When a builder features a house on the landing page of their website, it’s quite a statement. Tommy Ford Construction sets a high bar, so when I saw this magnificent Italian Villa proudly displayed, I knew it had to be phenomenal.
And it is.
It sits on what is perhaps the most beautiful double lot in the gated neighborhood of Glen Lakes. The original owners, Sam and Beverly Wilson, purchased this double lot from Jerry Stewart, the architect of Glen Lakes. Surrounded on three sides by water, the views from this Italian Villa are stunning. There have only been two owners since it was built in 1996. That’s one of the significant indicators that a house functions well. You can buy a beautiful home, but you won’t stay long if it does not live well.
A dream team of talent collaborated to create this unforgettable home. Not only do we have the third-generation family-owned and operated Tommy Ford Construction group on the build side, but they also introduced the owners to Architect Ralph Duesing, who designed it.
“The client came to us with the original concept of the central entry with rooms leading off of it and the big two-story domed ceiling,” Corey Ford said. “Ann Schooler (principal with the legendary Schooler, Kellogg & Co.) was the interior designer. It was very much a team effort, and we had a lot of fun working with this client.”
Deusing’s flawless design talent is evident from the moment you set eyes on this Italian Villa. It was his idea to have the garages flank the home, acting as a mirror image to provide perfect symmetry. The quality, craftsmanship, and detail in this home give you pause in every room because each one offers something spectacular.
Drama From The Start
Let’s start with that owner-inspired dramatic entry rotunda. It’s very civilized to have such a formal entry because it not only provides a great deal of privacy it also heightens expectations for what’s beyond each door.
It’s a bit hard to move past this gorgeous area filled with 18th-century design elements. The floor is an artisan inlaid marble mosaic. Pilasters and wall niches provide spaces for artwork, and oiel-de-beouf windows with elaborate iron grills cast light from the upper gallery. A dramatic three-tiered Waterford crystal chandelier hangs from the thirty-foot-high domed ceiling.
If you prefer not to take the beautiful curved staircase, an elevator alcove is steps away.
As you’d expect, the formal rooms are elegant and classic, with custom millwork and high ceilings. The dining room easily accommodates 12.
At the rear of the entry rotunda, a door opens into a long gallery hallway suitable for displaying significant works of art. From this hallway, you access the great room, kitchen, and owner’s suite.
Private Club Atmosphere
The great room of this Italian Villa offers that warm, inviting private club-like atmosphere you find in English manor houses.
Richly paneled walls rise to a coffered ceiling with custom built-ins, a full-service bar, and plenty of wine storage. A stately cast stone fireplace with a six-foot mantle anchors the room. It is the perfect place to wind down your day with a cocktail as you enjoy views of the beautifully landscaped yard and the waterway beyond.
This is an excellent kitchen for serious cooks with an 8- burner Thermadore gas range, double ovens, the essential Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, massive workspace, and a huge center island that seats six! What’s especially appealing is the direct access through double French doors to the rear patio overlooking the waterway.
A Private Sanctuary
Of course, we all want a private sanctuary at the end of the day, and the owners’ suite is an absolute haven. Highlighted by custom moldings and an enormous fireplace, the bedroom opens to an interior loggia with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and three sets of French doors leading to a private terrace overlooking the waterway and lush landscaping.
One of the truly inspired features of this suite is the design of a private entry to the attached two-car garage. Who wants to haul luggage across the house? Honestly, every home should be so well-thought-out.
There are three guest suites on the second floor and a handsome study with one of our favorite features, a secret room! A button releases a hidden door leading to a secret office space with a built-in desk and glass-fronted upper cabinets. There is also a private half bath off of the office.
For our newcomers, Glen Lakes is a highly sought-after gated private community in the heart of Dallas. Guards attend the gate access and patrol the grounds 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The amenities include hike and bike trails, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and tennis courts, and a dog park.
This is such a rare opportunity for those wanting a home that is elegant, comfortable, private, and functions so very well for family living.
The Perry-Miller-Streiff Group at Dave Perry-Miller has 7711 Glen Albens Circle offered at $3.495 million. Contact Ryan Streiff or Charles Gregory for a tour of this incredible Italian Villa.
