TANGLEWOOD AREA
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Tanglewood
When Tanglewood (named after the Nathaniel Hawthorne book Tanglewood Tales) was conceived by the William G. Farrington Company in the 1940s, it was rural farmland with newly planted oak trees. With a total of 750 acres, Farrington developed a residential area that would inspire the growth of what is now known as the Galleria District. Tanglewood first opened its doors to Houstonians in 1949 with 32 lots and seven one-story ranch-style homes, all containing a highly coveted new technology: air conditioning. Today both the neighborhood and the trees have matured, and Tanglewood is recognized as one of Houston's finest neighborhoods and most beautiful wooded areas.
In 1951, Tanglewood was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders as one of the five best-planned subdivisions in the United States. The original ideals of Farrington are still carried out by the Tanglewood Homes Association, which is financed by a mills tax per lot with proceeds used for back-door garbage pick-up, police protection and maintenance of esplanades and green areas.
Real Estate
Tanglewood, which has grown to about 640 acres, has a highly active real estate market. Many of the original 1950s and '60s ranch-style homes are being replaced by new custom homes, and large reconstructed homes and homes of "estate stature" are becoming increasingly popular. There are about 1,200 single-family homes in all, located in 11 subdivisions. The lot sizes range from approximately 8,000 square feet to two-plus acres, and prices from approximately $300,000 to $2 million.
Buyers flock to this charming community that is conveniently located outside of the 610 Loop and inside Beltway 8, yet removed from the commotion of the city. So do business owners. Over the years, the city's premier retailers, restaurants and schools have moved to the Tanglewood vicinity, earning the collective title of "The Magic Circle."
Community
Tanglewood is a vibrant community of active and involved families. Newcomers can meet them on the esplanades, under the oaks, sharing in annual Tanglewood festivities and creating new traditions along the way.
In 1989, Mary Catherine Farrington Miller wrote a book dedicated to her father, the founder of Tanglewood, titled Tanglewood: The Story of William Giddings Farrington. When it was published in 1989, a free book was distributed to each Tanglewood resident with a request for contributions to the Tanglewood Foundation for the continued beautification of the neighborhood. Initial contributions amounted to almost $20,000.
The Tanglewood Garden Club is also instrumental in the beautification of Tanglewood. Initially co-organized by Bernice "Birdie" Farrington, the club continues to be involved in many projects.
