with Compass Realty has the listing which you can click on and view here! This home will always be special to me as it is the first time I had worked with Eleanor and Kirby!! I was thankful Allan Edwards brought me into the project! A big bonus too; the homeowners were amazing, and it gave me so much joy to be a part of such their beautiful spaces! Till next time! XO Leslie