Vaquero's New Resident: Glenn Beck? Tea Party Backer and Conservative Glenn Beck Moves to Texas!

Candy Evans breaks the news!  On one of his final shows Monday, Glenn Beck jokingly told Governor Rick Perry, his guest, and viewers that he is making a move to Texas due to its economic growth and state prosperity; as a matter of fact, it is the best place to live.  And one of the best places to live in Texas is where he and his family are headed: Vaquero!  2208 Vaquero Estates Blvd. had been one of the top listings in Vaquero for a couple of months before Beck recently purchased the home.  The Hill Country favorite features 7,900 sq. feet of living space and was on the market for $3.9 million, which Beck is renting for $20,000 a month says Candy Evans over at CandysDirt.  The resort styled lot includes a 4 car garage, 7 bedrooms, 7 1/2 baths, and all the desirable Vaquero amenities.  Welcome to Texas, Beck family!

Thanks for reading,

John

Perfect Second Home Real Estate for North Texans: Tejas Ranch in Anna, Texas

Less than an hour away from the Big D sits 90 acre Tejas Ranch in Anna, Texas at 11536 Wild Rose Lane.  The sprawling ranch features 4 living facilities totaling over 7,000 sq. feet of living space.  The incredible ranch styled main home includes lavish green landscaping and trees, a large deck overlooking the private lakes, a swimming pool, fountain, several lounge areas, and guest barn with playground.  Truly a Texan ranch, the property also features a 2,500 foot runway for out of town guests who find it easier just to fly.  Exotic animals can be spotted amongst the countryside as well.

For more on this amazing north Texas paradise, I invite you to visit the ranch's website: http://www.tejasranchtx.com/
You can also contact the listing agent, Gene Fichte, for more information.

Pricing options -
Everything: $4,450,000
House and Guest House on 10 acres: $1,900,000
House and Guest House on 20 acres: $2,300,000

For lots more pictures, visit the ranch's website listed above!

Thanks for reading,

John

Tuscan/Mediterranean Abode in Benbrook, Texas

Nestled within the gates of La Cantera at Team Ranch sits a Tuscan/Mediterranean inspired designer showcase home, 8901 Ladera Court.  The neighboring subdivision dubbed Montserrat is no rare term to real estate enthusiasts.  A neighborhood much like Montserrat, La Cantera at Team Ranch features large multi-story homes on above average sized lots.  The rocky landscaping and main living home embody a Texas Hill Country ranch home (my favorite).  The 6,972 sq. foot main home features 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms with home theater, exercise room, game room, and more common amenities.  The lot, just under an acre, features manicured landscaping, rock lined pool with slide/spa, and breathtaking views of the Texas countryside.  An outdoor fire pit and lounge area with fireplace, fountain, and courtyard are so featured surrounding the pool.  More notable amenities include a porte cochere with 4 car garage, circle drive, gated community, walking trails with private lake, and more.  This Benbrook abode is listed for $1,490,000!

Here's The Listing

Thanks for reading,

John

Had to LOL At This One - Realtor Accidentally Messes Up Price Tag!

Hey, we're all humans and we all make mistakes; this mistake is just hilarious.  Fort Worth Realtor accidentally adds an extra 3 zeros on the listing price, making the price of an average 1,744 sq. foot home one of the most expensive in the country: $96,900,000.  Soon thereafter, the Realtor fixed the problem and added the correct price, $96,900.  Just a little real estate humor for your weekend!

For what it's worth, here's the real listing.

Thanks for reading,

John

D Magazine's "100 Most Expensive Homes in Dallas" 2011 Edition Published - Familiar Names, New Homes

The much expected "100 Most Expensive Homes in Dallas" 2011 edition was recently published by D Magazine.  The list includes several very familiar names, including Cox, Hicks, Muse, and more, along with a few new homes topping the chart.

