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If you've been keeping an eye on Houston's luxury real estate market, one of May's most notable sales comes with both Texas history and architectural prestige. A descendant of the legendary King Ranch family has officially sold a landmark River Oaks estate, making it one of the city's most expensive residential transactions of the month.
The nearly century-old Tudor Revival residence at 1419 Kirby Drive was owned by John T. Steen III, a descendant of King Ranch founder Richard King and vice chairman of King Ranch Inc. After hitting the market with an asking price of nearly $6.5 million, the home sold in May, ranking as Houston's second-priciest residential sale for the month.
Originally built in 1931 by Katharine Mott, recognized as Houston's first female homebuilder, the historic property is known as the Henderson House. Over the past several years, the Steens completed an extensive restoration that preserved the home's original character while modernizing its infrastructure. Their efforts earned a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston in 2022 for outstanding historic preservation.
As you step inside, the nearly 7,000-square-foot residence showcases timeless craftsmanship, including leaded-glass windows, antique tile flooring, exposed wood-beam ceilings, a sweeping iron staircase, carved stone fireplaces, and beautifully restored stained-glass details. Outside, mature oak trees frame a private backyard complete with a pool and elegant outdoor entertaining spaces.
The sale highlights the continued strength of Houston's ultra-luxury housing market, particularly in River Oaks, where historic estates and newly built mansions continue to command multi-million-dollar price tags. For buyers and architecture enthusiasts alike, this transaction serves as another reminder that some of Houston's most coveted homes offer not just luxury, but a rich piece of Texas history.