Introduction to a Historic Mansion
It is rare for a mid-century home to have a classic architectural profile, but the Trone-Howe House, designed by famed Houston architect Birdsdall P. Briscoe in 1959, is an exception. This grand Greek Revival mansion, located at 4019 Inverness in the heart of River Oaks, has undergone a careful and masterful renovation. The owners have now put this dream mansion on the market with a listing price of $5.2 million.
A House with a Rich History
The Trone-Howe House, also known as Legend, has a rich history. It was designed as the family home of descendants of the founders of Harrisburg and Harris County, specifically Dorothy Virginia Trone Howe, the widow of Knox Briscoe Howe. The architect, Birdsdall P. Briscoe, was a descendant of the Harris family, from which the area gets its name. This special house bears a City of Houston Landmark Designation, recognizing its character, interest, and value as a visible reminder of the development, heritage, and cultural legacy of mid-twentieth-century Houston.
Architectural Features
The house is flanked by colonnades of wood columns, a traditional feature of Southern colonial interpretation of Greek Revival. A 14-foot wide reception hall extends through the house to the rear patio and gardens. The 11-foot ceilings are complemented by bespoke millwork designed by the original owner and Briscoe. Chevron and herringbone patterned hardwood floors add to the period feel, as do pocket doors and the impressive front door with transom.
Modernizing a Historic Home
The current owners, Suzanne Duin and Michael Stewart, began a four-year restoration and renovation project in 2001. Working with architect Joshua I. F. Jones, they transformed the house into a modern and state-of-the-art living space while maintaining its historic charm. The renovation included replacing the slate roof, rewiring the entire house, and installing a copper roof over the breezeway/loggia, which now boasts a summer kitchen. Additions included an elevator and full house generator.
The Restored Mansion
The restored mansion features four bedrooms, five full and three half bathrooms, with the third floor finished out. While five fireplaces and two staircases speak to a previous era, the house now boasts central air and gas heating. Above the four-car garage, a guest apartment offers a bedroom with kitchenette and bath, plus two additional bedrooms that share a bath. The house also features a unique antique, functioning butler bell-board, reminiscent of Downton Abbey.
Conclusion
The Trone-Howe House is a rare and special mansion that combines historic charm with modern amenities. With its rich history, stunning architectural features, and careful renovation, this house is a true gem in the heart of River Oaks. Listed at $5.2 million, this dream mansion is a unique opportunity for those looking for a piece of history and a luxurious living space. Mary Hale McLean of Greenwood King Properties has the listing for this historic River Oaks mansion, offering a chance to own a piece of Houston’s cultural legacy.
