What will $20,000 per month get you in Houston?

My Houston real estate obsession doesn't end at the 'for sale' listings....no, I also peruse the 'residential leases'. This beauty was listed on har.com just last week and although I'm not crazy about the furnishings (I wonder if it's currently being rented or if the owners live there now?), the home itself is incredible. For $20,000 per month you can live in one of the most exclusive gated communities in Houston (right in the museum district), in a 8100 sq ft home built in the 1920's and fully updated.
Take a browse with me through the inside of this beautifully maintained, ivy-covered home.

Just look at that curved, floating spiral staircase (even as a renter I think I'd have to replace the red stair runner) and the wall of windows behind:

This oval-shaped dining room has a painted (and perhaps carved?) ceiling and an over the top crystal chandelier:

Although I'm not crazy about the decor in this monstrous sized living room it does have a favorite touch of mine, exposed wood beams:

Once again the kitchen is the major draw for me to this home, which is very strange considering I don't cook! Just look at those white cabinets with antique bin cup pulls and the upper glass cabinet doors. The farm sink is to die for as is the large window looking out. I love the white subway tile and the archway into the breakfast area which appears to have built in cabinets.


Now let's venture upstairs to the master retreat. The master bedroom is complete with a fireplace, built in bookshelves and another great crystal chandelier:

The marble 'hers' master bath is incredible!

This home has 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths plus quarters. It's way too big for my little family so I'll stick to my 2000 sq ft home just 5 minutes away (as if I'd have a choice to upgrade to this mansion anyway).
I'll leave you with this final shot of the sunroom leading out to the courtyard: