Exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance define this magnificent estate, gracefully positioned along serpentine St. Johns Drive and Hackberry Creek in the heart of Old Highland Park. As the final masterpiece of renowned Classicist Cole Smith of Smith-Ekblad & Assoc., this home was impeccably built by Crowbar Constructors, Cole Smith Jr., with inspired interiors by Sherry Hayslip. Thoughtfully designed to embrace its lush surroundings, the estate features expansive sightlines that capture the beauty of Hackberry Creek and its scenic trails. A seamless blend of grandeur and functionality, the residence offers multiple living and dining areas, gourmet and basement-level catering kitchen with access to the elevator, and an array of luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces.
The home is introduced by the formal Reception Room with fireplace. Site lines lead to the grand staircase, a sculptural walnut masterpiece, elegantly ascending three of the home’s four floors, and serving as a defining architectural element. Two powder rooms, surfaced in Venetian plaster, are circuitously situated off the stairway, offering both convenience and privacy. The Guest Suite Apartment, located in this area, also enjoys a private outdoor entrance. Limestone flooring in the foyer leads directly into the intimately scaled formal Living Room; an intricately designed coffered ceiling crowns the room, whereby an intricately designed antique French marble mantel is the central focal point of the room. Drawing Room pocket doors lead to the expansive Great Room.
At its heart, the soaring two-story Great Room boasts brilliantly engineered acoustics and masterful craftsmanship, opening onto a picturesque, screened porch with a fireplace overlooking winding St. Johns Drive and the Hackberry Creek tributary. The Great Room anchors the estate, 24′ in height and lined with beautiful Bordeaux patterned hardwood flooring. Brilliant bookcases and recessed alcoves provide interest and promote conversation. Hand carved walnut extends itself into the bookcases, raised panel walls and hidden pocket doors. Strap Elizabeth designed moldings surface ceilings and are curved to coved design; the clerestory provides transoms of natural light, above the screened porch. The porch provides 180 degrees of verdant views, overlooking the greenbelt along Hackberry Creek and the bridal paths which follow its path. The porch duals as indoor-outdoor living area as it is heated and conditioned, phantom screens protect the interior.
A distinguished formal Dining Room provides breathtaking views of the estate’s rare one-acre lot; shared by the Kitchen, Breakfast Room, Alcove and Conservatory. The Dining Room′s focal point is an Austrian chandelier, brilliantly illuminating the Jacobean designed coffered ceiling. It seamlessly adjoins the Great Room and is also accessed via the Gallery Hall, sharing its limestone flooring. Banquet sized in proportion; the room opens to the rear terrace shared by preparation areas. Twin marble surfaced islands define the Kitchen, equipped with immense storage and twin preparation sinks. Double ovens, commercial grade Wolf gas stove, Miele steamer, and double Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer are but a few of the appointments. Kitchen, Breakfast Room, and Conservatory enjoy a casual open space whereby the Butler′s Pantry is sequestered nearer the Dining Room; it houses a single Subzero refrigerator freezer, immense china and crystal storage and all the accessories required for large scale entertaining. The Conservatory complements the Breakfast Room; Delft tiles surround the quaint fireplace, and the appearance of a slightly lower ceiling contributes to its coziness. Recovered beams add authenticity to the environment in these three rooms. Centrally located, the Entertainment Bar sits just outside the Great Room, providing a seamless transition to the Dining Room.
