Exquisite University Park French Estate Designed by Richard Davis
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“It’s like a luxury home on the French Riviera,” Dave Perry-Miller listing agent Laura Michelle said. There’s no need for a passport, however. This University Park estate at 6101 Saint Andrews Drive is in the heart of our fair city on just over half an acre, and it’s one of the prettiest Monday Morning Millionaires I’ve ever seen.
It was built by Craig Clemmer and designed by award-winning architect Richard Davis, a master of French architecture. It’s one of those homes that is gracious and elegant without feeling untouchable. At 7,029 square feet with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and one powder bath, it was a custom build and has changed hands only twice to our knowledge. An estate of this magnitude rarely comes on the market because, seriously, why would you ever leave? It would take a move out of the country or a determination that I wanted to have a high-rise lifestyle to pry me out of something this gorgeous.
Michelle is co-listing the estate with Ryan Streiff for $5.995 million. In this price point, buyers are looking, more often than not, for something with character. Davis is a master at building in character— just look at the millwork. He also had the advantage of involved owners that imported antique fireplaces and doors from France.The present owners added depth to his design and created layers and layers of detail that photographs can’t begin to capture.
The detail begins before you step inside. Bronze, lion-head door knockers and a vintage light fixture set the stage. As you enter the home, there is a gallery to one side, floored in marble, that overlooks the courtyard through a row of arched windows. The formal living and dining rooms are elegant and serene.
One of my favorite spots is the library. You can Google French Riviera property at this very moment and find that not only that exact woodwork used but also the same sunny yellow and pale blue fabric colors.
Just off the kitchen is the keeping room overlooking the pool. Keeping rooms harken back to Colonial times and are such a nice aspect to any home.
The first-floor master suite overlooks the courtyard, accessed by a wall of French doors.
What is often hard to find is a house with as much attention paid to the landscape as to the home. An estate is not just a stately home — it’s a landed property, and to find a house for sale on this much land in University Park is another rarity. In addition to the courtyard, there is a sparkling lap pool and lovely gravel pathways meander around the estate. It’s a private oasis that can be a sanctuary or a perfect place to entertain.
We have it on good authority that you can accommodate 150 guests outdoors.
“I feel like I’m in the South of France whenever I show this home,” Michelle said. “It’s like a mini-vacation.”
We all want a house that makes us feel like we’re on vacation. Just give the Perry-Miller Streiff Group a call and see the details of this lovely University Park French estate in person, and you can leave your passport at home.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager for more than 25 years. She’s been a professional writer for 20 years. Karen is the mother of a son who’s studying music at The University of Miami. An ardent animal lover, she doesn’t mind one bit if your fur baby jumps right into her lap. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com
