As they say, everything is bigger in Texas. And if there is one thing Texas is known for, it’s enormous luxury estates. This week I’m bringing you one of the best. It’s a gorgeous Southlake luxury estate that entirely lives up to every expectation.
Dallas limestone hand-carved the fountain, the angels, the columns, in a one-year project.
George Grubbs, of the legendary Grubbs Automotive family, was gracious enough to sit down with me last week and tell me all the details of his incredible home.
He purchased the acreage for his Southlake luxury estate years ago with the late, great, former football player and newscaster Pat Summerall. Pat took the back half, and George took almost four acres in the front.
“The minute we drove onto the property and saw the pond, we felt as if we’d left the whole world behind and knew we could have everything we’d ever want or need here,” George said.
Fast forward to 2010, and George and his wife, Jan, decided to take their existing home down to the foundation and completely rebuild. “Our aim was to use the highest quality materials in every possible way,” George said. “We have loved this property and wanted to update with the very latest of everything.”
They also hired one of the best builders, Paul Kramer, to ensure the entire process would be seamless.
George and Jan have traveled extensively in Europe, collected ideas, and kept photos of things they liked. They’ve also built several homes over the years and have a knack for design, so the couple was very hands-on with the selections and plans for their Southlake estate.
“Paul and his wife, Becky, also brought a lot of inspiration to the project,” George said.
The Grubbs hosted numerous guests regularly, and they entertained quite a bit, so the home had to fulfill multiple purposes. Of course, the impact of the entry was essential. “I wanted to walk into a majestic entry and grand salon that made me think, ‘Wow,’ “George said.
To create that effect, Jan began with the floor. Working with a company in China, she planned the intricate design for the inlay and approved each color. The upper railing took a year to make and was hand-hammered in Dallas. The entire effect is a proverbial jaw-drop.
The grand salon is spectacular. Custom marble columns were imported from Turkey to accentuate the view of the salon from the entry. To fully appreciate the ceiling in this house, I encourage you to do what I did and lay on the floor! George told me they mocked up different designs. He and Jan would look at them during the day and in the evening with different lighting until they got the exact look they wanted.
One of the real show stoppers in the house is the study. Crotch mahogany, all from a single tree, was used, and the wood determined the design.
“Once we found the right wood, we designed the entire office around the size of the wood and book-matched it,” George said.
If you wonder how it stays so tidy, George always has a secret room off his offices. “You want it neat as it’s near the front door, so there is a hidden door that leads to a second office where you have storage for files, and you can leave paperwork out.”
This much-loved Southlake luxury estate is 14,528 square feet with three full floors. There are six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a wine cellar, and a gym with a sauna. The 14-seat theater is thoughtfully located next to the family room and kitchen, where it will actually be used. There is no worry about hearing dinner preparations or the game on the family room TV as George, of course, made sure the soundproofing was excellent.
An elevator takes you to all three floors, and that third one is a surprise. When you enter the property, one thing that captures your eye is the third floor round window. “That was Becky’s idea,” George said. “It brings a bit of intrigue. Everyone wonders what’s up there.”
What’s up there is an entirely finished-out, climate-controlled, carpeted third floor that served as an excellent repository for the family’s holiday décor so it can be kept out all year long and easily spotted when it’s needed. It’s such a charming area. It would also be a wonderful playroom.
One of the essential features for the Grubbs was a fully equipped stand-alone guest apartment with a utility room and a private entrance. With so many more families gathering under one roof today, this is a wonderful bonus.
Custom cabinets by Chip Boelkins
Claffey Pools constructed the pool
The Grubbs thought out everything inside and outside of their Southlake luxury estate, from the Elan smart home system and Lutron lighting to a whole-house generator. There are limestone carved fountains on both sides of the home. The pool is heated for year-round use, and your kids can put a boat on the pond in front of the house. George had it re-dug so it’s more of a lake now!
If you have a party, there is on-site parking for 90 cars. They did not miss a beat on this home.
“When you drive onto the property, you don’t realize you are actually in the middle of Southlake,” George said. “You feel as if you are out in the country, and the sense of security and privacy is beyond compare.”
This is one of those rare estates that is not just move-in ready, it’s also live-in ready. Everything you can imagine is here, and then some.
We know you want to see more of this beautiful Southlake luxury estate, so give Barbara Pantuso of Keller Williams’ Pantuso Properties a call to see 702 S. White Chapel Blvd. It’s is available for $7.999 million.
