Expensive Texas Dirt

Billionaire scoops up the most expensive house in Texas

Tom Hicks, with the help of high-profile listing agent Allie Beth Allman, finally landed a buyer for his Dallas estate: billionaire Andy Beal, founder of Plano-based Beal Bank. Asking price had been $100 million for the 25-acre property.

Candy’s Dirt founder and CultureMap contributor Candy Evans says that Beal had been eyeing the Trammell Crow estate, a historic, 6-acre gem in Highland Park.

Allman sold the home to Hicks and his wife, Cinda, back in 1997, after which they began a multimillion-dollar renovation. The work took nearly three years to complete.

Evans toured the compound in March 2015, including the 28,000-square-foot main house and 3,347-square-foot guest house. “The approach to the private gates of 10000 Hollow Way Rd. feels more like a drive through the French countryside to a fabulous chateau deep in the heart of the forest. It’s hard to believe this is just seconds from the Dallas North Tollway and less than 10 minutes from downtown,” she wrote.

The estate overlooks a forest of trees and a creek. The property also features meadows, trails, pond, rose and vegetable gardens, greenhouse, two courtyards lined with 16 magnolia trees each, tennis court, and helipad.

“The most expensive sale in Dallas prior to this was closer to $20 million,” Allman told the Dallas Morning News. “It’s my understanding that [this] is the largest sale ever in Texas for a residential property.”

The home at 10000 Hollow Way Rd. had been listed for $100 million.

Photo courtesy of Allie Beth Allman & Associates

The home at 10000 Hollow Way Rd. had been listed for $100 million.

home-for-sale

SPLASHY LISTING

Westlake estate with lazy river lists for the first time at $14.9M

Photo courtesy of Frank Garnica / Compass

Stonebridge Estate covers nearly three acres and is located in one of Austin's most desirable neighborhoods.

A three-acre gated estate in Westlake near Barton Creek Mall has hit the market for the first time ever, priced at $14.9 million. The Mediterranean-style house, at 3667 Stoneridge Rd., spans more than 10,000 square feet and includes a separate guesthouse and multi-level resort-style pool.

A property of this size, and at this price point, is rare even in Westlake Hills, where the median home price in the market is $1.9 million, up 3 percent over the past year. This particular home was custom built in 2016 by Bob Rayburn, founder of North American Breaker Company. The home is listed by Jennifer Henry of Compass.

The primary suite is located on the main level, set apart from guest areas for added privacy, with a gorgeous wood beamed ceiling.Photo courtesy of Frank Garnica / Compass

The house is positioned to the rear of the property to preserve many of the larger oaks and leave space for future amenities, such as tennis courts or putting greens. Designed for entertainment, the house includes a kitchen with an eight-burner Wolf range, double ovens, and integrated cabinet-front appliances, as well as a butler's pantry. A large game room on the main floor boasts full-height windows looking out on the property and a restaurant-grade bar.

CUSTOM KITCHEN This oversized center island could be used for prep space or entertaining.Photo courtesy of Frank Garnica / Compass

Photo courtesy of Frank Garnica / Compass

Stonebridge Estate covers nearly three acres and is located in one of Austin's most desirable neighborhoods.

The property, which is called Stonebridge Estates, falls into the ultra-luxury tier of properties in Austin, with Texas limestone walls in the dining room, a dual-sided fireplace in the living room and a freestanding soaking tub in the main bathroom. The house boasts wood-cased windows, custom marble, and hand-finished ceiling details.

The estate pairs large-scale entertaining spaces with resort-style amenities throughout:

6 bedrooms
10 bathrooms
Primary bath with freestanding soaking tub and dual vanities
Game room with restaurant-grade bar, poker, and billiards
Dedicated media room
Study with fireplace
Separate fitness studio
Chef’s kitchen with 8-burner Wolf range and double ovens
Butler’s pantry
Multi-level pool with spa
Current-fed lazy river loop
Outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and covered patios
Detached guesthouse with rooftop balcony

A dedicated media room offers a true theater experience, conveniently tucked away from the main living spaces.Photo courtesy of Frank Garnica / Compass

Outdoors, a patio is anchored by a multi-level pool complex that incorporates a current-fed lazy river loop, a feature more common to resorts than homes. Amenities also include a fire pit, areas for sitting and eating, as well as fully equipped outdoor kitchen. A detached 1,200-square-foot guesthouse next door has a rooftop balcony.

luxury home for sale mansion estate