One of Houston’s most prominent trial attorneys and former mayoral candidate just expanded his presence in the affluent River Oaks neighborhood, purchasing a multimillion-dollar home next to his current mansion.
Located at 1708 River Oaks Blvd., the home initially hit the market for $15.5 million and sold for an undisclosed amount last month, ranking as the most expensive sale of July, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. The buyer? None other than nextdoor neighbor Tony Buzbee, Houston’s famed trial attorney, known for high-profile personal injury and civil litigation cases.
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Buzbee’s current home is adjacent to the property—a nearly 12,000 -square-foot home at 1722 River Oaks Blvd. On Tuesday, he shared what drew him to sign the papers on the nearby 15,000-square-foot home, though he did not comment on the official sale price.
“I’ve been wanting that house for some time. It came up for sale and I was able to buy it,” Buzbee told Chron in a text message. “I know its history. Lots of bad luck in that house. Bankruptcies and divorces.”
Though the property had been on Buzbee’s mind, he’s not necessarily a fan of all it has to offer. Instead, he has plans to demolish it and make room for something new
“I absolutely hate the style and inside decor,” Buzbee said. “After I tear it down, I’ll have it blessed and then build a pool house and garden.”
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‘Doubling down on Houston’
The plans for demolition and redevelopment are in motion
“We will only be slowed by red tape. Delays from CenterPoint. Or delays with the city,” Buzbee said. “But, we are optimistic and hope to start soon.”
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While the purchase is material, it’s also symbolic, he added.
“Frances and I are doubling down on Houston,” Buzbee said. “We are committed to Houston and its future and this is just a sign of that.”
While the mansion at 1708 River Oaks Blvd. is headed for its final days, the materials won’t just be scrapped.
“What we are most proud of is that Thatcher [has] partnered with Habitat for Humanity and will be donating the entire house, the multiple air units, all household appliances, sinks, brand new stoves, all the wood, small shrubs, literally everything,” Buzbee said. “Something like $4 million worth of building materials and supplies that they are excited to have.”
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A response to the ‘haters’
Now the owner of two multimillion-dollar properties in one of Houston’s most affluent neighborhoods, Buzbee’s growing River Oaks empire is likely to generate some attention.
When Chron asked what his response would be to critics who have a negative perception of the sale, Buzbee had a message for the “haters.”
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“I don’t focus on people who have nothing better to do than criticize others. And I don’t want to spend time justifying what I choose to do,” he said. I’m a doer. Doers do. Haters hate. I always tell people to be a doer.”
Buzbee’s River Oaks history
Buzbee has owned his current River Oaks Boulevard home since August 2013 built in 2005, was listed for $14 million.
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That home went up for sale in 2022 for $27.5 million The listing price for the five bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom property was decreased to $20 million later that same year, and ultimately pulled from the market in 2024.
Buzbee’s recent purchase also isn’t the first time his presence in River Oaks has turned heads.
In 2017, he parked a $600,000 fully functional World War II tank outside his 1722 property—something that didn’t sit well with everyone with the River Oaks Property Owners group, according to KHOU 11.
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The tank was later reportedly moved to Buzbee’s ranch in East Texas.
Inside 1708 River Oaks Blvd
Stay informed, and entertained.
The two-story home at 1708 River Oaks Blvd. was built in 1994 and sits on a one-acre lot. The home features six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, three half baths, six garages, according to the closed listing on HAR.
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A post shared by Laura Sweeney | COMPASS (@laurasweeney.compass)
Despite its uncertain future, the property currently boasts an indoor pool, elevator, game room, stained-glass-domed den and wellness wing with a massage room, steam room, fitness center and beauty salon
The home was on the market for roughly 70 days before it sold.
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