A French Estate in Highland Park That Captures The Essence of Beverly Drive

This exquisite French estate on Beverly Drive perfectly represents the architecture that draws people to Highland Park.

Beverly Drive has always been one of the most coveted streets in the neighborhood. Political and civic leaders of Dallas have made their homes here for generations. It’s where you want to live if you can, and it always has been.

Not much has really changed since this 1912 advertisement for what was called The Country Club Section of Highland Park. Note it touts the location, east of the just-opened Dallas Country Club 18-hole golf course. A short distance to the west, Southern Methodist University was being constructed.

Wilber David Cook planned Highland Park and knew what he was doing. He happened to be developing Beverly Hills in California simultaneously, hence the name for this street.

This French estate is what I call a combo-platter of stellar talents.

Architect Stephen B. Chambers drew up the original plans. When the house transitioned from a spec build to a custom home, Cole Smith designed the pool house and implemented some changes during construction. Pat McKinley of McKinley Built Homes built this estate. When you have two notable, award-winning architects involved in bringing a house to life, as well as one of the best builders in Dallas, you know you have a spectacular residence.

“We had just trimmed out the house when it sold and became a client-driven project,” McKinley said.” It’s really the sweet spot in construction for clients to get involved because they can bring in their ideas. We had several designers involved as the family wanted to be in by September, so it was a busy site!”

When you look at homes guided by notable architects, you immediately see the significance. The sight lines alone in this house are remarkable. And of course, designers and clients bring so much to the house design party.

“Randy Yoast did the entry floor,” McKinley said.

Yoast was known for his intricate floor designs, inspired by the Parque de Versailles at the Metropolitan Museum’s French period rooms when he was a Parsons School of Design student. From his base in Houston, he created one-of-a-kind floors for clients all over the world. The entry floor in this French estate is crafted of marble, walnut, and oak.

“When the house was built, in 1986, the entry floor cost was $75,000,” McKinley said. “It’s a work of art.”

Hand-hewed timbers grace both the family room and the pool house ceilings to create that old-world character. The French estate has 8,573 square feet, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a powder bath, along with the jaw-dropping pool house.

Sensitive renovations and updates in 2013 and 2020, including new first-floor windows and doors, have kept this significant estate relevant and ready for a new generation to enjoy.

“The house has a timeless look that still works today,” McKinley said.

Allie Beth Allman’s Holly Thompson has this spectacular French estate at 3721 Beverly Drive listed for $8.395 million.