A nearly 37,000-square-foot house in Hickory Creek, Texas has recently reduced its asking price to $17.5 million, but that’s not all—if an offer is accepted before January 30, 2016, the buyer will receive two huge bonuses: a helicopter and a Rolls-Royce automobile. The property, built in the style of a French country retreat, has six bedrooms, six bathrooms and eight partial bathrooms and is about a 15 minutes drive from DFW International Airport. The home sits on 39 acres, which include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and a 1.5-acre lake. Listing agent Joan Eleazer, executive vice president of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, told Mansion Global that "the property is priced less than half of the cost to build, it is an unparalleled opportunity." The mansion was the brainchild of Texas cellphone mogul Alan Goldfield and his wife, Shirley. It took them five years and nearly $52 million to design and build the dream house. Construction was completed in 2002.
Inspired by "Vaux-le-Vicomte", a grand château near Paris, the stone façade invokes a European charm and timeless quality. Eleazer said: "The previous owners love everything about France, they travelled there often and bought a lot of furniture and fixtures." Soon after its completion, however, the Goldfields put the house on the market. Given the weak state of the real estate market at the time, they did not find a suitable buyer even after cutting the asking price. In 2012, the current owner Zaffar Tabani snapped it up at auction. Mr. Tabani refused to disclose how much he paid for the property, adding that he bought it as a second home because he fell in love with it at first sight. He told Mansion Global that "never in my life have I seen such a high caliber and high-quality mansion." The main house has four floors, with a 78-foot dome open to all levels. Flanking the entry is a two-story mahogany library and a living room with a carved stone fireplace. The formal dining room features two chandeliers crafted in Italy. The Hall of Fontainebleau leads to the tearoom, modeled after Tavern on the Green in New York. The family room is decorated with mahogany ceilings and oak flooring. There is a large garden that opens to a veranda that can accommodate 450 people. The east wing of the home includes a master suite with a breakfast bar, a wet steam room, a weight room and a master bath. According to Mr. Tabani, the bathroom has a two-story Chanel-themed closet that cost $5 million to build. In addition, there is a private hair salon and an indoor, ionized lap pool. The second floor houses a theater/media room that includes a lobby. The ballroom on the third floor is inspired by Versailles. It has mirrored walls, men’s and ladies powder rooms, a catering kitchen and ample storage. The third floor also includes a suite with a living room, dining room, a full kitchen and two bedrooms with separate baths. The lower level has a two-lane bowling alley, full racquetball court, wine room and a gift wrap room. The garage can park 10 to 15 cars. The laundry room is equipped with a commercial washer and dryer. Mr. Tabani said his family, including his two children and four grandchildren, enjoyed spending time in the mansion. Occasionally friends and relatives from Saudi Arabia would stay with them. "They are absolutely impressed. They say it is more awesome than the Prince’s Palace." Why is he selling it then? Mr. Tabani said their main residence is only two minutes away from his office, and as such, "I do not spend enough time here, I decide it is better for other people to enjoy it." This is not the first time Mr. Tabani tried to find a new owner. The mansion was originally listed for $35 million in 2014. The current asking price is exactly half of that and includes the helicopter and Rolls-Royce valued $1 million and $225,000 respectively. The buy-one-get-two-free offer is valid until January 30, 2016.