A River Oaks mansion, once a symbol of Houston high society’s seedy underbelly, seeks a buyer.
The four-bedroom Southern Colonial at 1561 Kirby Drive relisted recently for $5.2 million, almost $800 per square foot, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The property was home to socialite Joan Robinson Hill and her husband, plastic surgeon John Hill, whose scandalous deaths in the late 1960s and early ‘70s became one of Houston’s most infamous murder sagas. The chilling story of wealth, betrayal and revenge inspired the bestselling book “Blood and Money,” followed by a made-for-TV movie, and it has been the subject of true-crime podcasts.
Designed in 1935 by architect Lucian Hood, the 6,500-square-foot estate features wrought-iron gates, stately white-brick columns, a grand music salon and a muraled ballroom modeled after Renaissance chapels. It offers buyers a rare chance to own a slice of Houston true-crime lore, and one of River Oaks’ most storied mansions.
John Hill custom-designed an over-the-top music room for salon-style performances, with curated acoustics and a grand piano.
The mansion was listed last year but did not secure a buyer. Owners Danny and Robin Klaes paused the listing to complete updates. They tapped Nan and Company Properties to relist the property.
The Klaes family, who purchased the home in 2013, say they sought to preserve its historic details while modernizing key systems, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC and period-appropriate kitchen and bathroom upgrades.
Despite the home’s infamous backstory — Joan Hill’s mysterious 1969 death and her husband’s 1972 murder before his retrial — the Klaes family has sought to bring a joyful chapter to the property, using it to host fundraisers and events. Listing agent Nancy Almodovar said the sellers are looking to downsize.
Houston’s luxury home market is thriving, as wealthy buyers are relocating from more expensive metros, attracted by the lack of state income tax and relative affordability.
— Judah Duke
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