House Design

Step inside the luxury Houston estate of legendary real estate developer, Gerald D. Hines – on sale for $34.5 million

Gerald D. Hines' house is nestled on one of the most expensive streets in America

Gerald D. Hines' house
(Image credit: Sonya Bertolino/Douglas Elliman)

The Houston estate of one of the world’s most iconic real estate developers, Gerald D. Hines is on the market for $34.5 million.  

The Hines Villa is located on Lazy Lane Blvd, and is nestled away on one of the most expensive streets in America within the most desirable area of River Oaks.

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Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

The late real estate mogul, who passed away at 95, had an impeccable taste for luxury.  To conceptualize an Italian-style villa with influences from his holidays in Tuscany, he engaged world renowned, New York based Robert A.M. Stern Architects to design the 17,000 square foot estate, which was completed in 1992. 

Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

Over many decades, the firm has earned a reputation for the design of the very best houses across the country and around the world.

Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

The sprawling 4.5-acre property is tucked between Buffalo Bayou and Kirby Drive, and within walking distance to the exclusive River Oaks Country Club.  Interiors are decadent and ornate, with oversized chandeliers, premium marble, and gold furnishings seen throughout.

Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

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Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

With 11 bathrooms and five bedrooms,  the home is an ode to upscale luxury living.

Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

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Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

The Hines Villa is also home to a 3,000 square foot atrium with an enclosed pool, full-size tennis court and beautifully manicured grounds.

Gerald D. Hines' house

(Image credit: Sonya Berolino/Douglas Elliman)

 The property is listed by Douglas Elliman Texas licensed associates Cathy Cagle and Patricia Reed.

Who was Gerald D. Hines?

Mr. Hines (August 15, 1925 – August 23, 2020) is most famously known as a real estate developer based in Houston. He founded and was the chairman of Hines, which remains a privately held real estate firm.

He transformed an entrepreneurial startup, established in Houston, Texas, in 1957, into an international powerhouse, renowned for developing, owning and managing some of the world’s most recognizable architectural landmarks across five continents. With more than 4,800 employees, the company is today active in 225 cities in 25 countries.

According to houstoncitybook.com, iconic structures he is known for include New York's oval-shaped Lipstick Building by architect Philip Johnson, and Frank Gehry's DZ Bank building off the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

He is the namesake of the University of Houston's architecture school. Gerald passed away at the age of 95 at his home in August 2020.

Contributing Editor

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.