Journey through Texas and discover five historic estates where every wall, window, and walkway holds a story. These architectural landmarks—built between the mid-1800s and early 1900s—span from refined residences in Austin and San Antonio to secluded countryside estates in Marshall and Brenham. Intricate millwork, original brick facades, and century-old hardwood floors remain preserved, while thoughtful updates add modern comfort. Set on properties ranging from manicured city lots to wide-open ranch land, and valued between $2.1 million and $6.3 million, these homes offer a powerful connection to Texas’s storied past.
1. Secluded Mediterranean Retreat in the Heart of Dallas
Nestled on a secluded 2.12-acre stretch overlooking Turtle Creek, this 6,650-square-foot Mediterranean estate in Dallas is a rare architectural time capsule dating back to 1926. Anchored by a salon with soaring 25-foot beamed ceilings, the first level unfolds into formal and informal spaces, including a library-connected dining room, guest suite, chef’s kitchen under a solarium, and expansive covered patio.
Where is Dallas, TX?
Dallas, Texas, is located in north-central Texas and is a major city within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It sits about 35 miles east of Fort Worth and 200 miles north of Austin. The city is known for its strong economy, cultural diversity, and landmarks like the Dallas Arts District and Dealey Plaza. With a mix of modern development, historic neighborhoods, and business hubs, Dallas offers a dynamic urban experience.
Foyer
The foyer includes a raised tiled platform with a decorative rug and a vintage wood console placed below a framed mirror. An arched glass door at the end provides direct access to the yard. A large lantern-style pendant light hangs from the tall ceiling above the central space.
Living Room
The living room features arched glass doors surrounding a central fireplace with a framed painting mounted above. A sectional and two green velvet chairs sit on a textured area rug, facing the hearth. Exposed wood ceiling beams complete the vertical layout of the tall, open space.
Dining Room
The dining room includes a long, black rectangular table beneath a skylight, with eight chairs placed on terracotta flooring. Three arched windows and doors provide a clear view of the garden outside. A wall mirror and sideboard with twin black lamps complete the layout.
Kitchen
The kitchen includes a center island with a built-in sink and bar seating, surrounded by white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Marble countertops and backsplash line the outer counters, while the island features a brown stone top. A dining nook sits beyond the island, positioned near the tall arched windows.
Home Office
The office features a vintage wood desk flanked by two bookcases recessed into the wall, with shelving that holds books and art. A patterned rug rests below the desk and surrounding seating, including two sculptural black chairs and a sofa. French doors and neutral curtains line one wall, offering outdoor access.
Source: Coldwell Banker
2. Historic Highland Park Estate with Modern Refinement
In the heart of Highland Park’s French Streets, this Hal Thomson-designed estate spans three levels with 5 bedrooms and 6.2 baths, merging architectural heritage with modern luxury. A slate roof, detailed ironwork, and grand live oaks introduce the formal interior, where crown molding frames living and dining areas, a marble-clad chef’s kitchen, and a sunroom opening to the backyard loggia, pool, and spa. Upstairs, the primary suite features a vine-covered terrace and spa bath, while the third level offers a flexible retreat with a lounge, game room, and full bath—ideal for conversion to a guest apartment.
Where is Highland Park, TX?
Highland Park, Texas, is located in central Dallas County, about 4 miles north of downtown Dallas. It is an independent town known for its tree-lined streets, luxury homes, and top-rated schools. Surrounded by the city of Dallas, it offers a quiet residential setting with quick access to urban amenities. Highland Park combines exclusivity, historic charm, and proximity to shopping and cultural districts like Highland Park Village and the Dallas Arts District.
Living Room
The living room includes a fireplace framed by pale green wall paneling and flanked by two windows with built-in bench seating. A pair of gray armchairs and a beige sofa form the seating area around a central coffee table. Overhead lighting and symmetrical wall sconces frame the artwork above the mantel.
Dining Room
The dining room features a rectangular wood table surrounded by eight chairs and a built-in banquette in the corner. A capiz shell chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and large windows line the perimeter, letting in natural light. A bold orange gradient painting adds a pop of color against the neutral backdrop.
Kitchen
The kitchen includes a large center island with seating for four, marble countertops, and full-height cabinetry in a soft off-white tone. Stainless steel appliances, including a double oven and side-by-side refrigerator, are integrated along the perimeter. A marble backsplash wraps the walls for a continuous look.
Bedroom
The primary bedroom includes a four-poster canopy bed with draped fabric panels and a mirrored nightstand. Twin windows with pleated curtains frame a corner bench, and a chandelier adds soft overhead lighting. A patterned rug defines the bed area over the light carpet flooring.
Home Office
The home office features a wooden desk placed on a patterned rug with red and cream dots, positioned near a wall of glass offering views of the backyard. Built-in paneling lines the interior walls, and a sculptural chandelier anchors the space. A wide chest of drawers sits across from the desk, providing additional storage.
Source: Coldwell Banker
3. Architectural Gem in Gated Shadyside, Houston
Set on 2+ acres in gated Shadyside, this 4–5 bedroom Mediterranean Revival was designed by William Ward Watkin and renovated with a 1,200-square-foot addition by Rudy Colby Design. Winner of the “Good Brick Award,” the home features landscaped grounds by OJB, a pool, tennis court, Artist Cottage, elevator, and 3-car Carriage House with apartments. Located in the Museum District near the Med Center, Rice University, and Downtown.
Where is Houston, TX?
Houston, Texas, is located in southeastern Texas and serves as the largest city in the state by population. It lies about 50 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico and 165 miles east of Austin. The city is a major hub for energy, medicine, and aerospace, with landmarks like the Texas Medical Center and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Known for its cultural diversity, green spaces, and vibrant neighborhoods, Houston offers a broad mix of urban life and global influence.
