Neighborhood facts and map

---

Number of homes	301
Median price	$281,700
Median price per square foot	$64.21
Median size	4,356 square feet
Median lot size	11,763 square feet
Median year built	1992
Average number of bedrooms	4.4
Average number of baths	3.7
Median estimated tax	$9,106
School district	Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
Schools	Hairgrove Elementary, Truitt Junior and Langham Creek High

Source: Crawford Realty Advisors

Polished look of Twin Lakes enthrals family

By KATHERINE FESER
Copyright 1997 Houston Chronicle

The spacious floorplan and neighborhood amenities Randy and Jeannie Curtis found in Twin Lakes will be tough to match when the family relocates to Arkansas for a new job.

"It's going to be very hard to duplicate," says Jeannie.

Enamored of the polished look of the Twin Lakes -- from a guarded entrance to lakes with fountains and rock waterfalls to custom homes along curving streets -- the Curtis family bought a new, 4,000-square-foot house in 1993 after looking in Spring Branch, Katy and the FM 1960 area.

The house features a master suite downstairs plus four bedrooms and two Hollywood-style baths up. The layout includes an island kitchen, two living areas and a media room with fireplace. The asking price of $289,900 covers extras put into the house, such as wood blinds, pleated shades and landscaping.

Because some buyers find used homes a better value than new ones, the resale market is strong in Twin Lakes, says Steve Hardcastle, a Realtor with Re/Max Westside. Existing homes average $65 per square foot, while new construction ranges from $80- to $100 per square foot. Eight resales are currently on the market from $225,000 to $509,900.

Sales in Twin Lakes are generated largely from relocations on the far west side, as well as move-up buyers within Houston, Hardcastle says. Houses range from 3,500 to 7,500 square feet.

All of the homes in Twin Lakes were built by Kickerillo Custom Homes, most with three-car garages and game rooms. Common features include high ceilings, heavy crown moldings, marble and granite, gourmet kitchens and multiple fireplaces.

Currently, 15 houses are in various stages of construction, Hardcastle says. Building on the remaining 60 lots in the subdivision is expected in the next 12 to 18 months.

Across from the community is another upscale, gated development called the Lakes on Eldridge, where houses range from $150,000 to $600,000, Hardcastle says.

Twin Lakes was developed in 1989 by Kickerillo Cos. and Landar Corp. off Eldridge Parkway, just north of Bear Creek Park. Walking paths along the lakes, pool and tennis courts are available for residents. Annual maintenance fees are $963.