Check the Lining Farmhouse on South Perkins. by JOHN GRIFFIN t was years ago on my first visit to Houston that I ventured into Neiman Marcus in the Galleria. I saw lots of silk and chamois, but not the kind of clothes I really live in. Then I spied a large black-and-red checked hunting shirt much like my dad wore in the fall to rake leaves. I went over to try it on, but upon checking the label was shocked to see it was well over $1,000. After closer examination, I discovered this humble-appearing flannel shirt was mink lined. I was abashed, but also impressed by this covert ostentatiousness. This little farmhouse on South Perkins is equally deceiving. Sited on a hill behind two venerable magnolias, there's a shed-roof-covered entry with pots of caladiums to welcome you. The front chimney is partially stucco, partially brick. The house has a modest, well-kept appearance. Unassuming is about the best you would say at first glance. And, certainly, if impressing the neighbors is important, you need not waste time here. If, however, comfort (maybe even luxe) without a hint of pretension is your style, then a closer look is definitely warranted. Spacious rooms with 10-foot-tall ceilings, deep moldings, and gleaming oak floors are immediately welcoming. This farmhouse, which originally sat on more 200 acres of land, has had any number of additions. But the current owners have spent the last five years redoing every inch of it, and it flows seamlessly. The living and dining rooms connect with a spacious stair hall (probably the original kitchen) to a twice-expanded new kitchen. Mexican tile countertops and splash are complemented by a tall, stone fireplace, which would be a perfect spot for a breakfast table. The sunroom adjoins a brick terrace set in a very private side yard. Behind the sunroom is an equally private bedroom. On the other side of the ground floor is a truly sensuous master suite. Two rooms were joined to form this bedroom. A fireplace was added. A third room became a new master bath with handpainted face bowls installed in an antique sideboard and Mexican tiles aplenty. Two private outdoor areas hold a hot tub at one end of the master suite and a private terrace for sunning and funning al fresco at the other. If you think that's not decadent enough, the downstairs has three rooms recently finished with wine cellar, sauna and shower, and a complete exercise room. Upstairs is a third bedroom with bath and an out-of-the-way home office. Lest you feel cramped when guests descend, there's a 1,600-square-foot guest house out back with another two bedrooms and two baths. Even though this house is most unassuming from the street, if you're into a bit of luxe without the attitude, I'd strongly suggest you take a moment to slip inside and check out the lining. You might be as surprised as I was.