Extravagant estate with helipad and hangar lands on market for $14.25 million near Fort Worth

Off the grid & off the chain

Photo courtesy of StudioUSA

A secluded, 25.3-acre estate less than an hour from Fort Worth is a self-sufficient mini-city with nearly anything anyone could possibly need. It is now on the market for $14.25 million and is one of the 10 most expensive listings in Texas.

The sprawling property is nestled into a gorgeous natural setting, including 45,000 acres of Caddo-LBJ Grasslands. Technically it's in Decatur - at 2721 Old Decatur Rd. - but the closest neighbors are 20 acres away, according to the listing from Coldwell Banker's Melody Taylor.

Future owners can live off the grid on this compound; it’s equipped with a fully-paid 200-panel solar farm, a private well and septic system, and a 1,700-gallon propane tank. The solar farm generates twice as much energy as the estate will use, the listing says, and an arrangement is already in place to sell back any unused power. All that's missing is a personal grocery store.

If flying is the preferred method of transportation for the next date night or travel excursion, the property comes with its own helipad and a hangar that can fit two helicopters. The hangar is also suitable for any RVs or boats on the premises. But not to worry, the garage can perfectly store four cars in the case of an owner's absence.

2721 Old Decatur Road, Decatur, TX Some might call it a private Park-N-Fly.Photo courtesy of StudioUSA

The impressive mansion on the estate, dubbed "La Casa de Fe" (House of Faith), takes up 9,600-square-feet on two floors. It was built in 2017 complete with the elegant Spanish-style finishes to match. Want to buy it fully furnished? That's an option.

The home itself boasts five bedrooms, eight-and-a-half bathrooms, a movie theater, a terrace with a fireplace, a wine bar, a gourmet kitchen with not one, but six ovens (no one will be fighting over oven space for Thanksgiving in this kitchen!), and much more.

The master suite of the mansion features a gigantic walk-in closet room – a fashionista's paradise – with a $100,000 floor-to-ceiling cabinet system and a custom-designed island with 30 drawers.

The compound has plenty of space for gatherings, including a chef-inspired outdoor kitchen with a big-enough grilling space "to cook 40 steaks at a time,” multiple entertaining areas, a built-in outdoor fire pit, picnic area, and two pools with an accompanying 3,200 square foot pool house.

Speaking of, the pool house has its own gaming area, pool table, kitchen, three bedrooms, and walk-in closets. As if the resort-style, fully-equipped Parisian guest villa, dubbed “A Walk in Paris,” wasn’t already enough.

But wait, there's more.

For the sporty folks who might be interested in this not-so-humble abode, there are dedicated tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, a fitness center, and a driving range.

The fitness center also has its own kitchen, half bath, and laundry facility - because, why not? Inquiring minds truly want to know, can this place get its own H-E-B?

The owners parting with this unbelievable estate are builders Bradina and Michael Benson, who reportedly spent millions renovating the property. More information can be found on coldwellbankerluxury.com, and there's a video tour here.

Photo courtesy of StudioUSA

Welcome to La Casa De Fe.

Photo by James Pharaon / Compass

Texas' storied Inn at Dos Brisas ranch resort now on market for $15 million

Luxe listing

The former Inn at Dos Brisas, a much-loved Relais & Chateaux property and equestrian center north of Houston that shuttered in 2022, is back on the market for slightly less than its initial asking price.

The magnificent, 313-acre Dos Brisas ranch resort in Brenham, is now offered for $15 million - $2.5 million less than when it was first listed a year ago. Tonya Currie of Compass is handling the new listing.

Tucked away at 10000 Champion Dr. between Highway 290, TX-105, and Highway 6 in the southern foothills of the Texas Hill Country, Dos Brisas's resort building was built in 2002 and spans 14,000 square feet.

The idyllic Inn at Dos Brisas, one of CultureMap's picks for the 10 best hotels in Texas in 2014, hosted guests in Spanish-style haciendas and casitas, offered award-winning culinary experiences, welcomed beckoned visitors from near and far to enjoy horseback riding, bass fishing, cycling and clay target shooting.

Dos Brisas boasted the only Forbes Travel Guide five-star restaurant in Texas, and it was also recognized as one of the 10 best farm-to-table restaurants in the world.

Sadly, the resort did not survive COVID-related losses, closing its doors last year after more than 17 years in business.

The property is now ready for new owners who might have a new vision for what the listing calls "a harmonious fusion of luxury & serene seclusion."

In addition to being surrounded by gorgeous pecan trees, wildflowers, three stocked ponds, and Peach Creek, Dos Brisas also comes with a tennis court, an equestrian facility, a fully-functioning organic farm, and restaurant with 7,000-bottle wine cellar.

Photo by James Pharaon / Compass

The property is located at 10000 Champion Drive in Brenham.

The haciendas on the ranch have private entrances, personal pools, floor-to-ceiling windows, and grand bathrooms.

“This ranch has proven that it can and has been the best in its class as a restaurant and inn, but now has the potential to be tapped into for use in so many other areas such as equestrian venues, festival destination, medical retreat, country club or just for those wanting the best in a personal luxury getaway ranch,” Currie tells Mansion Global.

Showings are available by appointment only. Scroll through the photos, above, for all the breathtaking features.

---

Stephanie Allmon Merry contributed to this report.

Photo courtesy of Foster Farm & Ranch.

Own a piece of Utopia with this Hill Country riverfront retreat listed for $2.5M

UTOPIA ON THE WATER

Have you ever wanted to buy a retreat or say you own a slice of Utopia? Now’s your chance – the Utopia River Retreat, a remarkable 12-acre property on the Sabinal River in Utopia, Texas has hit the market for $2.5 million.

The secluded, tree-filled, riverfront estate boasts nine guest cabins and "the Fortress," a historic lodge that can sleep 12 guests.

Each cabin has its own full kitchen, living space, and covered porch. Three cabins have two bedrooms that can host up to six guests, and six cabins are single-bedroom that can sleep up to four guests.

The property has been a sought-after wedding destination since the first wedding ceremony took place there in 1861. The only structure on the land at the time was a stone fort, which has since been converted into the Fortress.

Other features of the Fortress include:

Two master suites
Three semi-private lofts
A full kitchen
Fireplace
Wrap-around porch
Original stonework on display

Another highlighted feature of the property is the renovated hay barn. The previous owners turned it into a bespoke event space with an open floor plan, wood beam ceilings, a stone fireplace, and attached deck. Also around the barn is a large green space and a covered gazebo with a breathtaking view of the Sabinal river.

The Utopia River Retreat sale is facilitated by Chad Foster, the founder and broker of Uvalde-based real estate group Foster Farm and Ranch.

“With its current amenities and space for expansion, Utopia River Retreat provides potential buyers with a lot of entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Foster in a press release. “The event space, cabins, and renovated fort make Utopia River Retreat a great addition to any real estate portfolio.”

As investors are snatching up properties left and right for the next wedding venue or event space, the Utopia River Retreat is touted as the next hidden gem in a booming wedding industry. The Knot estimates a Texas couple’s average wedding budget is between $24,000 and $30,000. Texas couples are also more likely to put 30 percent of their wedding budget towards a perfect venue for their special day.

Even outside of wedding season, the estate can host family vacations, reunions, and corporate retreats, and more.

The town of Utopia is located 90 miles west of San Antonio and 350 miles southwest of Dallas.

More information about the property can be found at the Utopia River Retreat website, and more information about the listing can be found at Foster Farm and Ranch’s website.

https://unsplash.com/photos/hHz4yrvxwlA

Dallas-Fort Worth booms as Texas' biggest market for $10 million homes sold in 2022

MOVE OVER, MCMANSION

As a market for homes for the ultra-rich, Dallas-Fort Worth is strong and growing, according to a new report.

The $10M+ National Luxury Report for 2022 from real estate brokerage Compass cites 11 local sales of over $10 million homes in 2022; the previous year, there had been 10 such big sales.

The report is for all sales in the area and based on MLS data.

Affluent areas in Dallas-Fort Worth have landed in several wealth reports lately, from the richest cities in Texas to the wealthiest cities in America.

In the Compass report, DFW holds the top spot in Texas for the $10 million-plus category of home sales, with $145.79 million in sales volume. Austin posted five sales worth a total of $55.95 million, and in Houston, just one home in this category sold last year.

So, how much did those uber-expensive homes go for? In Dallas-Fort Worth, the top listing-represented Compass Regional Sale was $20 million and the highest buyer-represented sale was $14.65 million. The average price of a sale in this category was $13.25 million in Dallas-Fort Worth and $11.19 million in Austin.

For a nationwide comparison, the top selling price was $56 million in Manhattan, $44.5 million in Greater Los Angeles, and $48.5 million in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin were the only areas included from Texas, and DFW easily bests its neighbors down south.

Two current high-profile listings over $10 million include a$20 million estate in Southlake that has gone viral on social media; and a magnificent White Rock Lake mansion next to Dallas' famed "Mount Vernon," on the market for nearly $12 million.

"Despite the weakening global economy, we expect the [Dallas-Fort Worth] luxury market to remain strong in 2023," says a representative of Compass brokers Amy Detwiler & Michelle Wood. "Overall activity will likely normalize after the brisk volume seen during the previous two years, but limited inventory will keep the market in balance."

Is a strong luxury market a good thing for buyers or sellers? Inquiring minds can always consult with the 1 percent for the answer, but it's definitely good news for real estate brokers.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Here's the income it takes to live among the top 1 percent in Texas

ISN'T THAT RICH

Wondering how "the other half lives" is so outdated, especially when we we can easily peek into what life is like for the "one percent." A new report from SmartAsset reveals how much money you'll need to be considered the top one percent in Texas.

With Southlake now the richest city in Texas in one study and Frisco named the third wealthiest in America in another report, it's obvious that the North Texas landscape is dotted with pockets of wealth. But how much do you actually need in your pocket to have a top one percent income?

In Texas, an annual income of $641,400 will land you at the top, while $258,400 only gets you to the top five percent.

To come up with those numbers, SmartAsset analyzed 2019 data from IRS tax units and adjusted the figures to 2022 dollars using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For comparison, "the average American household earns a median income of under $70,000," according to the study. And per the latest figures from the U. S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Texas (in 2021 dollars) is $67,321. That leaves plenty of us with a long way to go in our financial striving.

So now we know how we compare to our neighbors, but where does that put the affluent population of Texas in comparison with other states?

For starters, Texas claimed the 10th highest income required to reach top income levels.

The one percent income threshold is hardest to meet in Connecticut ($955,000), Massachusetts ($900,000), New Jersey ($825,965), New York ($817,796), and California ($805,519). Only these five states have thresholds that exceed $800,00, and it's a pretty steep drop down to Texas ($641,400) in 10th place.

The five states where it's easiest to attain one percent status (even though that doesn't seem like good news) are Kentucky ($447,300), Arkansas ($446,276), New Mexico ($418,970), Mississippi ($383,128), and West Virginia ($374,712).

The SmartAsset report also included average tax rates for top earners in each state. There was surprisingly little variance in the top 10 states, with Washington state having the lowest rate (25.02%) and Connecticut collecting the highest tax rate (27.77%).

Texas was in the middle of the pack with a tax rate of 25.71% levied on top one percent incomes.

The 10 states with the highest earnings required to be a one-percenter and their tax rates are:

Connecticut ($955.3K, Tax rate 27.77%)
Massachusetts ($896.9K, Tax rate 26.4%)
New Jersey ($826K, Tax rate 27.36%)
New York ($817.8K, Tax rate 27.48%)
California ($805.5K, Tax rate 26.78%)
Washington ($736.1K, Tax rate 25.02%)
Colorado ($682.9K, Tax rate 25.24%)
Florida ($678.8K, Tax rate 25.23%)
Illinois ($666.2K, Tax rate 26.23%)
Texas ($641.4K, Tax rate 25.71%)

If you're on your way to being a top earner and want to do a deeper dive on those numbers, you can view the full report on the SmartAsset website.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

Step inside the $20 million Southlake mansion going wild on social media

WALKING ON SUNSHINE LANE

One of the most expensive homes in Texas is on the market for $20 million in Southlake - and it's drawing more than a little attention on social media.

And, no wonder: The opulent 31,000-square-foot mansion, at 1469 Sunshine Ln., features such over-the-top amenities as a full-size basketball court, bowling alley, batting cage, movie theater, and "indoor glass-enclosed" trampoline.

The transitional Mediterranean estate hit the market in December for a whopping $19.99 million. A January 30 post on the Zillow Gone Wild Facebook page called it "the most Southlake, TX home we’ve ever seen," and made it instantly social media-famous. Thousands of people have chimed in to comment.

Seated on 3.6 acres and boasting 31,234 square feet, the home was built in 2016 and features - at first glance - all the "normal" nice things that a nice mansion has: seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and four half-baths, an open floor plan, smart home technology, and plenty of natural light to experience Texas sunsets.

A wide-angle view of the transitional Mediterranean mansion at 1469 Sunshine Lane.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

The mansion at 1469 Sunshine Ln., Southlake, is on the market for $20 million.

Then the listing gets to the part about it being “an entertainer’s paradise,” and that's where things get wild. The home can accommodate multiple athletic activities, has designated yoga and beauty rooms, a spa, wine room, and nine attached garage spaces.

Other features include:

Chef’s kitchen
Elevator
Gym
Game room
Two guest suites with a private entry
Turfed backyard

Elsewhere on the grounds is the perfect solution to enduring the hot Texas summers – two climate-controlled saltwater pools and hot tubs with a hidden waterslide, jumping rock, and diving board. The outdoor space is completed by an enclosed heated terrace, outdoor living area, and kitchen.

Zillow Gone Wild commenters have, predictably, expressed their awe or disdain for the extravagant manse. One commenter said they could imagine fictional mafia boss Tony Soprano “walking down that driveway in his bathrobe to get the paper,” after looking through the listing’s photos.

“This is the first mansion where I’m like, yep. I’d buy this if I was rich,” another admirer said.

A more sarcastic commenter wrote, “I’m sorry, but only one lane for bowling? I’m out.”

Critics were quick to call out the home’s opulence while others in the state struggle with homelessness or financial stability. “This kind of wealth actually makes me sick to my stomach. There’s so much better that could’ve been done with all this money,” one critic commented.

Others focused on guessing who the mansion belonged to. Southlake, after all, is home to plenty of celebrities and professional athletes.

Some guesses landed on a former baseball player’s home. “Serious question, is this A-Rod’s former house? It looks familiar, and he did play for the Rangers,” asked a curious viewer.

Other commenters believed the home belonged to a former Los Angeles Lakers player, after witnessing the signature gold and purple colors decorating the walls of the basketball court.

While Douglas Elliman listing agent Breah Brown said the owners wish to remain private (one might imagine the security concerns when a house goes viral on social media), she revealed they constructed the home themselves and are behind all aspects of the design and customization.

As for the next owners ... they can brag that they live in one of the top 10 most expensive homes in Texas in the richest city in the state.

Ad Placement 300x100

Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Denver pizzeria to debut in Fort Worth with New York pies and craft beer

Pizza News

A pizza concept from Colorado is coming to Fort Worth. Called Parry's Pizzeria & Bar, it's a Denver-based restaurant group known for its New York-style pizza and commitment to craft beer, and will open its first Fort Worth location at the Victory Shops at Heritage development at 2801 Heritage Trace Pkwy.

It's going into the former Rachel's Mediterranean Grill, the New York-based chain that opened there in 2022 and which closed in July.

According to a Parry's spokesperson, the pizzeria will open in spring 2024.

Parry's was founded in 2007 outside Denver by David Parry, a native of New York who wanted to bring a New York-style pizzeria to the Denver suburbs. They currently have 21 locations in Colorado, Texas, and Arizona, with additional coming-soons slated for Las Vegas and Houston.

Though Parry's started out as a small New York-style pizza joint with wings and beer, their menu has expanded to include sandwiches, appetizers, and more. Fans love their wings and fried dough.

Dishes at every location differ but might include curly fries, fried mac and cheese bites, calamari, and bruschetta.

Pizzas include familiar combos with a twist such as pepperoni with jalapeños and cream cheese; a white pie with steak, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and garlic; buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles; and a "loaded potato" pizza with potato, bacon, cheddar, and green onions.

There are calzones, wraps, and sandwiches including chicken parm, cheesesteak, meatball sub, sweet Italian sausage, fried chicken, and a huevos rancheros steak sandwich with green chili and fried eggs.

Desserts include fried dough, cheesecake, churros, and cannoli.

They offer a daily special as well as lunch deals with combos such as a personal size pizza or sandwich with choice of wings or a salad. A happy-hour-style deal from 3-6 pm features wings, pizza, and other items for $10.49.

Parry's is also heavily into craft beer, with lots of fun beer events. At their location in The Colony, which opened in 2019, they feature more than 75 taps, including numerous local Texas brews. They also have a location in McKinney, plus two in San Antonio and two more in South Texas.

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This Week in Gluttony

Outdoor events are prominent this week just in time for the arrival of fall (-ish) weather. There’s a rooftop luau for a good cause, a patio clam bake, a stadium-size barbecue, and an outdoor cooking competition featuring a slightly scary main ingredient. Also on the list – one more opportunity to partake in Oktoberfest-themed fare and fun.

Wednesday, October 4

Ohana Luau Fundraiser at Rooftop Cinema Club
Enjoy dinner and a movie at The Worthington Renaissance Hotel’s Rooftop Cinema Club and help support Maui fire relief efforts. Guests will partake in a Hawaiian-style barbecue dinner before an outdoor movie screening of 50 First Dates. Tickets are $25 per person, $10 of which will be donated to the Marriott Disaster Relief Fund. Additionally, 50 percent of all alcohol sales will go the fund. Doors open at 5 pm before the 7:15 pm movie start time.

Piroshky Piroshky Bakery Pop-up at Martin House Brewing
Bakery founded in Seattle will stop in Fort Worth on a Texas-wide tour, offering their signature Russian hand pies in delectable fillings such as beef & cheese, cabbage & onion, and vegan-friendly mushroom & potato. The full menu is online, and pre-ordering is required by October 2 at 4 pm. There's a minimum order of $50. Pickup at the brewery is 5-7 pm.

5-Course Whiskey Pairing Dinner at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
A powerhouse lineup of premium whiskeys will be served at this five-course pairing dinner at B&B, including brands like WhistlePig, Horse Soldier, and local Blackland Distilling Rye. Menu highlights include baked oysters with truffle butter and Roquefort crust, Colorado lamb lollipops, and 28-day dry-aged A5 Japanese ribeye. Dinner is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and will begin at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, October 5

Clam Bake at Grace
Grace’s annual outdoor clam bake is back. Set to take place on the fine dining restaurant’s streetside patio, the menu will feature a selection of littleneck and chowder clams, Diver scallops, Maine lobster, jumbo prawns, Moosabec mussels, and king crab. Save room for New England apple cider doughnuts. The $195 per person ticket price, plus tax and gratuity, comes with a reception of bubbly and canapes starting at 6:30 pm. Dinner will start at 7 pm and is expected to sell out.

Port Tasting at Texas de Brazil
Savor the Brazilian steakhouse’s signature churrasco bites paired with an array of ports during this tasting for a good cause. All proceeds from the $54.99 per person ticket price will go toward Warrior Rising, an organization that helps mentor and coach veteran entrepreneurs. Guests will start with a reception cocktail followed by four ports, including a 20-year tawny. The tasting starts at 6:30 pm, and those who stay for dinner afterward will receive 25 percent off the regular dinner price.

Friday, October 6

Rattle Battle hosted by Tim Love
Chef Tim Love is hosting a cooking competition in the Fort Worth Stockyards featuring one of his signature ingredients: rattlesnake. A who's who of Fort Worth chefs will compete, and guests judge whose bites are best. Participating chefs include Jon Bonnell (Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, Waters), Graham Elliot (Le Margot), Blaine Staniford (Grace, 61 Osteria, Little Red Wasp), Rodrigo Cardenas (Don Artemio), Juan Rodriguez (Magdalena’s), and Travis Heim (Heim BBQ). Tickets are $125 per person and include open bars and a token for voting. The Rattle Battle will take place in Mule Alley from 3–5 pm in conjunction with PBR Rattler Days to be held at Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Saturday, October 7

Q BBQ Fest at AT&T Stadium
Arlington will get a little smoky when more than 30,000 pounds of brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs are dished out over two days at AT&T Stadium. Hosted by the Dallas Cowboys and Miller Lite, Q BBQ Fest will feature pitmasters from across Texas and throughout the nation. Indulge in all-you-can-eat with tickets starting at $69 (alcohol not included). Or go VIP ($129) and enjoy an open bar along with access to exclusive lounge areas and VIP-only pitmasters. Tickets are $35 for young adults ages 13-20, and children under 13 get in free. The event runs Saturday 11 am-8 pm and Sunday 10 am-2 pm. Note that tickets are sold in three- and four-hour time blocks.

Oktoberfest at Rusty Nickel IceHouse
The South Fort Worth indoor-outdoor restaurant, beer garden, and live music venue keeps the Oktoberfest celebration going with a party on the patio. Patrons can purchase a table ($180 for a six-top and $240 for an eight-top), which comes with food and drink for everyone. Each person will receive brats, sauerkraut, and potato salad along with a beer-filled stein and two buckets of Alstadt’s or Shiner Variety for the table. Games with prizes will include stein-hoisting, Dachshund races, and a bratwurst-eating contest. Table reservations will be good from 3-10 pm for the duration of the event.

View All Listings