The Perfect Combo: A Cape Cod-Inspired New Traditional Zoned for Highland Park Schools

Every week, when I scan the beautiful new listings, one always stands out. This week, it’s a Cape Cod-inspired New Traditional from New Leaf Custom Homes.

What struck me first was the facade, and that’s not always the case. I generally give it three or four photos before I make a decision, but this house, as the saying goes, “Had me at Hello.”

It’s the juxtaposition of stone and brick and that front patio that turned my head. So of course I called up Samantha Bailey, The Design Shop’s creative director. She and Brett Davis, New Leaf’s vice president of design, have worked together for over a decade, and it’s clear they have one of those design marriages that was made in heaven.

“I always want the inside of a home to work well with the exterior architecture,” Bailey said. Prior to launching this project, she had been on a trip to coastal Massachusetts. The historic stone and clapboard Cape Cod cottages were the inspiration for this home’s design.

“When I design a spec home, I don’t have a client, so I go big,” Bailey said. “We have found that the more layers and personality you add, the more it sets the house apart.”

That is the beauty, after all, of any spec home. It’s a portfolio piece showcasing the company’s talent, and it’s on full display in this 6,908-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom New Traditional luxury home.

One of the things that also turned my head is the warmth of this home. I’ve had my fill of white. To see a return to some of my favorite warm hues, like Sherwin Williams Agreeable Beige, on the kitchen cabinets makes me want to do a little happy dance!

When Architectural Digest is touting the quiet luxury of taupes, you know this is the new trend. The countertops are leathered Taj Mahal, and the backsplash is Zellige tile. I’m also enamored with the contoured island. Why have we not been doing this all along?

What also caught my attention was the carrying-through of the exterior stone. It not only continues on the great room’s fireplace but also on the primary bedroom’s main wall.

All I can say is if you don’t get it, walk on by because this is absolutely brilliant. It resonates with me because I’ve seen it not only in New England but also all over Europe. That stone adds such depth and character, especially in the primary, where it is juxtaposed with a tongue-and-groove wood vaulted and beamed ceiling. It’s just perfection.

The primary bathroom was also given depth with a layer of paneling behind the mirrors.

“This bathroom is really fresh with just a touch of glam,“ Bailey said. “We used Iceberg marble flooring, added a big soaking tub, and used Arabescato marble for the countertops and shower accents. The custom vanities have extra linen storage and reeded detailing on the front panels.”

The laundry room even has a touch of drama, with the marble checkerboard flooring repeating its cloudy pattern through the Spoonflower cloud wallpaper. The cabinets are, you guessed it, the new go-to: Accessible Beige.

Stepping through the great room’s massive French doors leads to the patio, which features silver travertine floors, a wood ceiling, and a gray Leuders stone fireplace. The larger-than-expected lot size of 0.37 of an acre also allows for a pool!

And the deal sealer? “You have the City of Dallas fire, police, and taxes, but Highland Park schools,” New Leaf Director of Business Development and JPAR realtor Rylan Clark said. “It’s a great deal.” 

Indeed it is! If it’s available by the end of today, I’ll be surprised.

Clark has this luxurious New Traditional at 7514 Greenbrier Dr. available for $5.899 million.