Property around White Rock Lake rarely comes on the market, so I’m very excited to let our readers know about this incredible listing from Dave Perry-Miller’s luxury agent Sharon Redd. It is none other than televangelist T.D. Jakes’ former White Rock estate at 4001 West Lawther Drive. It can be yours for $5.75 million.
For those that may not know Bishop Jakes, he’s the charismatic personality behind The Potter’s House, a congregation of oh, about 30,000 devoted followers. He’s been written about in almost every newspaper and magazine. And he’s a pal of Oprah Winfrey’s. Yep, he’s a mover and a shaker. He chose this home years ago because, according to a D Magazine article by Tim Rogers, it was where he went to regain his peace of mind.
Jakes sold the home in 2005 and moved to Fort Worth. I think drawing attention to where he lived by having an Easter sunrise services on his front lawn was not a particularly clever move. I clearly remember driving by the lake one Easter Sunday, and seeing temporary no parking signs everywhere. That’s when I found out who lived in this White Rock estate. If you are any sort of a celebrity, and people know your address, well, it’s time to move. If you want to know more about Bishop Jakes check out this Texas Monthly article from 2006.
This White Rock estate is one big property, and it’s ideally suited for a large family. It’s located in the Lakewood Elementary School feeder pattern and close to multiple private schools. It’s rather vast, with 10,681 square feet, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two powder baths, five fireplaces, and a gym. As if the house doesn’t have it all, the grounds are equally spectacular. There is a gorgeous pool, a batting cage, a koi pond, and guest quarters — all on almost two acres of land with a magnificent view of the lake. You can see why owners tend to stay here for a very long time.
“I was in awe the first time I drove up to this White Rock estate,” Redd said. “Breathtaking and majestic are the words that come to mind. It is an absolutely stunning property, and truly offers resort living in the heart of the city.”
Donald Peterson was the architect of the home. If that name rings a bell, it’s not only due to the fact that he has designed incredible luxury homes all over America, but also because Peterson is now a Realtor with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s. His designs are known for standing the test of time.
The sweeping double staircase gives you an inkling of what awaits. Of course, the home is grand, with two-story windows in the great room that overlook the grounds, but it is also a warm family home.
“It has such a good feeling,” Redd said. “It’s a very warm and welcoming home with great spaces for family and entertaining. The present owners have loved every inch of this home. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind estate. I don’t know of any other property that offers what this home has in the city.”
And if you don’t hold a sunrise service on your front lawn, you can be assured of privacy!
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, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com
