Seldom do you find such a masterful transformation on one of the best streets in Dallas. In 2021 the present owners created a beautiful new chapter for this classic Georgian mansion designed by legendary architect Cole Smith.
It was not their first rodeo.
“We expected to stay here forever …”
Andy and Carrie Teller bought this beautiful home over 15 years ago as a perfect spot to raise their family. Mrs. and Mrs. Albert Henry raised their own family here almost 20 years before the Tellers. As I’ve said many times, when families nest in a home for a dozen or more years, that home has all you need. Staying in place speaks to the way a house functions for owners.
The Tellers did what most buyers do when they landed in this Georgian mansion. They put their stamp on it.
“We expected to stay here forever, so we took it to the studs and completely transformed it,” Andy said. “We opened rooms up and went with cleaner lines. There were wood bookcases and beams everywhere, which was lovely, but not our style. We created a sleeker look and put in the outdoor loggia, renovated the backyard, and added a pool.”
Then they threw tons of parties, celebrated holidays, kids’ birthdays, and enjoyed their home. With the kids grown and flown, they recently looked at each other and thought, it’s time for another transformation!
“It’s 2021, and we like different things now,” Andy said. “It’s all about being light and open. People may say they don’t like contemporary but ask them if they like the Apple store. Everyone loves it! The glass, the light, and the setting make you feel good. We wanted that feeling. So we started by replacing all the windows.”
The Tellers worked with architect Eric LaPointe, founder of Studio EL73, and interior designer Barry Williams to combine the home’s traditional character with sophisticated, cutting-edge materials resulting in a refreshing and refined environment, perfect for 2021.
The first-floor windows were originally divided light, which, although beautiful, don’t really offer a great deal of light. So, the first-floor and principal bedroom window openings were enlarged to a floor-to-ceiling capacity allowing sunlight to wash throughout the house.
One of the Tellers’ favorite new features is just off the recently renovated kitchen.
The house had typical, classic arched French doors leading out to the pool. “We wanted more light in the family room and a better view of the backyard. Our designer, Barry, said, ‘I know the guy!’ He introduced us to the owner of Santiago Ironworks, and Santiago did an amazing job creating custom hot-rolled steel doors. They are a real showpiece.”
Another jaw-dropper is the climate-controlled loggia with a folding, floor-to-ceiling NanaWall System off the kitchen overlooking the resort-like grounds.
A handsome new kitchen design features striking custom white lacquer cabinetry that juxtaposes dramatically with the black waterfall granite island.
This elegant Georgian mansion has 8,932 square feet with four second-floor suites including the principal, six bathrooms, and a powder bath. A fifth bedroom suite and large game room on the third floor offer captivating one-of-a-kind views of the Dallas skyline.
Remember, you can no longer build to this height in Highland Park, so this skyline view is a rare treat.
There could be no better location.
This luxurious Georgian mansion sits on nearly half an acre with 105 feet of frontage, centrally located to Turtle Creek and Lakeside Parks, the Dallas Country Club, Highland Park Village, and Southern Methodist University. The Teller children walked to the nationally regarded Armstrong Elementary when they were small. How many neighborhoods offer that?
“We have loved this home,” Andy said. “It has always been a place people want to gather. We’ve had so many celebrations here and we have the best neighbors. In fact, one of our neighbors is the McGuyver of the street. He can fix anything and got us out of a terrible jam when we were headed out of the country with a safe full of our passports that was stuck! He got it open!
Above the three-car garage, guests can relax in 934 square feet of luxurious full quarters.
The Tellers were looking for a stately Mediterranean when they found their classic Georgian mansion, so don’t ever tell a Realtor what you are looking for. Just listen to them and you’ll find your dream home.
Streiff has this Georgian mansion at 3625 Beverly Drive available for $8.395 million.
Open House: 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.
There is no Dallas Cowboys game so you won’t want to miss this one!
