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One of My All Time Favorite Homes is on the Market!

Aug 01, 2022

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!

Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Eleanor Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes home
Photo credit: Compass Realty

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.

Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Eleanor Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes, Chateau Domingue home.  Dining room
Photo credit: Compass Realty

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.

Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Eleanor Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes home.  Arches to kitchen.
Photo credit: Wade Blissard

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!!

Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Eleanor Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes home.  Rustic kitchen.
Photo credit: Wade Blissard

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!

Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Eleanor Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes home.  Formal living room.
Photography by Wade Blissard

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!!

April 2010 cover of Veranda Magazine featuring Segreto Finishes plaster and the design work of Eleanor Cummings, Allan Edwards, Murphy Mears, Segreto Finishes, Chateau Domingue

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.

Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Ellen Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes, Chateau Domingue home.  Formal entry
Photo credit Compass Realty

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.

Groin vault plaster by Segreto Finishes
Photo Credit Wade Blissard

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

Master bedroom.  Eleanor Cummings, Allan Edwards, Murphy Mears, Segreto Finishes

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…………………..

Master bath.  Eleanor Cummings, Allan Edwards, Segreto Finishes, Murphy Mears

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

Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Ellen Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes home.  Infinity pool.
Image From Compass Bank

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

Custom built full sized private basketball court  Allan Edwards Builders, Murphy Mears Architecture, Ellen Cummings Interiors, Segreto Finishes home
Photo credit: Compass Realty

………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



9 Comments
  • Susan Alberty
    Posted at 13:27h, 01 August Reply

    Please tell me about the tub?

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 06:32h, 07 August Reply

      I wish I knew more- It is stunning. I do know it is solid marble.Eleanor purchased it!!

  • Donna Mouw
    Posted at 16:51h, 01 August Reply

    What a beautiful home! I agree that the the plaster tone and texture that you and your team created for this home has stood the test of time. It is exactly the character that the house needed. Beautiful!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 06:30h, 07 August Reply

      HI Donna, I do love the home! I hope all is good in your world. Have a wonderful end to summer!

      • Leslie Sinclair
        Posted at 06:31h, 07 August Reply

        It is is quite remarkable. Eleanor purchased it. I just know it is solid marble!! wish I could help more!

  • Michele@helolovely
    Posted at 11:44h, 02 August Reply

    Your team did an amazing job! What a glorious project to be a part of with the incredible Eleanor Cummings and Kirby Mears! Bravo, Leslie!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 06:29h, 07 August Reply

      HI Michele, I think about you often. I hope all is well with you and your family! You are such an inspiring person and such a gift to the design community! xo

  • Olive Green
    Posted at 07:18h, 14 August Reply

    Such a beautiful house! I could clearly see that it is a blend of new and antique interior and I am loving it so far. It seems very luxurious though.

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 06:53h, 29 August Reply

      HI Olive! It is luxurious for sure!! I hope all is well with your and yours!! Have a great week!

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