It’s a new year and a new decade. That means you have permission to change, to grow, and make big life-changing purchases.

An amazing estate on the south side of Walnut Hill features 100-year-old trees, a brick courtyard with fireplace, a grassy knoll for the kids to re-enact “The Sound of Music,” and a paved basketball court.

Built in 1940, this home transports you to Scarlett O’Hara’s Tara. Now, Miss Scarlett probably did not have a paved basketball court, but you get the gist. It’s a sprawling $1.5 million mansion available to lease for $21,000 a month.

But Wait, There’s More

Not that any of us are into impressing our friends, but it doesn’t hurt to have a home on Walnut Hill in the prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood. The area is wealthy, with nice houses and families, scoring an A-plus from niche.com, with high marks in every category – including safety, nightlife, public schools, and diversity.

With five bedrooms, five and one-half bathrooms and more than 5,200 square feet, the traditional home is definitely spacious. Obviously, there’s a swimming pool, and the almost-one-acre estate begs for outdoor entertaining. I’m envisioning a garden party – and croquet is definitely involved.

Bright Lights, Big City

Walnut Hill took a hit during last year’s tornado outbreak, but the area has proved its resilience tenfold.

This sturdy home was built several decades ago, but has been through updates and upgrades to ensure it can stand the test of time. And because it’s a rental, if anything needs fixing, the landlord is just a phone call away.

This spectacular Walnut Hill home is just minutes from fine dining, shopping, major highways, and both public and private schools. Dreamscape, Museum of Memories and Free Play Arcade are within a 10-mile radius. Drake’s Hollywood Steakhouse and jazz lounge is also in this part of town, so there’s no shortage of culture and things to do if that croquet game doesn’t go your way.

Arlene Balady of Dave Perry Miller-Park Cities is leasing 4522 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, for $21,000 per month.