Tanglewood was born in the mid-forties when the William Farrington Company purchased 300 acres west of the Houston city limits from the Humble Pipeline Company which is now Exxon. Several years later, an additional tract was purchased and Tanglewood grew to include an area north of Woodway.
The boulevard entrance to the Tanglewood subdivision is located in the shadows of the Galleria area. Huge towering trees line the streets of this prestigious neighborhood that once was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C. as one of the five best planned subdivisions in the United States. Tanglewood consists of 15 sections. Because of its unusually large lots sizes, beginning in the 1980s, many developers and builders began to focus their attention on tearing down functionally obsolete one story homes on large, treed lots and building magnificent new residences.
Traditional, Georgian, contemporary as well as Mediterranean style estates with red tile roofs now line the boulevard. Homes grew from 2,500 square feet to 6,000 square feet and up of quality living space. Homes offering third floor game room, quarters, swimming pool and fountains, large kitchens, a study and open family room are now the norm. While these large two and three story new construction homes predominate, there are a number of the original one story ranch-style homes still visible on each street.
The neighborhood enjoys a beautifully landscaped and maintained path that runs through its central park-like esplanade on Tanglewood Boulevard. Resplendent with benches and hardscape amenities, it attracts joggers, cyclists and neighbors just out for a stroll. In addition, Tanglewood also boasts its own neighborhood patrol. Residents of this area are bound by stringent deed restrictions that govern front and side property setbacks. Additionally, prior to building, new construction plans must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee.
Tanglewood is home to the Houston Country Club. In 1954, the land for the club was purchased. However, an additional 125 acres was needed for the golf course, so the land was acquired from the Bering family.
Tanglewood’s attractions are plentiful. The large treed lots, sense of neighborhood, and its proximity to major freeways, the Galleria, educational facilities, and Memorial Park have made this neighborhood
continuously desirable.
