Chateau With Grand Piano Kitchen Hosts Our French-Inspired June 9 Event Featuring HGTV’s Adrian Leeds

It would not be out of place for this home to host a ball-full of high-haired, masked, and gown-garbed courtesans. On June 9, we’ll dispense with the masks and gowns when CandysDirt.com staff and guests enjoy a French-inspired evening featuring HGTV hostess Adrian Leeds (details here) in this magnificent custom estate home by Sam Elchami of Versailles, Inc. in Preston Hollow.

This special new-build estate is listed for $5.9 million by Greyson Johns with Rogers Healy. Located at 9818 Hathaway, this 13,000 square foot property has four bedroom with five full and three half bathrooms … and a five car garage … resting on 0.63 acres (115 x 242 lot).  Certainly it has all the living, parking and play space a family could need. The home is at once open for large gatherings but with more intimate spaces more suited to day-to-day living.

The front of the home cuts a chateau-figure to the street with limestone façade and formal lawns with a fountain centered at the intersection of slate and limestone tiled pathways.

The double-door entry opens onto a mosaic “carpet” that welcomes guests before moving into the home. Immediately to the left is a formal dining area that connects to a gigantic kitchen fit for its own television cooking show.

In addition to being a useful kitchen for one or an army of caterers, this kitchen is about show. It elegantly embraces the need of seemingly every party to congregate in the kitchen – and providing a “wow” space for all to enjoy.  The intricate cooktop exhaust evokes the chimney breast-like hearths found in older, palatial European kitchens. The extensive window space meant neither cook nor guest will ever be bored.

Another feature that sets this kitchen apart is the added theater of translucent stone that’s been lit from below.  Of course they’re great for eliciting party guest gasps, but what about when you need a midnight snack but don’t want to be blinded by turning on the overhead chandeliers?  Flip on the counters for a nice warm glow to guide you to the fridge.

The double-height living room is a corker.  Anchored by a reproduction French mantle and chimney breast on one side and a full-service wet bar on the other, this is the room to entertain.  Note the intricately molded ceiling — it’s one of the builder Elchami’s trademarks.

The mezzanine offers an up-close view of the intricate ceiling work.  In addition to the living room, the barrel-vaulted mezzanine with raised cartouches is a sight to see.  Railings are kept more minimal to not interrupt the views.

All those guests will need some wine, and this home has a walk-in, glass-paneled wine room and a jumbo humidor.  The split-face stone wall adds a cave feel to the space.

After the wine and cigars, perhaps it’s time for a Hollywood blockbuster in your own two-story theater.  Note the millwork and ceilings continue even in a room that will likely be dark most of the time.  That’s attention to detail.

With summer on the way, can a cooling pool party be far from mind?  Adding another kind of cool to the backyard, the windows on the right are one wall of a showcase garage.  If you’re a car collector and think of some models as art, you can display your treasures here.

For the serious collector, themed events would write themselves.  James Bond in the theater, Bond car in the garage for the outdoor barbeque.  Wayne’s World and an AMC Pacer.  The only movie to avoid would be the Lucy and Desi’s The Long, Long Trailer …. 🙂

Once the guests have gone, it’s time to hang up your party clothes in one of two master closets.  Shown here is the ladies closet with light painted cabinetry and more space than a Chanel boutique. I like the added touch of glass doors to protect infrequently worn or off-season clothes from dust. The island bank of drawers is also glass-topped to showcase accessories without having to scrounge about.  The men’s closet is also quite large with mid-tone wood cabinetry for a manlier lair.

Now that your clothes are hung up, it’s time to dim the lights, hop in the tub with your other half for a post-party glass of champagne and a cuddle.  Would you rather feel the rain thrumming on tight shoulders? To the left is a walk-in shower with one of the biggest rain shower heads I’ve seen.

Typically, the next step would be sleep in the luxurious master suite, but if you’re the owner of this home, that might be tough.  As Dr. Seuss said, “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

Be sure to join us on June 9 to see whether you can sleep after experiencing this home.

Remember:  Do you have an HOA story to tell?  A little high-rise history? Realtors, want to feature a listing in need of renovation or one that’s complete with flying colors?  How about hosting a Candy’s Dirt Staff Meeting?  Shoot Jon an email.  Marriage proposals accepted (they’re legal)!  [email protected]