There is nothing grander or more romantic than a classic Italian Renaissance villa. You can try and argue with me, but you won’t change my mind. Ever.
You see, I had the great good fortune years ago to spend time in Tuscany at Villa Vignamaggio. Director Kenneth Branagh chose it as the location for his British/American romantic film based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Being an American married to a Brit at the time, well, it was kismet. So, my heart will always have a soft spot for classic Italian Renaissance villas. And this one is much ado about everything!
A Home-Run Team
That is primarily due to the talents of two people. The first is builder, Tony Visconti, owner and president of Bella Custom Homes, a Daltxrealestate.com approved builder. If anyone understands how to build a grand home, it’s Visconti, because luxury homebuilding is in his blood. As a third-generation home builder, he’s the go-to guy for quality construction, attention to detail, and architectural authenticity.
That’s where architect Lloyd Lumpkins comes in. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in North America with a greater understanding of the importance of architectural authenticity. It’s easy to see when you pair Visconti and Lumpkin, you get a home run every single time. Such is the case with our Monday Morning Millionaire sitting on an acre in Preston Hollow.
A Grand Entrance
There is a level of expectation in the creation of a multimillion-dollar home. A giant white box is not going to cut it when you are trying to appeal to the movers and shakers of the world. They expect grandeur, and this classic Italian Renaissance villa delivers on every level.
I have included some photos of the home before it was furnished, which I’m generally loathe to do as a stager, but there’s a reason.
Personal taste can often distract from great architectural bones. They need to be seen to truly appreciate the design.
During the Renaissance, architects emphasized symmetry, proportion, and geometry. These elements are clearly seen in this classic Italian Renaissance villa. Visconti and Lumpkins established a quiet sense of grandeur upon entering the home with an intricate domed foyer and a marvelous spiral staircase. Groin- and barrel-vaulted ceilings in the formal areas segue into coffered, beamed, and timbered ceilings in the family spaces, creating a more casual farmhouse aesthetic.
Combining Classical With Modern
The challenge of creating a classic Italian Renaissance villa today is in adhering to the strong classical elements while affording the modern components necessary for family living. When these are executed well, as they are here, you can easily understand the inherent value. In other words, you get what you pay for — always.
This classic Italian Renaissance villa was uniquely successful in fulfilling both the classic traditions that create a timeless home and the present-day needs of the client. We know that to be true as this beautiful property was the home of Marvin and Sharyn Ellison. Marvin, you may recall, was the CEO of JC Penney. He was also ranked ninth in the Fortune 500 “Greatest Leaders List” in 2016. The only reason his dream home in Dallas is available is that he was recently tapped to head up Lowes in Charlotte, North Carolina.
With 10,751 square feet, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, three powder baths, and miles of indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, this is a home for a truly discerning buyer. Ebby Halliday listing agent Mary Poss has this classic Italian Renaissance villa at 10121 Waller Drive offered for $5.950 million.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, champagne, and historic homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com
