At the time this house was built—it’s dated to 1900—the Sixth Ward neighborhood was ushering in its first “Golden Age.” Formerly called the Fourth Ward North, it was then a popular place in Houston, voted the finest and most “healthful” place to live by the Chronicle for its gardens and for being close to downtown. Its happenings were even profiled in a weekly column in the paper. 

Then in 1895, the neighborhood became a voting precinct with its new name, got hooked up to electricity and running water, and property values soared. Many of the homes built during that time were Victorians, and today, Old Sixth Ward Historic District (designated as such in 1998) has the city’s highest concentration of the style intact, much like this lovely Folk Victorian.

Tucked back from the street via a long stone walk, the ornate attributes that Victorians are known for—things like the turned porch posts and decorative exterior woodwork—are painted a cheerful red and blue here. It’s a hint at how much of the vintage charm remains inside, from the high ceilings and clerestory windows above the doors, to the tall windows, wide plank wood floors, and ornate hardware. 

Recent updates have balanced such classic features with modern conveniences. Take the kitchen: it has a large central island with a quartz counter, dual dishwashers, two wine coolers, a wet bar, and new gas cooktop. Details like the beadboard fronts on the cabinets ensure the new additions fit right in with the rest of the home’s historic vibe.

There’s also a nice amount of bathrooms, which is something that can be in short supply in older homes. There’s four total—one for every bedroom—plus a half-bath on the main level. Equally convenient is the laundry room on the second floor with two of the bedrooms, an electric car charger, and an extra sitting area with the third-floor bedroom. All that, and the home is still as nicely located today as it was 123 years ago: near downtown, including the Theater District, and Buffalo Bayou Park, surrounded by a number of lovely gardens. 

Listing Fast Facts:

Address:  802 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007

Size:  3,118 square feet/4 bedroom/4.5 bath

List Date:  12/12/2022  

List Price:  $845,000

Listing Agent: Rhine McNeill, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty