Naked Sushi and Washboard Abs at 4231 Merrell: Clay Stapp Shows How to Turn it up to 11

 

Our Clay Stapp. He is always pushing the envelope… I’m sure that’s just how he gets our attention! Whether its mama wanting a bigger house or protection from unscrupulous agents, you have to admit — if the man can get attention this brilliantly, imagine what he can do for a house …

But did Stapp take things too far with his open house at 4231 Merrell with naked sushi and some very, very toned models relaxing pool-side?

Or perhaps it was all a part of Stapp’s marketing strategy.

“His bokerage thinks way differently in how he markets a property,” said builder Scott Finfer, who took 4231 Merrell to the studs. “You know, this isn’t some tract house in Frisco. It’s unique, which is why I chose Clay.”

Finfer is passionate about how homes are remodeled for today’s lifestyles, and is adamant about reusing and repurposing materials for stylish, green homes. And some of the most unique, attractive finishes in the home are repurposed or reclaimed. Take, for instance, the wide-plank floors that run throughout the home. It’s reclaimed French white oak with a soft gray finish that works well with the colorful decor.

Of course, there are some green features you might not notice at first blush, including the double-pane low-e windows throughout, the Energy-Star rated HVAC, and premium kitchen appliances that will stand the test of time. In fact, we’d never dream of replacing that gorgeous clementine-colored Bertazzoni range in the kitchen.

You’ll also find redwood trim in the master suite and doorways, and hand-carved panels reclaimed from a midcentury home in Richardson that have found new life behind the mod freestanding fireplace and in the guest bedroom as closet doors. And speaking of re-purposed, the garage got a new life in this home, with a herringbone patterned tile floor and marble baseboards, a squeaky clean work bench and pendant fixture, all of which you access from the dining room through a glass door. “It’s an extension of the living space, so we made it feel like that.”

It’s a novel concept, but the surprises don’t stop there. In fact, if you’re in love with the house and everything in it, you can nab it all for $699,000. And yes, that does include the coffee table with a prostrate nude female figure. But what about the house itself?

“Livibility is the first thing I think about,” Finfer said of his projects. “This is a small house, but because there are zones, it feels larger.”

And this three-bedroom, two-bath home just down the street from Episcopal School of Dallas is definitely livable, especially if your life needs a swank pad for lounging, soaking, and entertaining without all of the ridiculous traffic and noise in Uptown. The third bedroom in this home has been converted into an office complete with day bed with additional trundle for those unexpected overnight guests, as well as wine storage and a door leading out to the very mod backyard. And we love the soft neutral color scheme featuring blue trim and beige museum-finish walls. It’s a much better color scheme than the prison gray walls we’ve seen all over.

“It’s a great alternative to city living,” Stapp said. “It’s like one of those three-story townhomes, except you get so much more. If I put this in Uptown, it would be right at home.”

And the crowd that Thursday’s Naked Sushi open house looked like it would be at home in Uptown, too. Young professionals filled the home and backyard, which had a DJ spinning beats and bikini-clad models loafing about, all sipping Deep Eddy vodka cocktails. And just about everyone giggled and blushed as they plucked sushi from the very friendly platter in the dining room.

From the glamorous tile throughout — don’t miss the glitzy kitchen ceiling! — and the designer lighting and closets, Finfer succeeded in bringing the life of the party from Uptown to Preston Hollow for those who still want sexy digs without the thumping beats of clubs at 3 a.m.

And for the record, the sushi wasn’t bad, either.