OPEN HOUSE OCT. 3 FROM 12-2PM. Welcome to one of East Texas’ most captivating luxury estates, where towering East Texas pines lead you to a 3, 791-sqft, 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom two-story luxury home that commands attention with 9 of the 12.5 acre are unexempt, designed for wildlife. From the moment you step through the double doors into the two-story foyer, the craftsmanship is undeniable with hardwood floors stretching across the main level, a statement staircase with hardwood treads and wrought iron balusters anchors the entry, and the great room beyond stuns with exposed wood beam ceilings, a dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone wood-burning fireplace, and views of the mature oak canopy. The formal dining room and chandelier-lit breakfast nook with built-in bench storage and pendant lighting provide every entertaining configuration imaginable. The chef’s kitchen delivers granite countertops, a granite prep island with sink, farmhouse sink, double wall oven, stainless dishwasher, custom range hood, tile mosaic backsplash, and white cabinetry, all open to the common area through a pass-through window framing the action. A dedicated study with floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving and desk, plus a designer laundry room with patterned tile floors, built-in cabinetry, and utility sink, round out the main level. The downstairs primary suite is a true retreat with a private brick wood-burning fireplace, direct French door access to the backyard, dual ornate vanities with stone countertops, a freestanding soaking tub, and a walk-in shower and built-in niches. Upstairs, four generously sized bedrooms serve a variety of needs, supported by three well-appointed full baths. Step outside to a sprawling wood deck shaded by mature crape myrtles and oaks with a private pond, canopied trails across the land, and open pasture beyond the fenced yard. Athens is known as the Gateway to East Texas Lake Country, home to Lake Athens and within easy reach of Cedar Creek Lake.