Monday, October 31, 2011

Dallas' Halloween Mystery: Is White Rock Lake Haunted by "The Lady of the Lake"?

It's time, yet again, for Halloween.  What a perfect time to write about a reported haunting at Dallas' own White Rock Lake.  Story time!

It's a story with an early 20th century beginning.  In the 1920s, an accident occurred at Garland Road and E. Lawther when a car flew off the road and into the lake.  The driver, a woman in her 20s, did not survive the incident.  Many have speculated that the woman was angry due to an argument at a fancy boat party on White Rock Lake.  She then sped off and left in her expensive car, crashing it shortly thereafter in the Lake.  No one heard or saw the fatal accident.  Today, residents, passer-bys, and drivers have encountered what they call "The Lady of the Lake."  She is described as wearing a pearly white 1920s dinner dress and soaking wet due to the accident.  Some residents who live on White Rock Lake have been visited by a woman matching that description asking to use a phone.  By the time the resident retrieves a phone, the woman is gone and leaves behind a puddle of water on the front porch.  Passer-bys have reported seeing a 20 year old woman in a wet, white dress walking along the shoreline of the Lake.  Probably the most eerie encounters of the Lake of the Lake have been the accounts by drivers.  These drivers reportedly pick up a 20 year old woman in a soaking wet dress hitchhiking.  She asks the driver to take her to a residence on Gaston Avenue, a street southeast of the Lake.  Upon reaching the destination, the woman has vanished leaving behind a puddle of water and a wet back seat.

Do you have chills on the back of your neck?  It would be interesting to see if any of our readers have encountered experiences with this mysterious Lady of the Lake.  Comment below if you have!


Thanks for reading,

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Dallas Fire Rescue Responds to a Report of a Structure Fire at Newly Listed Mansion "Mount Vernon" on White Rock Lake

Around 11am Sunday morning, Dallas Fire Rescue crews responded to 4009 W. Lawther Drive in Dallas along White Rock Lake for a report of a structure fire.  Dallas Fire Rescue's Battalion 3, Battalion 4, Engine 17, Engine 37, Engine 55, Truck 17, and Truck 37 quickly responded to the White Rock Lake beauty dubbed "Mount Vernon".  Dallas' finest Candy Evans with SecondShelters and CandysDirt broke the news 3 days ago that Allie Beth Allman will list this hilltop estate at $29,500,000, more than former Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman's Park Cities residence.  Luckily, the report was only a report.  The Dallas Fire Rescue Active Calls sheet did not list the structure fire as "working", confirmation that the 10,702 sq. foot residence was not on fire.



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Friday, October 21, 2011

The Bass Family's Prestigious Fort Worth Estates - Who Owns What and Where

The Bass family holds a heavy name in Fort Worth.  The elite status and wealth of the Bass family traces back to oilmen nephews Sid Richardson and Perry Bass.  Perry Bass inherited the oil business from Sid Richardson in the mid 20th century and learned the oil industry.  Not long thereafter, 3 of his 4 sons, Sid, Lee, and Robert took over and broadened the investment horizon.  Today, the Bass family is worth billions of dollars.  They have turned their success into philanthropic donations giving millions and millions of dollars to a wide range of charities, including the ever growing city of Fort Worth, Texas.  Although Perry Bass has died, his wife, Nancy Bass, continues to reside in Westover Hills.  Robert, Sid, and Lee Bass, all sons of Perry and Nancy, live in Westover Hills.  Ed Bass resides in Fort Worth (most likely in Westover Hills), but unfortunately I could not find his residence.

Robert and Anne Bass own this home in Westover Hills, Fort Worth, TX along Westover Drive.  The 16,250 sq. foot square home is situated on a heavily wooded and heavily gated private lot constructed among the hills of the area.  The 2011 appraisal was just over $8 million.



Until recently, Sid and Mercedes Bass enjoyed this palatial estate with an array of bountiful gardens and greenery.  Currently in the middle of a divorce, Mercedes is reported to be receiving this estate on Crestline Road in Westover Hills once the divorce is final.  Fort Worth's Finest Estate, as I've called it, is 18,270 sq. feet with an 8 car garage space, large driveway and numerous private ponds.  Built in 1990 just a few years after the couple's wedding, the 2011 appraisal is just over $16 million.  




Anne H. Bass is Sid Bass' first wife.  Anne owns this architecturally significant home along Deepdale Drive.  Built in 1977, the 16,350 sq. foot home simply titled "Bass Residence" was designed by Paul Rudolph after Sid and Anne Bass, now divorced, came to him in 1970 with the project in mind.  The incredible home is constructed among the wooded hills of Westover Hills.  



Lee Bass was one of the 3 brothers who inherited his father and uncle's investments.  This 11,530 sq. foot residence is located on Rivercrest Drive.  The 2011 appraisal indicates the home is worth just under $5 million.




Nancy Bass, married to Perry and mother to Sid, Robert, Ed, and Lee, still resides also in Westover Hills on Westover Road.  The home, built in 1960, is 11,300 sq. feet.  




So its clear the well known philanthropic Bass family holds significance in the city of Fort Worth.  Millions upon millions of dollars has been generously given to charities all across the country from each of these selfless billionaires.  May their legacy last a lifetime!

Thanks for reading,

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Sid Bass Divorcing Wife Mercedes - Who Get's The Fort Worth Compound?

A prominent Fort Worth couple who stirred news in 1988 with their surprising wedding will be parting ways soon. Sid and Mercedes Bass formally announced a few weeks back that they will be getting a divorce after 23 years of marriage.  The news shook up the town of Westover Hills in Fort Worth, a lavish and heavily wooded community where several of Fort Worth's elites call home.  It is reported that the Fort Worth compound will be turned over to Mercedes after their departure.  Until recently, TAD records indicate "Sid R. Bass Management Trust" was the listed owner; currently, "4824 Crestline LLC" is the new owner of the estate.  We'll see if that changes in the upcoming weeks.

Meanwhile, Sid's first wife Anne Hendricks Bass resides at a 16,350 sq. foot residence not far from Sid Bass' formerly owned compound.  Both are in Westover Hills.



Thanks for reading,

Monday, October 17, 2011

George Brint Ryan's Completed 20,000 Sq. Foot Strait Lane Estate

According to DallasCAD records, construction on George Brint Ryan's 20,000 sq. foot colonial/traditional Strait Lane estate has been completed.  The project began in 2005.  A brick driveway leads right up to the front entrance.  The sprawling facade resembles a colonial/traditional style with red brick and large, overpowering columns.  The home includes 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces, porte cochere and multi-car garage, an array of balconies and verandas overlooking the back pool and grounds, & more.  The 2011 appraisal was just under $10 million.  George Brint Ryan founded 'Ryan', the largest tax services firm in North America.  Congratulations to the Ryan family on the completion of their new home; enjoy it!








Thanks for reading,

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Stunning English Residence in Preston Hollow - 6407 Meadow Road

This stunning English residence located in well known Preston Hollow, Dallas, TX boasts inviting curb appeal and a plethora of fine living amenities.  It is located at 6407 Meadow Road at the corner of Tibbs Street and Meadow.  A small lot encompasses the main 7,181 sq. foot home, which includes 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.  A large and open floor plan with arched entries includes a home theater, opera styled interior balcony overlooking downstairs, master suite, office, library, 3 upstairs bedrooms, and a 3 cedar bay garage space.  The back patio is perfect for entertaining guests with its outdoor grill, loggia, and large pool.  It is listed with Briggs-Freeman for $2,225,000.






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Saturday, October 8, 2011

18,000 Sq. Foot Mansion Under Construction on Lake Austin

Check out this 17,880 sq. foot mansion going up on the shores of Lake Austin in Austin, TX.  The huge manse will feature 2 floors, 3 patios overlooking the Lake, an elevator, boat dock with boat lift, 3.4 acre lot, and more! It is located at 5227 Tortuga Trail and was recently appraised at just under $4,000,000.  Good luck to the owners!


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Newly Listed Manor in Somerset Estates of Fort Worth - 7937 Blenheim Place

Located within the gates of the secluded Somerset Estates, this newly listed manor at 7937 Blenheim Place in far east Fort Worth features numerous amenities.  The 1.39 acres estate includes a 7,312 sq. foot residence, a pool, and a lot surrounded by wooded acres.  A private gate opens to the circle drive and a path leading to the 4 car garage.  Stone, brick, and an overpowering turret make up the inviting front facade.  5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 10 seat home theater, 2 his/her offices, and more are located inside the luxurious, but not overdone interior.  The back features a patio lounge with TV and outdoor grill that looks out across the salt water pool and wooded background.  This residence boasts one of the most prestigious locations in Fort Worth: Somerset Estates.  The very private and tranquil community includes only 10 other homes in the neighborhood.  7937 Blenheim Place is listed for $2,100,000.









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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Multi-Alarm Fire Destroys Heath, TX Mansion in 2010 - Property Available to Buy

It's always a shame to see structure fires break out.  Specifically, mansion fires are some of the worst.  The fire has the capability to consume every sq. foot of space in a short amount of time.  Back in 2002, north Dallas saw the worst mansion fire to date on Strait Lane.  The 6 alarm blaze caused $20 million in damage to what was going to be known as one of the largest homes in America.

This Heath, TX mansion was completely destroyed in a 2010 multi-alarm residential structure fire.  Construction had just wrapped up on the 14,763 sq. foot mansion when a small fire broke out.  As fire crews responded to the scene, they were able to successfully put out the small fire, but did not know the fire had extended through the walls into an attic space.  In a short amount of time, flames were shooting through the roof of the estimated $2.3 million dollar home.  Within a few hours, the newly completed residence at 8220 FM549 had been utterly destroyed resulting in $6 million dollars worth of damage.

The land where the mansion once stood, 8220 FM 549, is now listed for sale just under $1,000,000.  A 2,000 sq. foot 4 car garage with extra room and balcony along with a fountain circle drive, pool, spa, pergola, 2 private lakes, and a privately gated 8 acres is included in the listing.  The 14,000 sq. foot foundation slab with plumbing is also an interesting amenity included in the listing.  Here's The Listing

Here's a few pictures of the blaze:


TheRockwallNews.com


RockwallHeraldBanner.com


(my screenshot)




Good luck to the Pittman family has they try to sell this property.  

Thanks for reading,

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Investor David Weinreb Completes Mansion in north Dallas - Updated!

Recently updated images show that David Weinreb has completed his mansion in north Dallas at 5530 N. 40th Place and Frankford.  The multi-level sweeping estate includes a breathtaking main living home, pool with moon shaped cabana, porte cochere, motor court with multiple parking garage bays and spaces, tennis/basketball court, walking trails, courtyard, and more.  It was brought to my attention by a comment on this article that the home is actually listed under Collin County's Central Appraisal District.  According to their records, total sq. footage of this estate is 14,628 sq. feet.  The home sits on an exclusive lot at the corner of N. 40th Place and Frankford Road.  Weinreb's estate features a variety of exterior amenities, as you can probably tell from the photos.  This estate has been under construction for a while.  Glad to see it has been completed!




Here is a picture of the sprawling estate under construction last year.

Thanks for reading,