Kelcy Warren's 27,000 sq. foot Park Lane mansion I wrote about a few months back includes notable features fit for a theme park.  Warren's 5323 Park Lane moves up as a new home to spot #4 on the list, beating Ross Perot's Strait Lane mansion that was #4 2 years ago.  Kelcy also topped real estate headlines when he purchased Boot Jack Ranch, a $50 Million dollar 3,500+ acre plus ranch, in Colorado.

Kelcy Warren's House

Tom and Cindy Hicks, of course, still comfortably reside at spot #1 with their 30,000+ sq. foot Walnut Hill abode.  Billionaire Gerald Ford replaces John Muse for spot #2 on the list while Mark Cuban's mansion is still placed at #9.

Tom Hicks' House

Mark Cuban's House

H. Doug Barnes is placed at #13 on the list, moving way up from #58 in 2009.  

And the list goes on!  To see the whole detailed list with pictures, prices, and names, visit the D Magazine's 100 Most Expensive Homes in Dallas site.

Thanks for reading,

John

Viridian, a Luxury Community Under Construction That Will "Transform" North Arlington

In May of 2011, Arlington city officials broke ground on a luxury community called Viridian.  Viridian is designed to be an upscale area of shops and restaurants that includes more than 20 miles of trails and several multimillion dollar custom home sites.  The 2,300 acre community is expected to have 3,600 home sites and 70 larger lots for multimillion dollar homes.  The family friendly, outdoorsy community will feature 1,100 acres of wetlands and 450 acres of lakes.  Viridian will increase economic development in Arlington substantially.  It will also increase the livelihood of north Arlington, bringing many visitors from across north Texas.  Residents of Viridian will be able to start moving in around the fall of 2012.  I can't wait to see the finished construction of the community, but more importantly, the multimillion dollar homes that will be built and designed within this development! Very excited for Arlington!

Thanks for reading,

John

Billionaire and Owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, Pays for Mavs Parade in Dallas

All of us are excited, but probably the most excited person in DFW to see this national championship win is Mark Cuban.  He has tirelessly stuck with the team and has believed in them to whole way.  As a way to celebrate, the city of Dallas wanted to put on a big parade, but with the budget shortfalls and current economic situations, the city just couldn't pay for it all.  That's when billionaire and enthusiast owner Mark Cuban steps in and humbly states that he will pay for it ALL.  As you can imagine, the price tag will be pretty large, and I applaud Cuban for his decision.  Let's all celebrate the Mavs win!  GO MAVS!

Thanks for reading,

John

Dalworthington Gardens, TX Listing with Huge Indoor Pool Complex

Here is 3605 Indian Trail, a Dalworthington Gardens/Arlington listing that the former mayor of Dalworthington Gardens, Al Taub, is selling.  The heavily wooded oasis includes 10,000 sq. feet of living space with an indoor pool complex.  The 5 acre estate features a main living home and another large indoor pool complex with rooms.  The nature incorporated within both buildings is perfect for shady and comfortable outdoor and indoor activities. A slide, indoor plants and flower beds, and large boulders compliment the indoor pool area with a rainforest-like atmosphere.  The DWG estate is listed for $1,295,000.

Here's The Listing

Thanks for reading,

John

A Small, Affluent North Texas Town Celebrates Its 75th Birthday - Dalworthington Gardens, Texas

Dalworthington Gardens, a small, but upscale town in Arlington, has a reputation for luxury real estate with a country-like atmosphere.  More importantly, the small town's heritage shares a unique story.  Back in 1936, Carl Mosig, a reporter, invited Eleanor Roosevelt, wife to President Franklin Roosevelt, to his estate on Arkansas Lane in Arlington.  The First Lady accepted the offer and took a visit down to flyover country.  At a time on her visit, as she took a glimpse of the outdoor scenery, she commented that a beautiful little homestead would look just great south of Mosig's estate.  After many proclamations and legislative deals, the land of Dalworthington Gardens had quickly become a town from a simple idea.  The town Dalworthington Gardens was to be known as a country-like community within the major cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington; hence, in the name, DAL stands for Dallas, WORTH for Fort Worth, and INGTON for Arlington.  Now, in 2011, Dalworthington Gardens is celebrating 75 years since its beginning.  For more on the celebration details, visit the DWG 75th Celebration website.

