Hot Property: ‘Terms of Endearment’ mansion sells for $2.85 million
The Waldo Mansion, a Houston landmark featured in the Academy Award-winning film “Terms of Endearment,” has sold for $2.85 million.
The historic estate, built by railroad tycoon J.P. Waldo in 1885, served as the backdrop for a number of scenes in the 1983 drama starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Danny DeVito and Jack Nicholson.
In the film, backyard and interior shots of the kitchen and master suite were used to depict the home of Nicholson’s character, playboy astronaut Garrett Breedlove. Another Houston-area residence was used to portray the exterior.
Since the film’s release, parts of the home, including the kitchen space that features so prominently, have been extensively updated. However, the nearly 6,600 square feet of living space retains much of its original Waldo-era charm. Among its features are 15-foot ceilings, original wood flooring, inlay stained-glass doors and a wrap-around veranda.
Outdoors, a sitting area with a koi pond and fountain has taken the place of the pool. A detached guest house resides on an outlying part of the half-acre grounds.
An adaptation of the Larry McMurtry novel of the same name, “Terms of Endearment” received 11 Academy Award nominations, winning five, including the Oscar for best picture.
The Waldo Mansion came to market for the first time in 25 years in November, when it listed for sale at $3.5 million. Sale of the property closed on May 23. Richard Ray of John Daugherty Realtors was the listing agent. Daniel Dror of DSG Realty represented the buyer in the sale.
