The Hines Villa is located on Lazy Lane Blvd, and is nestled away on one of the most expensive streets in America within the most desirable area of River Oaks. See: World’s best homes – tour the globe’s most beautiful houses The late real estate mogul, who passed away at 95, had an impeccable taste for luxury.  To conceptualize an Italian-style villa with influences from his holidays in Tuscany, he engaged world renowned, New York based Robert A.M. Stern Architects to design the 17,000 square foot estate, which was completed in 1992.  Over many decades, the firm has earned a reputation for the design of the very best houses across the country and around the world. The sprawling 4.5-acre property is tucked between Buffalo Bayou and Kirby Drive, and within walking distance to the exclusive River Oaks Country Club.  Interiors are decadent and ornate, with oversized chandeliers, premium marble, and gold furnishings seen throughout. See: Living room ideas – clever ways to decorate living spaces With 11 bathrooms and five bedrooms,  the home is an ode to upscale luxury living. See: Bathroom ideas – stylish decor ideas for all bathrooms The Hines Villa is also home to a 3,000 square foot atrium with an enclosed pool, full-size tennis court and beautifully manicured grounds.  The property is listed by Douglas Elliman Texas (opens in new tab)licensed associates Cathy Cagle and Patricia Reed.

Who was Gerald D. Hines?

Mr. Hines (August 15, 1925 – August 23, 2020) is most famously known as a real estate developer based in Houston. He founded and was the chairman of Hines, which remains a privately held real estate firm. He transformed an entrepreneurial startup, established in Houston, Texas, in 1957, into an international powerhouse, renowned for developing, owning and managing some of the world’s most recognizable architectural landmarks across five continents. With more than 4,800 employees, the company is today active in 225 cities in 25 countries. According to houstoncitybook.com (opens in new tab), iconic structures he is known for include New York’s oval-shaped Lipstick Building by architect Philip Johnson, and Frank Gehry’s DZ Bank building off the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. He is the namesake of the University of Houston’s architecture school. Gerald passed away at the age of 95 at his home in August 2020.