A striking luxury estate in one of Houston’s most exclusive neighborhoods just made a comeback to the market. Formerly owned by NFL star Mario Williams, the home is listed for $10.499 million. Located in the exclusive Sherwood Forest community, this Mediterranean-style property combines privacy, space, and resort-style amenities in the middle of the city.
Set on a fully gated 1.5-acre parcel, the estate spans approximately 12,500 square feet and is designed for buyers who want the discretion of a private retreat without sacrificing proximity to Houston’s urban core. Sherwood Forest, long renowned as a haven for business leaders, athletes, and public figures, is prized for its limited inventory and strict security, making listings of this caliber exceptionally rare.
Krista McGowen of NextGen Real Estate, who represented Williams during his ownership and now represents the current seller, describes the property as singular in both design and execution. According to McGowen, the estate has become well known locally for hosting high-profile gatherings centered around its expansive outdoor amenities.
A Backyard Built for Entertaining
At the heart of the property is an elaborate resort-style pool complex that has served as the backdrop for numerous high-end events. The outdoor space features a lagoon-inspired swimming pool complete with a grotto, cascading waterfall, rock wall with slide, multiple fire pits, and a sunken outdoor kitchen. A large jacuzzi, designed to accommodate up to 20 people, and a pool with a depth of 15 feet add to the dramatic, vacation-like atmosphere.
McGowen notes that the outdoor design was intentionally created to deliver an immersive experience rather than a traditional backyard. The scale and craftsmanship reflect the expectations of buyers shopping at the top end of Houston’s luxury market, where outdoor living spaces are increasingly seen as extensions of the home’s interior.
Designed for Privacy and Security
Privacy is a defining feature of the Sherwood Forest estate. The entire property is enclosed behind gates, offering a level of seclusion that is difficult to replicate within city limits. For high-profile individuals or executives seeking enhanced security, the layout provides both discretion and peace of mind.
“Many buyers at this level want to live in the city but still feel completely removed from it,” McGowen said. “This property offers that balance, urban convenience paired with estate-level privacy.”
A Home with Professional Pedigree
Williams, a Houston native, originally purchased the home during his career with the Houston Texans, after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Widely regarded as one of the league’s most dominant defensive players during his prime, Williams earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and became a cornerstone of the Texans’ early franchise history.
Following his retirement from professional football, Williams remained active in business ventures and philanthropy, maintaining strong ties to the Houston community. His former residence reflects both his professional success and the city’s growing reputation as a destination for luxury real estate.
Grand Interiors and Custom Features
Inside, the home delivers the kind of scale and detail expected at this price point. The main residence includes vaulted ceilings, sweeping staircases, curved archways, and formal entertaining spaces designed to accommodate large gatherings. High-end finishes and custom architectural elements are found throughout.
The estate features a nine-car garage capacity, ideal for collectors, along with top-tier appliances in the main kitchen and secondary prep areas. A climate-controlled wine room caters to serious collectors, while a private home theater with stadium-style seating adds to the property’s entertainment appeal.
A separate 1,350-square-foot guest apartment provides flexible living space for visitors, staff, or extended family. McGowen noted that the current owner completed extensive renovations over the past several years, bringing the home to what she describes as “pristine, move-in-ready condition.”
A Showpiece Aquarium
Among the home’s most distinctive interior features is a two-story, 1,500-gallon saltwater aquarium, believed to be one of the largest residential aquariums in Texas. The cylindrical installation extends upward to meet the home’s chandeliers, serving as both a functional habitat and a dramatic architectural centerpiece.
The aquarium, along with select furnishings, may be included in the sale, offering buyers the option to acquire the home as a fully furnished, turnkey estate.
Value in Houston’s Ultra-Luxury Market
While the $10.499 million price tag places the property firmly in Houston’s elite tier, McGowen argues that the listing represents strong value relative to comparable estates in other major U.S. cities. Houston’s luxury market has continued to attract affluent buyers seeking more space and amenities than coastal markets often provide at similar price points.
Inside Sherwood Forest, inventory remains limited, and estates of this size rarely become available. According to McGowen, that scarcity, combined with the property’s security, renovations, and resort-style features, positions the home competitively among the city’s most desirable listings.
To buyers seeking a private urban compound with a proven pedigree, the Mario Williams’ former estate offers a rare opportunity: a fully gated luxury retreat that blends celebrity history, architectural presence, and Houston’s signature approach to high-end living.