Living Room
The living room includes a grouping of armchairs and sofas arranged around a fireplace with a carved mantel. Tall arched windows line the curved wall, bringing in light from outside. Chandeliers hang above, and a patterned rug defines the seating area.
Formal Dining Room
The formal dining room includes a long table placed on an oversized rug with seating for ten. A crystal chandelier is centered in a coffered ceiling, and built-in cabinets with glass doors line the wall. Framed paintings and drapes complete the decor.
Kitchen
The kitchen is anchored by a wide island with built-in shelving and seating for four. Cabinetry includes mirrored glass fronts and a paneled refrigerator. Pendant lights hang above the island, and a stainless steel range is set beneath a custom hood.
Breakfast Nook
The breakfast nook features a round table with six chairs beneath a black and bronze chandelier. Floor-to-ceiling windows curve around the room, offering a view of the surrounding greenery. A built-in cabinet with glass doors stands to the side.
Bedroom
The bedroom includes a carved four-poster bed with drapery and a cushioned bench at the foot. Polished wood floors contrast with light blue walls and a traditional area rug. A mirrored dresser and armoire are positioned along the walls.
Library
The library contains floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on three sides with dark wood cabinetry. A roll-top desk sits at the center, framed by a green accent wall and antique lighting. Personal collections and vintage decor fill the shelves.
Source: Coldwell Banker
4. Sprawling 430-Acre Ranch with Hilltop Estate in Austin County
This 430-acre ranch in Sealy offers panoramic views atop Austin County’s rolling hills, with native grasses, wooded areas, ponds, Mill Creek, and 5 water wells supporting abundant wildlife. At the center sits an 8,000-square-foot home with 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, an open kitchen-living layout, a wet bar, a private primary wing, and French doors to an outdoor kitchen. Additional features include a pool, spa, garages, entertainment facility, and a historic home ideal for guests or ranch staff.
Where is Sealy, TX?
Sealy, Texas, is located in southeastern Texas, in Austin County, about 50 miles west of downtown Houston and 20 miles south of Brenham. Positioned along Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90, it serves as a key gateway between Houston and central Texas. The city is known for its manufacturing roots, including being the original home of Sealy mattresses. With a small-town atmosphere and easy highway access, Sealy offers a convenient blend of rural living and regional connectivity.
Living Room
The living room centers around a sectional placed on a red patterned rug with a large wooden coffee table. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace anchors one wall, while recessed lights and a ceiling fan span the vaulted ceiling. Pillars divide the open space into adjacent dining and lounge areas.
Kitchen
The kitchen features a central island with seating for four, pendant lighting, and a stainless steel range hood. White cabinets line the perimeter, with double wall ovens and a built-in refrigerator positioned along the back wall. Large floor tiles and expansive counter space complete the layout.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom includes a wood-framed bed positioned below a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and recessed lighting. Large windows wrap around the corner of the room, offering panoramic outdoor views. French doors lead out to a balcony overlooking the property.
Primary Bathroom
The primary bathroom includes dual vanities with marble counters and black fixtures, a glass-enclosed shower, and a soaking tub below a wide window. A full wall mirror extends the length of the vanity area. Neutral tile flooring runs throughout the space and connects to the adjacent bedroom.
Game Room
The game room contains a pool table centered between two large windows and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. A tiled floor runs through the space, which opens into a secondary lounge area through sliding glass doors. Recessed ceiling lights provide even illumination throughout.
5. Renovated Old Enfield Estate with Guest Quarters and Outdoor Retreat
Located in Austin’s Old Enfield neighborhood, this renovated estate offers a 4BD/3.5BA main residence and a 1BD/1BA guest apartment on a fully walled lot. Interiors feature formal living and dining rooms, a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, multiple family spaces, and a primary suite with a fireplace, balcony, and sitting room. Outdoor amenities include a pool, spa, putting green, turf lawn, circular drive, porte-cochere, and detached garage with guest quarters—minutes from UT and Downtown.
Where is Austin, TX?
Austin, Texas, is located in central Texas and serves as the state capital. It lies about 80 miles north of San Antonio and 200 miles south of Dallas, along Interstate 35. The city is known for its live music scene, tech industry, and outdoor spaces like Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. Austin combines cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and innovation, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Entryway
The entryway features a glass-paneled arched front door set beneath a large crystal chandelier. A curved staircase with light wood treads and black iron balusters frames the space. Wall paneling adds dimension to the white walls and complements the natural wood flooring.
Living Room
The living room includes a sectional positioned around a round coffee table and a large stone fireplace with a mounted television. Two tall arched doors on either side of the fireplace open to the pool area. Built-in shelving lines one wall, creating additional storage and display space.
Dining Room
The dining room centers around a rectangular wooden table paired with upholstered chairs. A long console table stands along the wall beneath framed artwork and a narrow mirror. Large windows provide backyard and pool views, filling the space with natural light.
Kitchen
The kitchen includes dual islands with waterfall-edge marble countertops and light wood cabinetry throughout. Open shelving and full-height cabinets frame a large window above the sink. Stainless steel appliances are built into the cabinetry, including a double oven and a column refrigerator.
Bedroom
The bedroom features exposed ceiling beams and full-height windows that open to a private balcony. A platform bed sits against one wall, paired with nightstands and light drapery. The layout offers open views and natural light from multiple directions.
Family Room
The family room is enclosed with arched brick-framed windows and includes a U-shaped sectional with a green rectangular coffee table. Built-in shelves extend across one wall with additional cabinetry below. A black coffered ceiling contrasts with the exposed brick and wood flooring.
Source: Coldwell Banker
