In 2016, this Preston Hollow French Provincial was named one of D Magazine’s 10 Most Beautiful Homes in Dallas. It was designed by architect Pat Ford, principal of Rogers-Ford, who was named a D Best Architect for three consecutive years. With Dale Travis of Travis & Travis Custom Builders as the contractor, this home’s outstanding pedigree is firmly established.
“Dale’s service ethos and sense of craftsmanship is beyond anything I’ve ever seen in a builder — simply extraordinary,” owner Chris Hollister said.
When you build a custom home, the idea is that you will be there for a very long time. That was Chris and Helen Hollister’s intention when they found a beautiful corner lot on 1.28 acres in Preston Hollow in 2011. They considered renovating the existing home, but with seven kinds of electrical wires and a myriad of plumbing issues, the more sensible route was to raze it and build their dream home.
“Helen is from North Carolina and wanted a traditional French Provincial style,” Chris said. “She was the driving force behind the design. We planned to be here for a very long time.”
You can tell no expense was spared building the 9,865-square-foot, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home. The moment you step inside the dramatic entry, the marble floors, a sweeping staircase, and traditional layout set the classic tone. Elegant millwork runs throughout the house and is especially prominent in the library.
“It’s my favorite room,” Chris said. “I love to sit in there and read.”
That French Provincial character is apparent in the warm, open, and inviting kitchen. Of course, you will find Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, as well as a large center island, but it’s the seamless flow into the keeping room that feels so distinctly French. You can just imagine gathering around the fireplace with a cup of tea, looking out at the garden on a crisp fall day.
Last year, the Hollisters decided to remodel and expand the primary suite with a sitting area, a gorgeous bathroom, and two walk-in closets, one of which has a secret!
“We have a separate media room with a secret door from my closet to the media room,” Chris said.
As much thought was put into the exterior as the interior. There is a beautiful pool, a cabana with a Murphy bed, a covered loggia with phantom screens, a fireplace, and an outdoor kitchen. Chris likes to play basketball, so he wanted a half-court.
“The builder asked if I wanted a pickleball court,” Chris said. “No one was playing pickleball when we were building the house, but I said sure, and of course, now we have pickleball parties!”
After a decade of loving this home, the Hollisters are on to their next adventure. When the kids and grandkids move, you rethink your plans, even if you’ve already built the dream home.
With additional homes in Colorado and New Zealand, and one daughter headed back to the latter, it was clear that the concept of this home as the gathering place for all the kids and grandchildren was not going to happen for the Hollisters. But it can certainly happen for one of our smart readers. This is an extraordinary opportunity to have a large gated property in the heart of one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Dallas.
Allie Beth Allman Realtors Erin Young Garrett and Leslie Marcus have this Preston Hollow French Traditional residence at 10160 Gaywood Rd. available for $10.9 million.
Brokers Open: Tuesday, September 23, 11 a.m to 1 p.m.