Jewel Box Pied-à-terre Offers Sumptuous, Dramatic Style Behind the Pink Wall

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When you’re a man about town with a penchant for dramatic, luxe style, what kind of space do you design for entertaining and as a showcase for travel acquisitions? 

The answer is at 8526 Baltimore Dr. Apt 202, our Tuesday Two Hundred and the European-style pied-à-terre for a prominent Dallas jewelry designer. He arrived at this location after closing his Fifth Avenue apartment in New York City, seeking a discreet building in Dallas to house his expansive collection of art and antiques, throw fabulous parties, and provide a guest house for visitors.

“He was attracted to the natural flow of the layout, conducive for entertaining with large rooms and a lovely breakfast room or study off the kitchen,” said listing agent Catherine Gravel with Action Realty. “The condo was a blank canvas with great bones and structure in need of a little updating and color.”

It got both in its two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,359 square feet. The space now is a jewel box of rich colors and textures, from dramatic gray walls and and sumptuous ruby drapes to ornate gold-framed mirrors and art. There is nothing like it on the market in North Texas. 

In three years, the owner, who wishes to remain unnamed, has thrown around 50 seated dinner parties against the backdrop of English furniture and Italian mirrors and art. 

“His vision was to create a space that envelopes you in warm colors and provides a sense of calm and peace,” said Gravel. “Each layer presents a new surprise and visual stimulation — everything sparkles and catches light, from hand-selected granites and subtle metallic cabinet paints to mirrored bathrooms, crystal and acrylic knobs, touches of parquet, and the knock-out mirrored bar off the dining room.” 

During renovations at this unit, the condo was modernized with state-of-the-art security and an integrated alarm system, as well as updated lighting.

This small complex offers some of the lowest homeowner association dues behind the pink wall at $294 per month. It rests on a quiet block between Preston and Thackery with little traffic and no direct access, and it is close to Northwest Highway and adjacent to upscale shops and restaurants. This desirable neighborhood is loved for its midcentury architecture, tree-lined streets, and the stories behind each door. This building surrounds a quiet garden. 

“We hope there will be one last party before the setting is transported to the next discreet location, selected to house an ever-growing collection, to greet guests and enjoy an evening of glamour,” said Gravel.

This condo was listed Aug. 9 for $250K, reduced to $248,000. Monthly HOA dues include blanket insurance, trash, water/sewer, and maintenance of backyard, exterior, front yard, and common areas. 

Surprise! The exterior of this behind-the-pink-wall building belies the grandeur of one of its units.

Leah Shafer is a content and social media specialist, as well as a Dallas native, who lives in Richardson with her family. In her sixth-grade yearbook, Leah listed "interior designer" as her future profession. Now she writes about them, as well as all things real estate, for CandysDirt.com.

6 Comments

  1. Candy Evans on August 21, 2018 at 10:08 am

    Whoa, now this is the way people should live! I applaud the homeowner for the incredible richness of this home… which you would never guess from the exterior!

  2. Cody Farris on August 21, 2018 at 10:17 am

    It’s clear the homeowner has collected special items through the years. Lovely unit.

  3. Victoria JJ on August 21, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    Who staged this? I can see why it’s not selling. It is insanely busy, overdone, and tacky. I’d turn around and walk out.

    • Candy Evans on August 21, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      Au contraire: I think it has incredible style. Let’s just watch and see what happens. Sometimes we tire of the “clean & naked” look. I like clothes!

  4. LonestarBabs on August 22, 2018 at 6:54 am

    The buyer is going to need a LOT of paint. And vision.

  5. Connie Williamson on August 23, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    I like this! Very well done. Lovely collection. Great location.

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