Today, Dalworthington Gardens has stayed true to its original country roots.  Known throughout Tarrant county, the affluent town boasts some of the most luxurious real estate in Arlington and even the DFW Metroplex.  Several subdivisions as well as individual estates and mansions have taken shape throughout the city.  DWG, for short, has developed into a much desirable place to live and grow a family.

Happy Birthday to such a historical place.

Back in 1936...

Thanks for reading,

John

Palatial French Manor in Dallas, Texas - 5818 Lakehurst Ave.

Across the Dallas North Tollway from Tom Hicks' sprawling estate sits 5818 Lakehurst Ave. in Dallas, Texas.  This newly listed palatial French manor boasts extensive features including a corner lot on a quiet street, incredible construction, and top of the line amenities.  Key features of the home include 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms with 8,034 sq. feet of living space.  A wondrous double staircase stands in the grand foyer of the home leading to the second floor.  More indoor amenities include a game room, home theater, exercise room, library, living rooms, exquisite interior design, and much more.  The outdoor features a less than desirable 0.43 lot size, but a pool and cabana that will enhance every party.  More amenities include an outdoor lounge area with fireplace by the pool, cabana, and courtyard.  The manor is listed for a $2,329,000.

Here's The Listing

Thanks for reading,

John

Luxury Home/Mansion Builder in North Texas - J. Lambert Custom Homes

With distinct detail and recognizable features, J. Lambert Custom Homes has constructed several homes in northern Tarrant county (and elsewhere) that boast of incredible style and appeal.  If you're not familiar with his work, the large homes and mansions he builds take on somewhat of a medieval feel to them with a stone exterior, numerous turrets, arched/pointed window tones, and more.  You can certainly recognize J. Lambert homes from all others.  If you wish to visit his website, click here.  Now take a peek at some of his work!

For Sale: 3700 Sunrise Ranch in Southlake, TX - $2,999,000

For Sale: 513 Coyote Road in Southlake, TX - $2,500,000

For Sale: 4101 Southfork Road in Southlake, TX - $2,450,000

Thanks for reading,

John

Two New Mega Mansions Under Construction Around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

One thing is for sure: real estate never stops.  While an old 1,000 sq. foot home is torn down, another 15,000 sq. foot mansion is going up - that's just the way it works.  And without those mansions under construction, this blog wouldn't even be here.  Nonetheless, I cruised around on my aerial maps and keenly spotted a few constructions around the Metro, and if you're like me, you love new mansions going up!  Maybe you've seen one of these before in your neighborhood?

First is 3660 Ranchero Road in Plano, TX.  The just under 14,000 sq. foot estate features 3 floors, a porte cochere, cul-de-sac lot, pool, and much more.  An investor is building the appraised $1.8 million dollar residence.

Second is 8727 Douglas Ave in Preston Hollow, Dallas, TX.  This incredibly palatial home features 18,461 sq. feet of living space and an appraisal of $8,591,020.  The 2 and 1/2 story mansion includes 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 wetbars, and 8 fireplaces!  

Thanks for reading,

John

14,500 Sq. Foot Mansion Under Construction in Lakeridge of Cedar Hill, Texas

Here is 1222 Sunset Ridge Circle in Cedar Hill, Texas near Joe Pool Lake.  The property, owned by investor Williams Sams, is currently under construction.  The 14,482 sq. foot mammoth features a corner lot with 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, circle drive, outdoor cabana, but no sign of a pool in construction just yet.  It's a little too hard to tell right away, but it appears as though the exterior style will be Colonial.  Lakeridge is an exclusive community on Joe Pool Lake; I foresee many more 10,000+ mansions going up soon in this community!  The 2011 appraisal is just over $1.5 Million.

Thanks for reading,

John