Ventura Custom Homes Put The ‘Spec’ in Spectacular With This Highland Park Build

Is Dallas still a hot luxury market? In February, US News and World Report‘s Housing Market Index ranked Dallas at No. 16 out of the top 100 markets. Dallas also ranked in the top 10 for most resilient markets. Texas has the most Fortune 500 companies, with 11 located in Dallas.

With the Goldman Sachs announcement of a 1 million-square-foot regional hub downtown and an expectation of 5,000 employees moving here, the answer is clear. Dallas will remain a hot market for luxury buyers for a very long time. 

However, we need more luxury inventory, and most existing inventory differs from the caliber our East and West Coast buyers expect.

So, when a property like this comes along that is a definite cut above what we’ve seen, it’s essential to take note of the details and understand this is an example of what out-of-town buyers want.

Ventura Custom Homes built this contemporary home as a spec during the pandemic. Owners Loy and Shideh Lowray are unique builders.

“We are not motivated by money on our specs,” Shideh said. “We create sanctuaries and are not about the path of least resistance. I knew if I implemented my vision for the house, it would be something spectacular.

“We create sanctuaries for the senses — one-of-a-kind homes that reflect the unique personalities of our clients. They bring their histories, tastes, and dreams. We add the creativity and skills that can transform ordinary spaces into environments that nurture their souls.”

Ventura Custom Homes

Shideh wanted the home to be light, airy, soothing, relaxing, and an escape from the fear that was ever-present at a time when no one was leaving their home. “I wanted a house centered on nature and for every room to have a vista to something that stimulates your senses.”

Creating something unique takes not only a great builder but also takes a great client. If that client is also a builder, even better because they truly understand quality.   

Ventura Custom Homes’ Spectacular Spec is All About Details

Builders are probably the most discerning buyers in the world. They generally have a laundry list of necessities for their own homes, regardless of how perfect they are. The present owner purchased the home just before completion, which allowed for making changes that added an extra layer of sophistication. Among those must-haves for this home was a catering kitchen and wine area that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also genuinely functional. The result is perhaps the most well-thought-out catering kitchen in Texas. 

“Your catering truck can pull up on Lomo Alto, go into the side entry, walk into the catering kitchen, use everything, and never enter the main house,” Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate listing agent Wendy Harkness said. 

Cabinet texture changes yearly, and for it to appeal to this owner, as well as our sophisticated buyer market, it has to be interesting and new. Taupe Tay and Cerused Gray Elm wood veneer from The Wood Gallery was used for the kitchen, bar, and study, sourced from their partners in Italy. A proprietary dying process was used, which is only done by one company in Italy, allowing the dye to penetrate the wood instead of covering only the top layer like a standard stain. This allows them to change the wood’s color while maintaining the grain’s visibility. The countertops are a breathtaking Brazilian Cristallo Quartzite.

Another must-have on the owner’s list was the showroom closet. Doug Horton’s company, Douglas Paul Designs, took the principal closet to another level with a styling station and two refrigerators. Yes, two, you read that right. One is a BeautiFridge to store your skincare and cosmetics properly. The other is a dual-controlled fridge, so your champagne is chilled appropriately, and your other beverages remain at their designated temperature.

This is one of those spectacular spec homes you must see to believe because the level of detail is superior to anything you can imagine. And that detail is everywhere throughout the 8,074-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bathroom, three-and-a-half-bath home. Even the theater room has details you seldom see, including two wine refrigerators, a regular refrigerator, and an ice maker. Don’t worry. There is theater lighting under the stairs, so you don’t stumble on your way for that second bottle of Veuve!

The outdoor spaces were designed by Shideh to be tranquil and renewing, from the fountain at the front door to the four courtyards and the pool. This spectacular spec by Ventura Custom Homes is truly a sanctuary in the middle of the city.

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate‘s Wendy Harkness has 4436 Belclaire Ave. listed for $11.495 million.