Local Magazine Publisher’s Turtle Creek Architectural Gem Hits the Market

Trying to slip one by me, eh?

When Modern Luxury Dallas market president Blake Stephenson and her husband, Tom, decided to market their Turtle Creek home, they chose Compass agent Annalee Aston, once a fierce sales leader at MLD. But they kept the listing off-market, not to dip their toe in the sales waters, but to control the onslaught of buyers. After all, this artfully designed modern masterpiece, sited on iconic Turtle Creek Drive, had been home to many a publishing party and social event, and was well known to every mover and shaker in town.

They didn’t even tell their favorite real estate editor about it!

“Our street is privately owned, so we really didn’t want the traffic from those interested,” explains Blake.

Seriously private, too: Heidi Dillon and Real Housewife Stephanie Hollman are both neighbors. Which is why this treasure hasn’t even touched MLS yet. And honestly, it probably won’t. Someone will snag it by the time you read this sentence.

Welcome to your own private pastoral paradise off Turtle Creek Boulevard. Originally designed by architects Downing Thomas and Bill Booziotis and built with the finest craftsmanship, the home holds the historic marker in the neighborhood as the 1966 American Institute of Architects award winner. Built in 1963, the home was meticulously renovated by the architectural firm Bernbaum/Magadini. 

There is ample evidence of design handiwork in every molecule, from renowned designers Michael Lee, Emily Summers, and Cindy Nash. The lines are elegantly sophisticated yet simple, clean and customized.

As for ease of living, you cannot do better. The just under 4,000-square-foot estate (3,948) boasts three levels, with an elevator from both the basement and garage entrance to the main floor. You will never lug or lift. The kitchen is my favorite: light and bright, it has the requisite stainless appliances, waterfall granite, plenty of storage, and French doors to a pleasant, refreshing patio.

“As you move up to the main floor, you are greeted with walls of windows and an abundance of natural light – the perfect space for entertaining and displaying one’s art collection. It’s probably my favorite thing about the house,” says Blake.

The master suite is pretty fabulous, too. It features a luxurious ensuite bath with dual vanities and mammoth walk-in closets, as well as shower and a must-see custom cast steel tub that looks like silver. The home boasts hardwoods throughout, a handsome library overlooking the garden, gracious dining room, wine cellar, and a sizable upstairs bedroom suite. Positioned among the treetops, the estate is surrounded by lush greenery overlooking Turtle Creek, filled with pristine backyard landscaping and a full outdoor living area. If jogging or walking the pooch is your cup of tea, there is even a private gated entrance to the Katy Trail.

 

Where are the Stephenson’s going? Closer to their daughter’s school, the Episcopal School of Dallas.

“It’s going to be very difficult saying goodbye to this property,” says Blake. “It has the best of many impossible worlds: architectural significance, perfect flow, a large yard and outdoor living, and the peacefulness of being on the water. Yet we are clearly in Uptown, just over the bridge from Highland Park.”

Accessibility, says Blake, is simply amazing; just like the home. Price available upon request.

Want to see it before everyone else? Come to this broker open on Nov. 21 with Candy and the CandysDirt.com staff.