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This week we're dreaming of a modern home in Houston's classic, storybook area of West University. 

Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected] The West University area of Houston, also referred to as “West U,” is home to the renowned Rice University and tree-lined streets with storybook homes. In fact, many of the streets are named after writers, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Christopher Marlowe, and William Shakespeare. While most of the homes in this area are built with a traditional look and classic elements, we found a home with a modern twist—but still worth writing home about. 

The home was built in 2020 in the Pemberton section of West U and has 6 bedrooms and 6 full and 2 half bathrooms in its 6,449 square feet of living space. Aside from the clean lines and bright color scheme, you’ll have the luxury of a smart home with Control4 home automation and an electrical system wired with a generator and a car charger. Here’s a closer look. 

The entry presents an open floor plan with a view straight into the family room, breakfast area, and bar. There are European white oak floors, premium stone accents, and metal-framed glass doors and windows.   

Placed strategically near the entry, a marble-topped island with antiqued-brass accents fronts a pass-through serving counter for welcome-home drinks. It has a bottle storage display cabinet that can be concealed with a remote-controlled hydraulic lift.   

The downstairs area of the home serves as a large gathering venue, with the kitchen, dining area, and living room in the same space. A short distance from the bar is a seating room with a fireplace as its focal point, as well as large windows looking out onto the backyard. 

A more formal and secluded dining area, tucked near the entry of the home, has a fireplace and a showpiece wine vault. The ceiling is box-beamed and coffered; added luxury comes from a Marc Jacobs wall-mounted light fixture. 

The kitchen blends modern and timeless elements with classic white cabinets and marble countertops and backsplash. There are window displays above the cabinets for cherished pieces, such as grandma’s porcelain dishware or wedding glasses. The center island has a prep sink and is anchored by a gold hanging light fixture. 

The pantry and storage area provide additional counter space, windows, and—for us caffeine snobs—a built-in coffee bar. 

The primary suite has a beautiful vaulted ceiling, double entry doors from the hallway, and custom window drapes. 

Since we’re dreaming, let’s throw in a morning bar located just before the double doors leading to the en suite primary bathroom: say goodbye to the 1 a.m. pros-and-cons lists on whether a trip downstairs for water is worth leaving your bed. In this new life, we drink sparkling water from the under-counter beverage refrigerator and store snacks in the wall-mounted cabinets. 

The marble-and-white theme continues in the primary bathroom, where you’ll feel like you left home for a visit to the spa. There’s also a posh chandelier above a Victoria + Albert soaking tub, which is near a recessed window alcove. The bathroom leads to a stunning walk-in closet with tons of storage space. 

The backyard has multiple patio areas for an evening with guests. You’ll dine alfresco under the gazebo by the fireplace, then catch the latest Astros game on the patio while the kids play in the turfed green space.