Magnificent Montserrat Manse With Automobile Court and Backyard Oasis Hits Market

Almost exactly one year ago we featured the Monserrat manse at 9517 Bella Terra, across the street from the for-sale Selena Gomez compound. That over 9,000-square-foot spread sold for $2.299 million, boding well for the sale of the larger Gomez estate.

However, if a mere five bedrooms won’t suffice and you need to park more than six cars, you might want to have a look another new listing at nearby 4657 Benavente Court. The roofline, with its many gables and turrets, resembles a mini city skyline.

Lot value for a one-acre plot in Montserrat is around $1 million these days, and 4657 Benavente Court sits on a full two acres — the better to accommodate the 10,000-square-foot residence, large pool, basketball court, batting cage, and putting green with green space to spare.

The marble-floored entrance hall soars to double height and constitutes an entertainment area itself. Winding stairs are capped by a domed ceiling. A home office lies to the left.

The plan is open and airy with the hall feeding to a groin-vaulted dining room, which seems to float on hand-scraped hardwood floors. Arched openings frame three symmetrical entrances to the main living area — one of three.

The principle living room is also double height, overlooked by the second-floor gallery. The bespoke fireplace is a composition of luxurious marbles and stone with an inset, trumeau mirror.

If, like me, you find the word “great room” a little cringe inducing, I challenge you to come up with a substitute for the nearly 30- by 40-foot living area off the kitchen. United by a grid of bold beams, it has a large bar, informal dining, and one of the home’s five fireplaces.

There is, in addition, a second back staircase. With oak risers and treads and custom iron work, it is grander than many principle staircases.

The downstairs master suite includes a private sitting room and a spacious bedroom with a double-sided fireplace, which is shared with the sprawling spa bath. There is an additional bedroom on the ground floor — ideal for an au pair or in-law suite.

The master bath includes separate vanities, double shower, and a step up tub centered under a frescoed vault. Materials are a combination of marbles and marble mosaic.

Scraped oak floors are carried upstairs, which contains the remaining five of seven bedrooms. The large entertainment/media room has a full wet bar, flat screen TV, and sound system wiring. Electric, HVAC, and security are all controlled by a smart home system. An outdoor living space with a fireplace lies beyond.

 

The winding, multi-level pool and spa with water slide is almost a private water park. The backyard oasis includes a full outdoor kitchen with smoker, grill, kegerator, and fridge.

Multiple garages comprise a “automobile court” that can shelter up to 10 cars. John Zimmerman of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International is offering 4657 Benavente Court for $4.449 million.

Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt.