Saddlebrook was developed as a residential subdivision in 1948. Before houses, neighbors (and even Memorial Drive), it was the farm of Herman E. Detering, a German immigrant who arrived in Houston around 1884. Mr. Detering worked for Henry Henke in the grocery business as a night watchman upon first arriving in Houston and later opened his own grocery store on Washington Avenue known as the Last Chance Grocery because of its location at the end of the trolley line. H. E. Detering invested money earned by his successful grocery business in Houston real estate including the approximately 100-acre site that ultimately became Saddlebrook. Along the way he married Lina Steur and they had five children.

 

Upon the death of Herman Detering, Sr. in 1927 the property was inherited by his son Carl Detering. He built a barbeque house designed by Frank Forster, a noted architect from New York and enjoyed the property, entertaining with tennis courts and riding stables. After returning from World War II, Carl, in addition to working in the family building materials business, began developing residential subdivisions on properties he had inherited. Among those subdivisions were Woodridge, in the East End, and Saddlebrook and Saddlewood in what is now known as Memorial. He also was reintroduced to the young girl he knew from riding horses across the fence from Saddlebrook (what is now Memorial Drive) who had become an accomplished young woman. A romance ensued and Phyllis Childs became Phyllis Childs Detering.

 

Carl developed Saddlebrook originally with its own water and sewar systems and as an iron ore street. The first lot sold was #81. The Forest Club had decided to move from its temporary location on Carter’s Lake and was enticed to build their permanent location on Saddlebrook. There developed a close knit feeling as families continued to move to Saddlebrook, many with children born in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s who enjoyed the freedom of life in the country and a neverending circle around which to ride their bikes. Saddlebrook was converted from iron ore to a paved surface in the early 1960’s (significantly increasing the bike speed).

 

Carl and Phyllis Detering and their two sons Carl, Jr and Will lived on 15 acres adjoining Saddlebrook in a house that was expanded from Carl’s original barbeque house. Carl and Phyllis sold 10 of those acres to Lincoln Property Company for apartments in the late 1960’s which later became Park Laureate. Five acres were maintained along Saddlebrook and were developed by Carl, Jr., and Will into residential lots.

 

Originally there was an access road to Old Katy Road (now I-10) where Lot 48 is built. At the request of the neighbors for security purposes that access was closed. The only other lot development modification from the original plan was in the late 1970’s, with approval of the Saddlebrook Association, the division of the lot at the entrance into two lots 3 and 7. As a street Saddlebrook had never been dedicated to the City allowing the Saddlebrook Association to install a gate and guard house in the late 1990’s making Saddlebrook one of the few private streets and gated communities in Houston.

 

An active and involved Saddlebrook Association has continued to provide leadership updating and enforcing restrictions and maintaining Saddlebrook in a manner that befits one of the most unique and enjoyable subdivisions in Houston. 

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June 2022