neuhaus Estate 4201 neuhaus drive, mcallen TX This extraordinary estate built in 1938 is located in prestigious South McAllen on a road named for the owner V.F. (Doc) Neuhaus and his wife Gertrude. It was designed by architect O’Neill Ford (December 3, 1905 – July 20, 1982) who was an American architect of the mid-20th century in Texas and a leading architect of the American Southwest. He is considered one of the nation's best unknown architects, and his designs merged the modernism of Europe with the indigenous qualities of early Texas architecture. The timeless symmetry of this home sits high above Lake Concepcion with panoramic views from every room. The ever changing light, sunrise and sunsets create a unique view over the lake each day. A pillared entrance and gates beckon you down a brick paved drive beneath an oak tree canopy to the lake. One begins to feel that you are leaving the world behind and entering an oasis of tranquility and beauty. Peacocks grace the lawns and many water fowl and bird’s habitat around the lake. The stunning 4’ wide front door with beveled leaded glass and mahogany was brought from New Orleans. A curving staircase with custom oriental carpet lead to the second floor bedrooms and ahead is the glass dining room overlooking the lake. Formal Dining Room is beautifully appointed with an antique Crystal Chandelier personally brought by Mrs. Richards from Italy and a custom round black lacquered table (9 coats of lacquer) especially made for her that are conveyed upon the sale of the home. This lovely room has views to the west and south on the lake. A decorative copper pillar divides the lovely tinted green windows. A butler’s pantry separates the dining room from the kitchen with backlit crystal cabinets, tons of storage and counter space for warmers. The kitchen has been totally redesigned and redone in 2012; see the list for the amenities. The original walk in cooler is still being used. There are 3 sets of mahogany original French glass pocket doors (there are 2 sets that are still in the walls) that glide as easily as they day the home was built between the 3 living areas. All the door hardware is original to the home is beautifully made and works perfectly. All the green tinted windows are original as well. The ceilings downstairs are all mahogany wood squares that were painted over in white. The home is triple brick on a solid concrete foundation; there is no sheetrock on most of the downstairs walls. There are tons of storage downstairs, silver closets, coat closet, under stair closet, dishes closet, and hall closets. There are 3 large living areas on the first floor and two have large fireplaces. The bar in one living area overlooking the lake has a leather base, mesquite top and hammered copper backsplash with porcelain cold tubs for beer with original brass Crane fixture from the 30’s. There are 3 barstools and 6’ brass bar rail original to the house that conveys and are in storage. The custom grate for this fireplace is emblazoned with “N”. There is one large private bedroom off this living room with a bathroom that serves the downstairs entertaining area. This lovely bathroom has a frieze that was painted by Mrs. Neuhaus with pin up girls from the 40’s; they are an amazing legacy and quite the conversation piece. This bathroom has Sherle Wagonner original fixtures and was remodeled in 2012. Upstairs, closets line the hallways and there are 3 bedrooms with large ensuite bathrooms. Master wing has massive his and hers closets with cedar lined drawers, shelves, and shoe racks. There is a hidden door for a work table and a Browning safe that measure 5’ x 4’. The bathroom features double sinks, separate shower and bathtub. All bathrooms have been remodeled in 2012. The pool house was built in the late 1950’s, remodeled in 2014 and is a contemporary glass structure with sliding screens that create 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and has a full kitchen with the amazing fully functioning original stove/oven equipment. Mrs. Richards had her bridge parties in the pool house. The pool is 3 tiered with a waterfall overlooking the lake.