Grab Your Mallet, as This Ash Bluff Mansion Has History of Horsing Around

Show of hands: How many of our CandysDirt.com readers enjoyed the beautiful weather at the annual Polo on the Lawn match this past Saturday? It was a wonderful event held at Prestonwood Polo Club in Oak Point, benefiting Children’s Miracle Network. But did you know that 23 Ash Bluff Lane was once the site of the Dallas Polo Club in the 1920s?

Yes, it’s true! This gorgeous Anton Korn-designed estate built in 1935 is the very same place where polo ponies and riders raced while the elegant ladies and gentleman of Dallas society looked on.

It was originally built for oilman Clint Murchison, but was later renovated in a way that holds on to the home’s history while allowing it to easily accommodate today’s buyer. Jump to see the rest of this gorgeous home located inside the exclusive Glen Abbey neighborhood.

From the front, the first thing you’ll notice is the long, graceful fountain dividing the driveway, shaded by the boughs of grad trees that surround it. The circular drive drops you at the front, where you’ll notice the beautiful facade and colonial architecture. Inside the front door is an entry foyer awash in harlequin marble from which you can see the solarium ahead and then the gardens, which Allie Beth Allman says are reminiscent of old France or England.

Allman, who is listing this seven-bedroom, seven-full-and-two-half-bath estate for $6 million, wants you to note the original details that have been preserved in this tremendous historic property. The original Gracie Studio walls adorn the dining room, as well as the original hand moulding in the matching living room.

But in the kitchen you’ll see how the sellers have used traditional details and coveted upgrades to create a feeling of continuity throughout the home.

The kitchen, with its exposed steel trussed framework and Carrara marble counters, is perfect for day-to-day living as well as catering and entertaining. Copious built-in cabinetry, as well as commercial grade appliances — a Viking stove with double oven, two additional built-in ovens, and a built-in Sub Zero French door refrigerator — make meals a snap. I do love the stainless steel accent tile behind the range, though a pot-filler would be a welcome addition. That said, there are two full-sized sinks and two separate islands for preparation, as well as plenty of room for a breakfast table, island seating, and a cozy window seat.

“The fabled trophy room, with its cross beamed ceiling and murals, recalls the gatherings of legends from business, sports, and entertainment,” Allman said. Can you imagine the conversations held in here? Put in some chairs from Anteks around that big fireplace and soak in the history from the warmth of a hearth that has hosted many of Dallas’ legends.

The master bedroom is an enormous 20 x 34 and has everything you’d imagine, including a coffee bar and en-suite laundry. It’s just filthy with built-in cabinetry, marble, an impressive fireplace, and warm hardwoods. Those of us who require a good soak at the end of the day, paired with a flute of bubbly, will appreciate the bathtub, which looks out onto a private water feature. I’m feeling more relaxed already.

The 18,589-square-foot estate also includes a lovely home theater and a beautiful wood-paneled library. The grounds, which total 2.87 acres, are lush and perfectly manicured.

Second level room plans, around a cavernous central hall, are equally spacious, all with views of nature. And the third floor taps creativity for a myriad of uses. Here is one of Dallas’ legendary homes, superbly renovated for another era.