Big Homes in Big D

Dallas homeowners live large in some of America's biggest houses

Yes, you can live large in Dallas.

Photo courtesy of Dave Perry-Miller & Associates, Trulia

Entering the real estate market as a first-time homebuyer is nothing short of exciting. At times, however, the process can prove disappointing when you see that a modest budget can’t afford massive living rooms, walk-in closets, and master bedroom suites. If you’re in the second-time house hunt for an upgrade, even generous budgets might limit room to roam in pricier markets. A study from Trulia shows that 43 percent of Americans desire a larger home, with 60 percent of millennials yearning for expanded square footage.

Starter homes in Texas and the South, however, provide the largest living spaces in the nation. Not only does the Lone Star State boast some of the largest entry-level homes, but Texas metros offer some of the largest trade-up and premium homes too. Regardless of whether this is your first, second, or third try at finding your dream home, Texas cities provide growing room.

If you really want to live large, house hunting in Dallas is your best bet. Premium homes in Big D span over 2,940 square feet, making it the No. 2 city with largest premium homes, behind Colorado Springs. Houston’s premium homes are the fourth largest in the country, at 2,869 square feet.

Second-time homebuyers searching in Dallas will be happy to know that trade-up homes here offer a median 1,900 square feet, making it the third best trade-up home city. Houston trade-up homes have a median 1,997 square feet, making it the top metro for the category. Austin is No. 4 in the nation, at 1,893 square feet.

Austin, meanwhile, has the largest starter home size in the country, at 1,428 square feet. For first-time homebuyers in Houston, starter homes also provide ample room, with a median 1,320 square feet, the fifth largest in the U.S.

Another consideration is how much home you can gain after your first purchase. In San Antonio, the percentage change in square feet between a starter and trade-up home is 51.7 percent, or roughly 579 square feet. While San Antonio homebuyers might not have the space they want in their first home, they can expect substantially more square footage the second time around. In Dallas, the jump between starter to trade-up homes provides 49.7 percent more space, or approximately 631 square feet.

Texas is in an arena of its own with sizeable homes for entry-level, second-time, and premium homebuyers. The extra space across categories renders the old saying true: Everything is bigger in Texas.

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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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