Mansion Global

Outside Dallas, a Castle-Style Home Brings A Bit of France to Texas

The home was designed by famed architect Charles Dilbeck in 1934 and updated in 2017

Save

Listing of the Day

Location: University Park, Texas

Price: $1.995 million

Picture a Loire Valley château reimagined for Texas, and you have this utterly fairytale-like castle. Featuring an eye-catching turret— with a whimsical Juliet balcony— steeply pitched roof with enchanting dormer windows, and Old World lead glass windows, this quaint, but spacious Texan castle has personality in spades.

Late-20th century Dallas architect Charles Dilbeck was inspired by travels to France, and the home was just lovingly restored, "respecting the original design of the home," said Becky Frey, the listing agent with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. This home is one of the "Four Sisters," which Ms. Frey explained means "the homes on all four corners are Dilbecks."

With details like stone flooring, rustic and polished woodwork, and exposed beams, the architectural elements of the property are characteristic of Dilbeck’s style. This particular home harmoniously marries a farmhouse feel with the aesthetic of a French château, all with the conveniences of city living.

Built in 1934, the entire home was meticulously updated in 2017.

The Stats

This 3,393-square-foot chateau counts three bedrooms and three and a half baths, sitting on a corner lot in the elite Dallas suburb of University Park. A 300-square-foot guest house has one bedroom and its own bath.

Design Pedigree

"You say the name Dilbeck in Dallas and people know exactly who you’re talking about,"  Ms. Frey said. Seeking to complete "the best restoration possible," she said, the current owner "worked with architects and designers very educated in Dilbeck design, attended classes on Dilbeck at Southern Methodist University," which is located in University Park, and even spoke with Mrs. Dilbeck, who is still alive.

Amenities

While myriad unique architectural details inside the home give it exceptional character, elegant landscaping surrounds its beautiful outdoor entertaining areas. A covered patio includes built-in heaters for cooler weather, as well as an outdoor kitchen. Next to the stone fire pit is a saltwater "cocktail pool" with a water feature, each providing soothing ambiance.

More:University Park, Considered an ‘Inner Suburb,’ is Still Plenty Bustling

Neighborhood Notes

University Park, along with Highland Park, make up the Park Cities, an affluent enclave of Dallas. The home is within walking distance of the shopping and fine dining of Highland Park Village, Ms. Frey said. Buyers are often attracted to University Park because of its fine schools (including Highland Park High School) and proximity to Dallas.

Agent: Becky Frey, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

View the full listing.

Write to Listing of the Day