Candy’s ‘Dirt’ for Sale: Our Publisher’s North Dallas Pad Is Hitting the Market

She’s a real estate powerhouse. He’s a beloved fixture in Dallas medicine. And now, after 25 years in their custom-built Hillcrest Estates home, Candy and Dr. Walter Evans are ready for the lock-and-leave lifestyle — and you’re getting the very first look at their 6,800-square-foot home.

Candy has always loved everything about real estate and beautiful homes — the architecture, design, construction, and conservation. She and Walter lived in three lovely homes before deciding to build from the ground up in 1999. After spending 10 years in a charming circa 1939 home on Park Lane (in the “honeypot”) on more than an acre, they understandably had a long wish list for the next abode. They were used to a spacious home, a large lot and big, beautiful mature trees.

A big yard and a pool with super swim jets were at the top of Walter’s list. (Next was a tornado shelter/safe room.) Candy’s list was significantly longer.

When you write about real estate every day, you get to know the players. For the builder, they didn’t have to look far — one of Walter’s patients was married to custom home builder Jim Curtis. The architect was also an easy decision. Candy turned to the late Don Caperton of Caperton Johnson. Among other estates, Don designed the sprawling $15 million dollar Hill Country estate on Red Wolf Lane for Matt Rutledge that sold in two days. To this day, though, there’s some debate over who dreamed up many of the home’s genius over-the-top features — Don, or Walter.

They wanted a large house, but not excessively so. With the kids nearly out of the house, 6,800 square feet with four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and a powder bath felt just right. Two offices were a necessity, as was a media room and a temperature-controlled wine room. Candy also had a few very specific requests. Even if you have never met her, her social media and photos make it clear — she’s a dog person. At the time, the Evans family had four.  

“We had to have a dedicated dog area, a mudroom, and an outdoor shower for pets and humans,” Candy said. “We’ve really loved having an outdoor shower!”  

Of course, spacious principal closets were a must.

“We wanted our closets adjoining because with our crazy schedules, we knew we could talk to each other while we were getting ready for work,” Candy said.

And it’s not only the principal closets —this home has so much storage, I stopped counting after the first floor.

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One of the most brilliant features Candy designed into the house is something you won’t even notice, even after I tell you it’s there. A hidden serveware closet.

“We designed panels on the dining room walls,” Candy said. “One of the panels is actually a hidden door hung on a piano hinge where we keep all the serveware. There’s even a rod for hanging tablecloths.”

If you entertain a lot, you will understand the level of envy this clever detail inspires. 

And when it comes to entertaining, there may not be a better house on the market for hosting a party of any size. (The USA Film Festival once had 100 in the house comfortably.) Walter even had outdoor electrical outlets installed with events in mind — perfect for plugging in amplifiers, margarita machines and powering a full backyard setup. Just a month after the home was finished, Candy threw a tented graduation party on the lawn for daughter Cassie. With son Tres at St. Mark’s and on the football team, there were plenty of high school barbecues and pool parties in the backyard.

And then there are the Evanses’ famous dinner parties. 

Siting the pool and spa, built by Leisure Living, was a thoughtful process. It’s 40 feet long and nine feet deep with powerful swim jets so you can swim against the current. It was purposely designed to be situated away from the house, so it felt more like a tranquil pond amid the towering pecan trees.  It also meant that anyone on the large Phantom Screened-in porch can easily converse, and by the time the grandkids get out of the pool and up to the house, they’ve air-dried along the way!

“This has been a great home for us,” Candy said. “There are very few homes on large lots like this remaining in Dallas, and it is so close to everything. We’ve loved living and entertaining here, and we’ve loved the pool. In fact, if you give me unlimited access to the pool, I’ll cut you a deal!”

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate’s Ryan Streiff has listed Walter and Candy Evans’ home at 11407 W. Ricks Circle for $4.395 million.

Broker’s Open Tuesday, August 12, 11 a.m to 1 p.m.