River Oaks Mansion with a Uniquely Storied Past Lists for $16 Mil

River Oaks Mansion with a Uniquely Storied Past Lists for $16 Mil

IF WALLS COULD talk, the ones of the newly listed Neoclassical mansion at 2115 River Oaks Boulevard would sure have some fabulous stories to tell.


The former home of the late Baron Ricky di Potanova — the grandson of oil tycoon Hugh Roy Cullen — and Baroness Alessandra di Portanova, the palatial property has hosted dignitaries and celebrities from around the world. It is newly listed for $16 million.

Originally built in 1968, the 21,500-square-foot home underwent extensive renovations — at a cost totaling $10 million in today's market — in 2004, and boasts some original architectural elements with elegantly contemporary design flourishes, such as marble columns and flooring in the foyer, and a towering marble staircase.

The lot totals nearly 44,000 square feet, situated on the corner of River Oaks Boulevard and Avalon Place. A side courtyard is outfitted for entertaining, and while a pool is pretty standard-issue for a River Oaks manse, this one is truly something else. It's located inside, enclosed by a glass-paneled ceiling from which multiple chandeliers hang. The 12,0000-square-foot space is in the very middle of the home, and multiple entertaining areas, like a cozy great room and a media room, are connected by large wooden double doors. The pool area even has its own kitchen with bar seating and stainless-steel appliances.

A main kitchen, mahogany-paneled study, several fireplaces, and formal living and dining rooms round out the first floor. Upstairs, balconies overlook the pool area, and primary and secondary bedrooms are tucked away.

View the complete listing, by Nancy Almodovar of Nan and Company Properties Christie's International Real Estate, here.

Home + Real Estate
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

What is your mission? Launched in 2006, Kids’ Meals’ mission is to end childhood hunger in Houston by delivering free, healthy meals year-round to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children and through collaboration, provide their families with resources to end the cycle of poverty.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.

Keep Reading Show less