Elegance cannot come at too high a price for some homeowners. Fortunately, the cost to purchase the magnificent estate nicknamed the "Dallas White House" is now $17.9 million. The estate embodies a lot of the classic architecture of the original seat of power, in Washington, D.C., but and its price, lowered from last year's list price of $19.5 million, reflects the owner's motivation to sell.
Much of the house is dedicated to the reception and entertainment areas, and reflects the owner's taste for old-world design and decorative flair. The front formal garden strikes an imposing figure, leading visitors up to the classic portico supported by eight ionic columns resting on their own bases. After that, the property offers nothing but hospitality, from the marble-floored reception foyer, to the rear formal garden, and full bar according to the listing from Briggs Freeman at Sotheby's International Realty.
Comforts include a full bar and a spectacular kitchen with a Viking range, built into the yawning mouth of a fireplace enclosure. The rotunda cinema, with its custom chandelier, red upholstered armchairs, and an old-fashioned organ tucked in the corner, also has a stage in front of the screen, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
The Sotheby's listing says the house has five full bathrooms and just four bedrooms. The latter seems like a small count for such a grand space with so much to offer. The bedrooms themselves, however, are nothing short of spectacular: They all feature an element of old-world style. One has twin beds with bed crowns festooned with elaborate upholstery, and another features an intricately carved wooden canopy. Each and every bathroom is an oasis of luxury, with marble and granite platform tubs.
The property also has a double pool, a tennis court with a pavilion, and expertly maintained grounds with more than 200 trees. The entire property is just six miles from downtown Dallas, ensuring that residents and guests are never far from either pastoral beauty or city conveniences.
