News | advice | area guide

Home Owned by the Last Man on the Moon Lands on Market in Houston

The family of the late NASA astronaut Gene Cernan—the last man on the moon—has put his 6,067-square-foot, Houston-area mansion on the market for $2.55 million.

Cernan was one of just 12 people to walk on the moon. In 1972, he led the Apollo 17 mission, spending three days on the lunar surface, driving 22 miles in the lunar rover, and collecting 252 pounds of lunar rocks and other scientific samples.

When he returned to Earth, he retired from the Navy and entered civilian life. About 15 years ago he and his wife picked up this four-bedroom, 3.5-bath Mediterranean-style mansion in the upscale suburb of Piney Point—less than an hour’s drive away from the Johnson Space Center, where the Apollo 17 command module is displayed.

The home “sits on over eight-tenths of an acre and has a gorgeous, tropical setting,” says listing agent Clint Simpson. “They made a big lot feel very inviting. Everywhere you look, there’s gorgeous views of the yard.”

Nearly every room on the lower level has french doors, which let in plenty of natural light and provide views of the landscaped courtyard and backyard.

The home opens to a large living room with a cathedral ceiling, chandelier, fireplace, and french doors. The open-concept kitchen features an island, breakfast bar, granite countertops and backsplash, gas range, and stainless-steel appliances.

The dining room is anchored by a stained-glass window. A bank of french doors and skylights runs the length of the dining room and kitchen.

Elsewhere, there’s a sitting room with fireplace, built-in bookcases, and french doors. The master bath has a soaking tub and separate shower. There’s a walk-in closet, upstairs entertainment area, and more stained-glass windows.

Outside, there’s a pool, cabana, and enough space in the backyard to play soccer and football.

Simpson, who’s also a family friend, says Cernan’s office was filled with memorabilia from his career at NASA, including a number of lunar rocks. Cernan died in January; he was 82.

While his NASA colleague Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon, Cernan’s mission just three years later closed a major chapter in the space race. As he climbed the ladder into the lunar module for the last time, he knew he’d be the last person to walk on the moon for decades.

“Bob, this is Gene and I’m on the surface,” he said. “As I take man’s last step from the surface, back home for some time to come—but we believe not too long into the future—I’d like to just say what I believe history will record: that America’s challenge of today has forged man’s destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the moon at Taurus—Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.”

The post Home Owned by the Last Man on the Moon Lands on Market in Houston appeared first on Real Estate News & Advice | realtor.com®.

Source: Real Estate News and Advice – realtor.com » Real Estate News