Custom homes feel more like lakefront villa

By KATHERINE FESER
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

A Mediterranean villa is taking shape on the Katy prairie in Windsor Park Lakes.

Two miles from Interstate 10 near Barker Cypress Road, amid a vast crop of homes that's taken root over past two decades, the gated enclave of lakeside homes is unusual.

"We're the first all-tile-roof community in Houston," says Bill Conrad, sales manager for Windsor Park Lakes.

High-end custom homes are priced from $400,000 to more than $1 million. Lots extend to the water's edge, giving most homeowners access to paddle-boating, canoeing or fishing from their own yards.

"The homes can accommodate their own private boat docks or piers," Conrad says.

Other touches in the community, which is home to executives and athletes, include plenty of palm trees and driveways of patterned concrete. Houses are built of stucco, brick or stone, often with grand arched windows in the designs. Homes are sometimes appointed with wine rooms, theaters, covered porches and balconies, and kitchens and baths with the finest finishes. Sizes range from around 3,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet.

Carol and Ron Robinson were among the first to move to the neighborhood just over seven years ago. Familiar with the area, having lived in nearby Kelliwood before moving overseas, the Robinsons were looking for a home near the energy corridor. Now retired, they enjoy theresortlike setting with amenities such as a clubhouse that looks like a country club and has tennis and swimming facilities. Homeowners dues are $2,400 per year.

Corporate relocations generate much of the buying and selling activity, says Carol Robinson. People often express a desire to return to the Katy district's acclaimed schools.

About 170 of a total of 300 homes have been completed in the development bordering George Bush Park. The community was planned by Academy Development Co., which is also responsible for Windermere Lakes in northwest Houston and Chelsea Harbour in Sugar Land.

Current builders are Princeton Classic Homes, Campise Custom Homes, Melrose Custom Homes and Bill Clayton Homes. Past builders have included PineOak Builders and Luxury Living Homes.

Source: Crawford Realty Advisors prepared this analysis based on information compiled by the Houston Association of Realtors - www.HAR.com.