Wednesday Wonder: Sleeper Estate Property Has Creeks, Grounds, Guest House & Great Neighbors

If I had my wish to live anywhere in Dallas, anywhere at all, I would choose to live in the woodsy-est heart of Old Preston Hollow. Cannot help it — I love having land and loping trees surround me. The streets I would select are Dentwood, Meadowbrook or Jordan Way, the latter because I love the name of the street. Seriously, one of these days I may just have stationary made up with a return address on Jordan Way… or shall it be Jourdan Way?

So when Joan Eleazer alerted me to her latest listing at 9250 Meadowbrook, I simply had to go see it. This is my kind of land!

What a perfect home for a Wednesday Wonder! Really, this is one of the prettiest lots in Preston Hollow, if not Dallas. Great neighbors across the street, and then one house — excuse me, mansion — down is former Mayor Laura Miller and her husband, Steve Wolens’ spread. I mean, this is COVETED property because it doesn’t get more lush: you can see manicured landscaping, huge trees, creeks, and charming bridges from every room. There is a private, gated drive that leads to the dramatic front entry and motor court that can house a number of autos. The garage is a four-car.) The foyer is stunning and dramatic, with a sitting area and limestone flooring with diamond accents. The huge crystal chandeliers are a fortune in themselves.  On the right is a spacious formal living room. Yes, the ceilings are quite tall, 24 feet in fact, in this room but that’s the way they take in the full breadth of the giant trees outside. Looking out that living room window, I dare anyone to say that is not a more beautiful view than a painting. It’s all nature! On the left, there is a large dining room that can seat 10 or more. The flooring is herringbone wood, and the antique fireplace has a double marble mantle. Across from the living room is a library with full mahogany paneling, many built-ins and full bar adjacent to the living room. Down the hallway is the glorious master bedroom that enjoys the same beauteous view as the formal living room — smart architectural design was highly customized to this lot. The master, measuring 33 by 20 feet, has a sitting area, fireplace, massive master bath, massive closets, a breakfast bar and an adjacent exercise room. All of these suites have million-dollar plus views of the grounds.

From the formals, you have a large family room off a kitchen loaded with the latest Gaggeneau appliances: steamers, smokers, covered grill and deep fryer, gas and electric cooktops, compactor (I love these), regular and convection ovens, double dishwashers, warming drawers and sinks. Of course there is a huge butler’s pantry, Subzero’s, and that blue you see on the counters is NOT blue bahia, it is lapis granite. The stuff jewelry is made out of! There is an adjacent breakfast room which also takes visual advantage of the beautiful grounds. The family room is spacious (49 by 24 feet, wowzers), has a limestone floor, and a stone fireplace with tall trumeau. There is another bar area with refrigerator and wine storage, and of course, more grounds views. There is an elevator that services both floors.

 

 

 

Upstairs are three hefty bedroom suites (18 or 19 by 16 feet), each with a private bath. A large landing serves as a resting area off the bedrooms. The upstairs game room is fitted with wood paneled walls, display cases, and an eating area. Off the game room, yet another bedroom with kitchenette area and bath, complete with a private staircase. Makes for perfect guest or nanny quarters.

Ah, but the best is when you step outside. Landscaped patio areas and pathways, all lined with carefully manicured gardens, lead to the creeks and bridges. Of course there is a large pool with waterfall. And just in case you need it, there is a guest house with one bedroom, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, and greatroom. French doors lead to the outside with yet more panoramic views of the grounds, trees and creeks. If I could, I would buy this home and create a bed and breakfast called Paradise.

Joan tells me she refreshed the home, built in 1992, pulled out the draperies, and toned down some of the colors to let the blues pop. With 11,833 square feet on 2.29 acres, this home cannot be replaced at this price: $6,950,000. In fact, it’s mighty close to DCAD value. The grounds are priceless and you are talking at least a million dollars in mature landscaping that simply cannot be replaced or replicated. I’d slurry up the brick, bring in transitional furnishings, and go sit by the pool with a glass of Veuve. I remember when this home was built, I think I know who built it, and it was built to last.

Hmm. Maybe that return address should be 9250 Meadowbrook Drive…