If you love the idea of a traditional home that allows your aesthetic to shine, nothing beats a French Eclectic. Whether you are a minimalist or in love with layering, these homes are chameleons, adapting to any style.
In France, a French Eclectic house is called a Maison de Maitre. They are found in small towns and villages and historically belonged to squires or minor landowners. French Eclectic residential architecture gained popularity after World War I. It has continued to be one of the dominant styles for custom homes in America and this is one of the most exquisite examples I’ve seen in Dallas.
Greta Pilgrim-Owens bought the house from none other than Jerry Mooty of @properties long before he began his successful real estate business.
It’s one of my favorite houses I’ve ever lived in because of the layout and the location. You can walk to Knox Street, and the house backs up to the Katy Trail.
Jerry Mooty, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of @Properties Christies International Real Estate
It’s All About Balance
Although this is a traditional home, a creative blend of modern elements creates a lovely balance with the home’s decidedly French decor. The entry staircase, for instance, is African wood and acrylic, taking a traditional architectural feature to a new level.
The formal living room is anchored by a dramatic modern black granite fireplace, which offers a brilliant contrast to Greta’s taste for luxurious fabrics, trims, and color.
This flawless French Eclectic is 4,408 square feet with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and guest quarters over the garage that presently serves as a game room. There is something intriguing to see at every turn, and the finish-out is magnificent.
A French Eclectic Wonderland
When Greta bought the house, she created a French Eclectic wonderland inside with the help of Shelby Owens Interiors. Yes, that’s her daughter, and it can be challenging for moms and daughters to work together. But Shelby’s design partner Pierce Barry was the perfect buffer.
“We like to say we are interpreters for our clients,” Barry said.
“Honestly, Greta enjoyed it all,” Shelby said. “She loves projects and is always looking at real estate. She bought this house long before the area was hot, and it was a great home to live in as a teenager.”
“Mom has a strong design aesthetic,” Shelby said. “Her use of color is fun. Many people want a neutral palette, but she wanted as much jewel box color as possible, which was fun to work with. The question was always, is it French enough and pink enough? My mother does not take herself too seriously. She’s always the one dancing in the showroom.”
Greta’s ebullient personality shows through in every part of this French Eclectic, from the gorgeous pink Gracie wallpaper in the dining room to the delicious Missoni carpet in the master closet that looks like the Gelato counter at Pozzetto in Paris.
One of the highlights of this home is the glamorous teal media room. It’s a delightful departure from the dark, heavy, boring media rooms we usually see. “It’s a cheerful house,” Barry said. “We had a big party once, and we kept hearing, ‘It’s not my style, but I could totally live here!’ from so many guests.”
If someone would like to give me $4.275 million, I’d sign a contract for 4800 Abbott with Allie Beth Allman’s listing agent Judy Willingham today!
