Shoreacres in La Porte in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Isaiah P. Walker House
Now nicknamed “Little Castle” and “Tree House,” the home was completed in 1932 and demonstrates popular architectural influences from the period in which it was built, as well as, unique design elements that continue to set it apart from neighboring homes. The Walkers hired their son-in-law, Preston Plumb, Jr. to construct the home in a style reminiscent of the Tudor Revival homes, Plumb and his father built in the community of West University Place near Rice University. The two-story home’s exterior façade is constructed of thick stone, cut in rough form. A turret rising over the roof, encasing a spiral staircase, gives the home a castle-like appearance.
The most prominent and distinct features of the Walker home are four concrete “faux bois” pine trees that frame the porch on the south side of the house. These molded cement columns were made in the style of “El Trabajo Rustico,” Popularized during this period by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez. The Walker house is the only known residence in Harris County to utilize these unique “faux bois” columns and is the oldest extant fish camp residence in Shoreacres.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2012
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 29° 37.168′ N, 95° 0.224′ W. Marker is in La Porte, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Shoreacres. Marker is on Miramar Drive near Oakdale Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3530 Miramar Dr, La Porte TX 77571, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Houston Yacht Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Captain William Plunkett Harris (approx. 1.8 miles away); Prehistoric Indian Campsite (approx. 2 miles away); Sylvan Beach Pavilion (approx. 2.3 miles away); The La Porte-Sylvan Beach Depot (approx. 2.4 miles away); La Porte's Original Library (approx. 2.4 miles away); Saint Mary's Seminary (approx. 2½ miles away); La Porte (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Porte.
More about this marker. This house is in the National Register of Historic Places
Also see . . . Historic Marker Application: Isaiah P. Walker House (Portal to Texas History). (Submitted on June 13, 2019.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 312 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.