One guess why everyone calls this the ‘Sputnik House’. Yes, the original owner put that huge sputnik light in the entrance when the family moved in, in 1957, says real estate agent Robert Searcy. Robert has just listed this gorgeous mid century modern house in Houston’s Glenbrook neighborhood for sale. You may recall that Robert is the agent who sent us the photos of the Swankienda house. It’s right down the street from the Sputnik. Oh my, what a street! Thanks and link love to Robert Searcy and to TK Images for immediately supplying me with these photos to feature. We love our time capsule houses, yes we do. Although they make us all jealous because we do not all have rooflines that look like eagles ready to take flight, where we can hang fantastic sputnik lights.
Here is what the listing says about this 2,334 s.f. house, which has three bedrooms, two baths and is listed for $192,500:
The Sputnik house, one of the Glenbrook historic districts most iconic homes. A stellar restored mid-century mod on a premier block with many upgrades yet original character intact. Original vintage tile baths & swank light fixtures. Mod doorplates & original hardware professionally polished. Study ith wall of storage, front living + open den/dining area w/vaulted beamed ceiling, poured terrazzo & fireplace.
And, sit back, here is the photo tour:
And Robert sent me these from his cell phone:
Gorgeous. Thank you again, Robert and TK Images, keep sending these my way, and we’ll show them to the appreciative mid mod world — including potential buyers, stat!
Repeating the link love:
- See the listing for the Sputnik house here.
- Once the house is sold, if you wanna talk mid mod houses in Houston, contact Robert here.
- Great photos from TK Images Real Estate Photography.
Vicky H says
OK–what cracks me up the most about this discussion is the “OMG–under $200,000!” comments.
People–MOST homes in Houston are under $200,000!
This particular house is fabulous, and it’s priced as a “nice house” not as a “steal”.
Now, a lot of you buy a house that needs a little TLC in a transitional neighborhood and restore it.
In Houston, that house will cost you under $100,000.
No, I’m NOT kidding!
For instance, >5 minutes on a real estate site and I found a 4-2, 2000sq.ft. in Glenbrook Valley for $75,000!
http://search.har.com/engine/7927-Glenbrae-St-Houston-TX-77061_HAR44315044.htm
I love Houston, I grew up here, & I’m glad to have moved back–ya’ll should all join me!
Mcmmom says
Oh wow – we have the chandelier version of the globe light (the one with the little glass bubbles) in our MCM in Houston. We had to get it re-wired, but now it works like a dream. And those of you knocking Houston – don’t knock it til you’ve tried it. We love it and definitely think its worth it (www.houstonitsworthit.com).
erin moureau valdez says
I lived in Glenbrook Valley as a small child. Such a wonderful a beautiful house. My 73 year old father still claims that was the best home he ever owned or lived in. Unfortunately, the area and schools have really gone down hill.
Robert S says
Yes Erin, Glenbrook Valley is a transitional neighborhood that saw a cycle of decline that started probably some time during the oil bust. For awhile, nobody wanted it. Over the last 7 or 8 years, however, it has made a significant turn around as mid-century enthusiasts and others who just want to live close to town have come back in and started restoring the homes. The Historic District designation has also helped fuel this. International architecture group DoCoMoMo held a home tour there last year things continue to trend in a positive direction. This home, for example, went under contract within 2 days in a multiple offer situation and for above list price. Things are definitely looking up in there. You can’t have houses this nice, this close to town, this affordable, even by Houston standards, and not have people come back in at some point and pump new life into the neighborhood.
Noir says
Wow, that house is so amazing! And for that price! Here in Los Angeles I don’t think you could buy a garage for that little.
Jordanna says
I am not a big one for dark wood kitchens, normally, but I really think the pale pink appliances would pop against all that chocolate. Perhaps mint or jadeite or Suburban Modern chartruese on the walls in there? Just to perk it up a little?
And Houston real estate prices make this Sydney-dweller weep.
Terri Polick says
Oh MY GOD. I love that house. I’d buy it in a heartbeat if I was planning to move into the area. Thank you for posting the pics.
Robert S says
Mod enthusiast couple just put it under contract. That didn’t take long!
pam kueber says
YAY!
Lisa says
I have a wild imagination…..I can just see some of the early NASA engineers, designers and yes Gemini astronauts going to a party there once they settled in Houston. I know, timing is a bit off, but it is an interesting visual, no?
Lena_P says
The dark kitchen cabinets weren’t gelling with me until I saw the pink appliances. That’s a great combo! I love soft pink with a rich brown, but I’ve never seen it used in a kitchen. It ties in beautifully with the pinkish bricks and built-ins of the great room.
I do wonder what a “worshop” room is, though. Did the agent mean workshop or worship? Houston does have many Indian residents after all … although my Hindu friends generally keep their shrines to Ganesh on the smaller side.
pam kueber says
Nope, I’m pretty sure it’s “worship” room. See the previous story (click link to Swankienda) for an explanation in the comments…
Robert S says
Oops, no, workshop. Many houses in Glenbrook Valley do have built in prayer shrines and I know of one with a mini-chapel affair, this one has a study or workshop though, with a wall of built ins on one side. Mr. Stotler, the original owner who had the house custom built, designed the room for his radio operating hobby. It would make a great home office now, or crafts room, or yes, you could make a worship room out of it too.
Rebecca@MidcenturyModernRemodel says
For me it is the light fixtures. I definitely have a thing for light fixtures. The blue ones in the “great room” (hahaha) were super impressive. Not to ignore the massive porch fixture.