Texans have always been partial to Mediterranean architecture. Terra-cotta roofs, stucco walls and tile floors lend themselves beautifully to our climate and lifestyle. When we saw this gorgeous Mediterranean luxury villa at 4345 Manning Lane it reminded us of those amazing stucco Santa Barbara castles celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Will Smith call home.
We’re certain that any celebrity would be thrilled to hang their hat at this casa. It has everything —and then some—and at only $2.799 million Ellen or Will could easily add this to their real estate portfolio.
This is a 6,444-square-foot Phillip-Jennings Custom Home, built in 2012 with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two-half-bathrooms. The home sits on an oversized half acre lot studded with trees. The signature of a Phillip-Jennings home—well, other than spectacular quality and attention to detail—is that there is not one. They don’t have a particular defining style, instead they focus on the client’s style.
“… what really sets PJCH apart is that they provide their clients with unique, attractive, quality-built homes that are energy-efficient, architecturally striking – with correct proportions, inviting site lines and stylish finishing details, all coupled with personal service before, during and after completion.”
Phillip-Jennings brought in architect Wesley Harder with The Harder Organization and interior designer Ashley Astleford (the queen of Hacienda Chic) to round out the team and of course the result is stunning. They’ve added in two of our very favorite things, a pooch palace and a secret door. Look closely at the bookcases when you’re there. That’s all we’re saying, you have to find it yourself and better yet, see where it leads!
The sellers style is evident throughout the house and it’s what really sets this home apart.
“The homeowner is from Holland so the tiles around the study fireplace have a Delft blue accent to compliment the Dutch accessories displayed throughout the house,” listing agent Wendy Harkness, of Dave Perry Miller said.
The formal living room fireplace features a wood panel with carved angels and wings inset just below the mantle. It was discovered by the sellers on a trip to Italy. The family room fireplace is custom limestone, carved by a local artist.
There are barrel vaulted ceilings galore in the home with something we’ve seldom seen, a triple barrel vault in the family room that includes beams. A wall of French doors, topped with transom windows, allows light to wash over the room.
The focal point in kitchens is rapidly becoming the range hood cover and this one is exceptional. The owners found an old wood carving in California and had it cut to fit, creating a richness of character and lending a distinct personality to the gourmet kitchen. That’s Ken Mason tile used as an accent behind the commercial-grade range. The room is anchored by an enormous colonial cream polished granite island.
The master suite has stunning beamed and vaulted ceilings and a bathroom that has given us serious tub envy. That’s a honed limestone bathtub: can you say fortune? With a glass of bubbly in hand and bubbles in the bath, what could be a better end to any day?
The only thing that might come close is ending your day outdoors with drinks by the fireplace and a dip in the pool. Either way, it’s a win-win.
Just invite us over when you settle in.
