Southern. Charming. Sophisticated. Beautiful. These words can be used to describe both Kimberly Schlegel Whitman and her chic Highland Park pad at 4465 Rheims Place, which just hit the market.
Whitman, author of several entertaining books and editor-at-large for Southern Living, recruited her real estate maven sister, Kari Schlegel Kloewer, to list the property, which is nestled on one of Highland Park’s most beautiful streets. Built in 1952, this 7,215-square-foot house has five bedrooms, seven baths and a four-car garage, and it sits on a half-acre of Dallas’ most sought-after land. For $5.2 million, this abode, styled by one of the South’s most stylish women, can be yours.
Although it’s perfect for entertaining, the home also suits a growing family. The house was a true labor of love, and Whitman knew exactly whom to call to turn her dreams for the home into a reality.
“We have done kids parties, swim parties, cocktail parties and formal dinners, and the home works so well for everything,” says owner Kimberly Schlegel Whitman.
“Jan Showers helped us with the house,” Whitman says. “She is so great to work with and is a dear friend. We were about to become parents when we bought the house, so we really designed it with our small and growing family in mind.”
Although the rooms have distinctive personalities, they all reflect Whitman’s signature style. No detail was overlooked, from a zebra-skin rug in the library to cheery tangerine in the formal living room.
Which room is her favorite? “We love the library,” Whitman says. “That is where we put our Christmas tree, and we have little dance parties with the kids.”
The kitchen was recently renovated, while Whitman was pregnant with her daughter and in a “nesting” phase. Kloewer says the kitchen has been a hit with VIP customers who got a sneak peek before the home hit the market.
“The kitchen is just gorgeous and has one of the largest islands I have ever seen,” Kloewer says. “One person who came to look at the house took one look and said that it should be referred to as a continent instead of an island.”
The kitchen opens to a family room, so loved ones can hang out nearby while the cook prepares meals. All five bedrooms are located upstairs, and they all boast hardwoods, en suite bathrooms and large walk-in closets. Because the home is family-friendly, it also has a large, laid-back playroom for the kids.
And that’s just the inside. If you close your eyes, you can envision Whitman entertaining in that dreamy backyard on one of Dallas’ sizzling summer nights. She, no doubt, is carrying a tray of mint juleps as she heads over to the outdoor sitting area, where the adults are laughing and watching their kids splash merrily in the large saltwater pool.
“The back of the house is all windows and French doors that overlook the covered terrace and pool, so it has a great flow,” Whitman says. “We have done kids parties, swim parties, cocktail parties and formal dinners, and it works so well for everything.”
The master bedroom, along with the other four bedrooms, has hardwoods, a large walk-in closet and en suite bathroom.
