The CultureMap Interview

Bravo's million-dollar Realtor Josh Flagg talks high-rise living and the importance of reputation

Josh Flagg is a force, both in real estate and on TV. The star Realtor of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles hasbeen in the business since he was 18. Flagg is most recognized for his high-dollar home sales in some of the most elite areas of California, such as Beverly Hills and Brentwood Park. Ten years later, he is living up to the brand he built on and off the screen.

When we heard Flagg was in town for the 2013 Great Big Texas Home Show to speak about prepping a home for resale, we sat down to chat with the published author, who loves nothing more than his grandmother and traveling the world. Here's a little insight into the world of Flagg.

CultureMap: When did you decide that real estate should be your career?

Josh Flagg: I always loved looking at houses, architecture and design — it was just kind of my calling.

CM: How do you find balance with a busy schedule, between the television series and your business?

JF: You have to enjoy your life, and I have a lot of people working for me, so that's how I balance my schedule. But I'm always busy, always on the phone, just always busy.

CM: What was it like to come out on Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles?

JF: It was very good; I had very good feedback. It's Bravo — the demographic is very accepting, so it was fine and easy.

CM: From the show it seems like you and your grandmother spend quite a bit of time together. How often do you really see her?

JF: I see her at least twice a week, but I talk to her on the phone, and we go out to dinner. She lives in the same building.

CM: What's the best piece of advice she's given you?

JF: Just to be honest and fair to anybody around you, because your reputation is the most important thing.

CM: What's the funniest experience you've had on the job?

JF: Probably one time I was showing a house [to a client]. I was walking around the pool and fell in it. I had to put the owner's bathrobe on. I did the rest of the showing in the bathrobe. [When my client] bought the house, [they] sent me a pair of swimming trunks.

CM: If someone is on a budget, what is the one room you suggest fixing up before selling it?

JF: The kitchen. That's where everyone congregates; it's the center of the house.

CM: What is the most important thing to think about when purchasing a first or second home?

JF: Location, location, location. If it's your first home, you might want to sell it one day.

CM: Why do you prefer a high-rise to living in a house?

JF: I like the full-service amenities. They can bring me my car and my groceries. It's a totally different way of living, more like a hotel. When you have a house, you don't have any of that.

CM: How would you describe your style?

JF: Eclectic. Contemporary, but eclectic.

CM: What's your favorite pastime?

JF: I love to travel. I've been to close to 50 countries. I love going to new destinations, but I always go to the South of France in the summer.

CM: Where will you be visiting while you're in town?

JF: I'd like to go to the Dallas Museum of Art. I'm going to the French Room at the Adolphus.

CM: Your favorite drink?

JF: Dirty martini.

CM: In another life, what would you be doing?

JF: I think the same thing. I love what I do.

Josh Flagg has built a reputation selling high-end real estate in elite areas like Beverly Hills.

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Extraordinary modern ranch in Grapevine trots onto market for $7.2 million

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

The Willow Wood Horse Farm in Grapevine is on the market for $7.2 million.

A stunning, 10-acre North Texas property that's fit for a modern cowboy has just hit the market for $7.2 million: Called the Willow Wood Horse Farm, the equestrian paradise is located on West Kimball Avenue in Grapevine, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Dallas.

The ranch is a combination of elegant and thoughtful modern design paired with all of the practicality required of a fully functioning farm.

According to the listing, which is held by Burgher-Ray Ranch Group and managed by David Burgher and Harlan Ray, the ranch includes several fenced pastures, an enclosed and insulated shop storage building with concrete flooring, and a seven-stall horse barn.

A covered and irrigated riding arena is attached to the barn, every stall has its own turnout, and six of the stalls are 12 feet by 12 feet wide, and the seventh is designated as a foaling stall. An additional turnout for grazing is located adjacent to the barn, as well as a training pen.

Willow Wood Horse Farm in Grapevine, ranch for sale The horse barn has seven stalls with individual turnouts.Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

But the focal point of the entire estate is the 4,353-square-foot, three-story primary residence that sits at the highest point of the gently sloped property. The home was custom-designed and completed in 2022, featuring an exterior made of metal cladding, concrete, durable ipe hardwood, and glass.

From the front door, guests will see views that lead through the home's living areas and into the 3,000-square-foot back deck, past the 80-foot-long saltwater swimming pool, and out toward the pastures.

The chef's kitchen is outfitted with luxurious Gaggenau appliances, such as a steam convection oven, a conventional convection oven, a coffee machine, stove, dishwasher, a separate paneled refrigerator and freezer, and a warming drawer. A half bathroom and full butler's pantry is located to the side of the kitchen, which is equipped with a prep space and a dishwasher.

Additional features of the home include:

Koi ponds located on either side of the main door that welcome guests to the home
An open concept living space that contains the living room, kitchen, and dining rooms
A primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom
Two additional bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
Soft opening/closing doors in all main bedrooms
Dynaudio speakers installed throughout the home
Geo-thermal heating/cooling system

A custom-built metal spiraling staircase connects all three levels of the home. The second floor includes a viewing area with floor-to-ceiling windows and access to the covered porch and rooftop deck. The lower level leads to an "acoustically balanced" underground home theater featuring eight-foot concert walls, Dynaudio speakers, an Ember Audio sound system, a 250-bottle wine cooler, and a powder bathroom. The listing notes that this area could be converted into a storm cellar.

Willow Wood Horse Farm in Grapevine, ranch for sale The underground home theater has an impressive Ember Audio sound system with Dynaudio speakers.Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

A detached three-car garage is located next to the home, and has one EV charging station and two additional outlets for charging. Discreetly designed solar panels are hidden on top of the garage, which are capable of powering the entire residence.

The horse barn, irrigation system, and stock pond all run off of a water well located on the property, while the primary residence uses city water with a filtration system.

"Situated in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, just minutes from Lake Grapevine, Southlake, and an easy commute to DFW International Airport, this property affords someone the ability to have all the comforts of the city, while living just slightly removed from it all," the listing says.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

The Willow Wood Horse Farm in Grapevine is on the market for $7.2 million.

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