Nothing defined an era more than the 14-year run of the television series Dallas. The entire world was caught up in the complicated lives of the Ewing clan, and all we wanted to know was “Who shot J.R?” I remember traveling in London at the time, and the moment people found out I was from Dallas, that’s all they could talk about.
Nothing before or after the original series has created that sort of international interest. It cast our fair city in a brighter light and made everyone fall in love with the idea of “bigger is better.” Big cars, bigger hair and of course, the biggest houses. The infamous Dallas TV home of the Ewing clan is one of the biggest, one of the best, and it’s for sale. Allie Beth Allman has it listed for $12.95 million.
The stately three-story Georgian at 4800 Park Lane was as much a star of the show as J.R, Bobby, Sue Ellen and Pam. Known back then as The Calder House, the interiors were used during that first season of filming and they introduced the world to gracious Texas living standards.
“It’s almost impossible to find a house like this, with unbelievable history and the most gorgeous grounds in Dallas,” Allman said.
While the original 1939 façade was kept intact, the house was completely rebuilt. After all, gracious living in 1978 pales in comparison to gracious living today. Guy Vance Brown served as the architect and Bill Manning of Manning, Snelling & McIlyar was the general contractor. Together they created a 10,341-square-foot home with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two powder baths that is truly ready for its next close up!
The house has a classic, traditional elegance that permeates every room. Time-honored elements, from Venetian plaster walls and limestone floors to custom woodwork, were installed by master craftsmen.
Every creature comfort was taken into consideration as well. The home has a billiards room, library, wine room, and media room. A third-floor game room can be reached from the elevator or the suspended spiral staircase.
Sitting on just over four acres, in Sunnybrook Estates, the grounds were landscaped by Michael Zerbach & Associates. Along with a creek view there is a pool, spa, tennis court, exercise building — yes, building — and something we all treasure, privacy.
