Mark Moussa’s Magnificent Modern Makeover

It’s rare when you come across a home for lease that is owned by one of the most creative people on the planet. Yes I’m fangirling over Mark Moussa, the founder of Arteriors and the owner of this captivating modern makeover. The fact that it’s for lease blows me away.

But of course, that’s because Moussa loves it and is never letting it go. Moussa lived here for five years before he had David Stocker, principal of SHM Architects, design another home for his family.

“I love that house,” Moussa told me. “The lot is perfect, and it has the most beautiful trees. The live oak in the front is like a sculpture. In the northeast corner of the backyard, there is a Chinese Pistache tree. From what the arborists tell me, they have never seen a bigger one in Dallas.”

Builder Rusty Goff, who helped Moussa with several projects after an icemaker diaster told me the house had undergone a substantial modern makeover when Moussa purchased it in 2012. “But of course “Mark has a very creative, unique style, and he’s super talented,” Goff said. “Consequently Mark is always putting his own spin on things.”

That substantial remodel was done by the talented team of Architect Paul Pedigo and contractor Mark Siepiela who were tapped by previous owners Alan White and Rusty Jenkins to collaborate with on the transformation of the home.

There was originally a cramped entry and the wing wall was essentially acting as a barricade between the living and entry areas.

The fireplace and wing wall is a dramatic feature of the home. To increase that drama and reduce the barrier effect, beams and the screening were removed and some of the stone was taken off. The casing from an existing column was removed and the remaining steel interior column painted. It essentially disappeared.  

The owner’s suite is downstairs and on the same level as the pool. “It’s like you are outdoors when you are in that bedroom,” Moussa said.

An outdoor fireplace was built in the backyard from sandstone, similar to the interior wall. And for fun, the cherry on the top of this modern makeover is an original bocce ball court, complete with oyster shells!

This 3,555-square-foot modern makeover, at 3947 Fairfax Avenue, has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a powder bath. It’s offered for lease by Compass Realtor Becky Frey at $12,000 per month.

You won’t ever find a house that has had this much creativity and love poured into it, for lease. So, I’d jump on it folks!