07/19/13 4:00pm

Some of the green that goes with this early player in energy-conscious home building in Bellaire could be the $200,000 price increase over its sale last July, when it went for $1.35 million. The ca. 2002 limestone-and-stucco property with Texas Hill Country stylin’ — designed back then for her own family by architect Kathleen Reardon — popped back up on the market earlier this week with a $1.55 million asking price. Some of the enviro-sensitive elements are visible from the get-go, such as the deep overhangs on the eaves. Others are buried deep in the lot — where a network of caverns 250-ft. deep use underground temperatures to regulate the air conditioning and heating. Solar panels and low-water landscaping also play the green card.

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03/04/13 10:00am

With its porch rockers, patios, and a heap of places to sit and kick back inside as well, this done-over 1948 home in Braeburn Country Club Estates seems to be hitting its 65th year with chillin’ in mind.  Imported stone decking and stained columns beneath the roof’s shady overhang attempt to lend an aura of Hill Country retreatism to the still-a-post-war-Ranch-style home. The property popped up in the listings last week with an initial asking price of $1,195,000. That includes a guest cottage with seat-studded patio out back.

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