Monday Morning Millionaire: Live Like a Sports Star in This Arlington Chateau

One of my favorite mid-cities agents, Kimdolyn Smith with Webb-Barton, has a fabulous chateau on the market in the sports capital of North Texas: Arlington!

We’ve seen some great homes in this area owned by professional athletes who need a place to relax during a hectic season. This “hidden jewel,” as Smith calls it, has incredible interiors and luxurious outdoor spaces, too, with tons of spots from which you can watch the big game. Jump to see it all!

This glorious French-inspired chateau at 2717 Mark Twain was designed by Don Wheaton and built by Mike Wood. This home, which has balconies and terraces all over the lake-facing side of the home, has five bedrooms, six full and two half baths, with three floors (and an elevator, of course!) and 9,730 square feet is marketed for $2.8 million.

The home, which is owned by Jon and Pandora Stanford, is on 3.5-plus private acres inside the exclusive Hampden Woods neighborhood has immaculately landscaped grounds, perfect formals, a four-car garage, and plenty of space to entertain. You may remember that this couple, both serious philanthropists, won the lottery about 8 years ago. I can only imagine that part of their $45 million in winnings went toward the purchase of this home, which was built in 2001 and purchased by the Stanfords in 2010, according to Tarrant County Appraisal District records. Of course, to live in this high-end neighborhood, expect a lofty HOA fee, which totals $5,000 semi-annually.

Still, I love this home and all of the details in it. The floors are just perfect. Forget furniture! I’d eat all my meals on the floor of that library. That’s how much I love it. And for a home that has so many rich European-style details, the copious windows make it feel light and airy and accessible. I could imagine Prince Fielder buying this home for his family to live in Dallas during the Rangers’ home stands. There’s so much space to entertain, with a game room, a billiard room with a media area that comes with a full kitchen.

The main kitchen is perfect for casual gatherings, with an oversized island with wine storage, dual Sub-zero refrigerators, tons of high-end maple cabinetry, dual Dacor convection ovens, plus pairs of microwaves, diswashers, warming drawers and a custom vent hood over the gas range top. From the kitchen you can see sweeping views of the outdoors thanks to the bank of French doors that lead to the upstairs terrace.

Of course, if you need a few moments to yourself, flock to the master suite, which has high ceilings, gorgeous and warm plaster walls, and his-and-her baths. The master suite has fantastic views from the huge windows, where you can see the lake and the beautiful pool and spa. I love the cabinetry and the tile details in the “hers” side of the bathroom, which has a lovely corner soaking tub. As you’d expect, there are custom closets with plenty of room for your on- and off-season gear.

And the outdoor spaces? SUBLIME!!! Today, the weather is perfect for watching some spring training from the outdoor projection unit. Of course, with Yu Darvish out with season-ending Tommy John surgery in his future, perhaps this would be the perfect estate for the Ranger pitcher to do some recuperation, considering the gorgeous Loggia, the beautiful pool, sport court, and the overall serene environment. And considering the price, it’s a fantastic deal for a luxury estate!