Living the Life of a "Belle Meader”

absolutely! IN THE LOOP had the pleasure of stepping inside the life and home of designer, Michael Entel, a resident of Houston’s only modern-day boutique apartment building in River Oaks, The Belle Meade. Michael and Melissa, his 10-year old black pup, both fascinating and full of personality, welcomed us into their charming home. Serving coffee and fine tea in beautiful china with fresh carrot and raisin muffins, each individually baked in a fine decorative parchment, the presentation was delightfully delicious, so naturally one of my first inquiries was regarding the origin of his culinary skills. My curiosity sparked a lively conversation to unfold as Michael Entel shared the story of his dynamic life and experiences that eventually led him to the corner flat he now calls home.

Born and raised in Miami, Michael’s parents were the owners of the Orange Bowl. Leaving home as an adult, Michael moved to LA where he became interested in nutrition, taking up the Pritikan Diet and sparking his passion for cooking. Realizing he had a natural talent in the kitchen from the outpour of requests from family and friends, before long, a-list stars including Brooke Shields and Goldie Hawn were also enjoying his culinary creations. In 2002, Michael moved back to Miami, developing an admiration for commercial real estate development. After enjoying several successful years in business, Michael felt the urge to take off and travel the world and that is exactly what Michael did. During his travels, he crossed paths and met many inspirational individuals including the Dali Lama.

When Michael finally decided it was time to trade in his plane tickets for house keys, he chose one of Houston’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods, River Oaks. Not surprising given the lively and sophisticated atmosphere, Michael became one of the first residents of the luxurious residential rental property, The Belle Meade, located just minutes from downtown and the Texas Medical Center.

Thriving with a variety of remarkable local shops, decadent dining and haute happenings, the already fabulous River Oaks neighborhood has a new home-style hot spot and it’s located at 2929 Westheimer Road. The Belle Meade is stately and sophisticated with architecture reminiscent of the turn-of-the-century. Offering boutique-inspired apartment living complete with modern amenities and conveniences needed to satisfy even the most discriminating of tastes, The Belle Meade is complete with a heated resort-style pool accompanied with private cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a resident recreation room, a catering kitchen and business center. Quiet and serene, the mid-rise community is surrounded by oak trees and is minutes from world class entertainment including museums and theatres, upscale restaurants, quality shopping and culinary-chic grocery stores including Whole Foods and Central Market.

“As a longtime River Oaks area resident, I wanted to build something sustainable and elegant that will be considered a welcome landmark to this neighborhood,” said Jeff Gray, Founder and President of Grayco Partners. “By developing this classic building with picturesque views and refined architecture, we are giving Houstonians the opportunity to live in and enjoy this unparalleled neighborhood.”

Embracing a modern, clean aesthetic, each apartment is outfitted with stained oak hard wood fl oors, 10-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances and private balconies. Spacious with plenty of windows, the light to pours into the space like a breath of life and exposes beautiful views of towering oak trees, park-like green spaces and the sprawling urban landscape. The bathrooms were not forgotten either; each luxurious oversized space contains a separate glass-enclosed shower and 6-foot soaking tub, marble countertops, knee space vanities, linen valets, dual sinks and a spacious walk-in closet.

Offering 119 premier apartment units ranging in size from 1,006 to 1,854 square feet, the building is seven stories tall with a two level parking garage underground. The Belle Meade at River Oaks boasts an old brick and cast stone exterior. Bringing the spirit of community into the structure itself, The Belle Meade is recognizing area businesses for their role in establishing the River Oaks commerce district by awarding personalized bricks that will be used to create Landmark Lane, the permanent path leading to The Belle Meade’s entryway.