A mansion in Houston that was once featured on MTV’s “Cribs” sold at auction in mid-December, making it the most expensive home sale in the city for that month.
The property, located at 3102 Noble Lakes Lane in Royal Oaks, had been listed with an asking price of $9.9 million. It was previously owned by former NBA All-Star Nick Van Exel, who showcased the six-bedroom, six-bathroom estate during the early 2000s on “Cribs.” The final sale price has not been disclosed.
According to Harris County deed records, Bank of America acquired the mansion at a foreclosure auction in 2012 for $2.1 million. Later that year, it was sold to a Houston couple for an undisclosed amount. These owners invested more than $14 million into renovations, according to Diana Kingshill of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. Kingshill co-listed the home with Jason Lee Villarreal and said the sellers chose to sell through Concierge Auctions in December.
The estate is situated on a hillside overlooking Royal Oaks Country Club and was designed for large-scale entertaining. Features include a private bowling alley, a 13-seat home theater, a 3,000-gallon aquarium with albino mini sharks, and an infinity-edge pool with views of the nearby lake and golf course.
Architect Paul Olson designed the property with notable details such as 72 custom walnut doors and an 18-foot-tall entry door believed to be among the largest installed in a private residence. Other amenities include two full kitchens, a wine display capable of holding 260 bottles, a sauna, and a fully equipped barbershop.
Nick Van Exel played 13 seasons in the NBA and earned an All-Star selection with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1998. He maintained connections to Houston during his off-seasons.
