Photos by TK Images

Let?s dive in, shall we" Defining a mansion can be sticky work, whether a home is of the sprawling historic variety or a mishmash of architectural styles so prevalent in McMansion types. But beyond sizeable square footage and rooms for specific purposes (like a library, a movie theater room, etc), the home must also boast enough grandeur to warrant the mansion title.

This five-bedroom, seven-bath home in Houston, Texas, seems to fit the bill. Although there are plenty of homes with more square footage than the property?s 8,159 square feet, its regal, sprawling stature and an amazing pool make it worthy of consideration.
Built in 1956, the home was designed by Robert W. Maurice on one of the city?s most exclusive streets. Maurice was known for building residences for prominent Texas families, and the home housed oil tycoons and even appeared in a 1961 edition of Architectural Digest. Since then, architect Tom Wilson renovated and expanded the home?including adding a second story?but kept the home?s original circular bath house bar, antique brass chandeliers, and stone-inlay knobs. Other perks include the aforementioned screened-in pool terrace, a detached pool house, elevator, three-car garage, and 1.3 park-like acres of yard.
Ready to take a dive in that pool" 3739 Knollwood Street is on the market now for $8,450,000.

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