One of the most coveted European-inspired estates in Westlake will go up for auction at the end of June. The custom home of longtime Westlake Mayor Laura Wheat hits the block for bids through a no-reserve auction June 25-27.
With grown kids, Wheat and her husband have decided to move out and move on — which is bittersweet, she says.
“There is nothing else like 2006 Navasota Cove,” says Wheat. “It is a blend of European luxury and modern amenities on 1.25-acres, with mature trees, flowing fountains, and a resort style pool and gardens, designed by Elizabeth Smidt of Great Gardens. The grounds are truly magical. Once inside, guests find themselves in the soaring wood paneled rotunda that has taken many a breath away.”
And there is more than meets the eye in every room. Architect Richard Drummond Davis is responsible for the design, alongside Dallas builder Paul Kramer for construction.
“Although we were the first owners, we did not have any input on the original project,” adds Wheat. “Over the years, we have developed a great working relationship with Anne-Michelle Cooley and Joanie Cooley of Cooley and Cooley Interior Design. We have a rule that all four of us have to agree on the direction we’re taking. It’s a rule that has served us well.”
In addition to its idyllic locale and magazine-quality interiors, the home affords ample space for hosting elegant affairs, from intimate parties and social gatherings to large weddings and corporate events. And as indicated by the property brochure, “the majestic wood-paneled rotunda at 2006 Navasota Cove is perfect for cocktails and is a sophisticated backdrop for formal galas.”
As is often the case with a home of this magnitude, pinpointing a favorite room is quite a feat. When pressed, Wheat says, “Ahh! Tough question! I love all of the views that look onto the 13th Fairway of the Tom Fazio-designed golf course at Vaquero. However, I also love to stand on the second story above the rotunda and look down upon the Her Majesty chandelier that graces it. It is a rare thing to behold a chandelier from this vantage point, and it always makes me smile.”
The Her Majesty chandelier, as well as other custom light fixtures, are all staying with the sale. Wheat adds, “I will hate to say goodbye to these treasures, but they are a part of the fabric of this home.”
One of her favorite features? The ceilings – which are, in and of themselves, a work of art. Another highlight rests in the gourmet kitchen. A striking 72-inch LaCornue range, which Wheat proclaims, “is way above my pay grade as a chef. I simply love it.” After an evening of grand entertaining, the master hideaway awaits. It offers relaxing spaces for two and a private balcony overlooking the green. Spa-quality baths, luxurious guest suites, and generous windows streaming an abundance of natural light are found throughout.
In addition to serving as mayor of Westlake since 2008, Wheat sits on the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees as acting president. She points out, “The Academy is the only municipally owned charter school in the state of Texas. It is an International Baccalaureate K-12 School and is graduating its tenth class this June. In 2018, we were ranked number one in the state’s list of districts. Westlake residents are guaranteed admission to this highly sought after school, with any remaining open seats filled via a lottery.” Yet another selling point to sweeten the deal at 2006 Navasota Cove.
So why leave now?
Wheat isn't going far.
“We have loved every minute of our 15 years in this home but feel that it is time for a change," she says. "Our children have both now graduated from Westlake Academy and are well on their way to graduating from college. Thus, much to their dismay, we have decided to move to a home that is more exclusively ‘ours,’ designed with just the two of us in mind. We absolutely will have guest rooms for when kids come home to visit, but that won’t be the same as space dedicated to one child or the other.”
Wheat, and husband Doug – former President of Haas, Wheat and Partners for many years, and current chairman of the board of three publicly held companies: AMN Healthcare; International Seaways Inc.; and Overseas Shipbuilding Group – will soon be settling into their new build in Cedar Elm Terrace, just a short 15-minute drive away.
Of course, they take with them special memories.
“It’s hard to know where to begin,” Wheat says, when asked to share a special memory of the home. “Our daughter was married in the front yard and then proceeded to the back for the reception. Because the house lends itself to entertaining, we have had the privilege of hosting our governor, several United States senators, and numerous other dignitaries and business luminaries. Our home was also the venue of choice as our children made their way through Westlake Academy. And we have held more fundraisers here than I can recall. As mayor, I have annually welcomed new Westlake residents here every year for the past 12 years.”
Wheat says it's really the perfect home for a family, grandparents, or couples who love to entertain.
“The home offers so many private spaces that it could easily accommodate several generations,” she says.
And when discussing what she loves most about the neighborhood, she enthusiastically states, “Our neighbors! We are surrounded by a wonderful mix of ages who come from all walks of life and are engaged in diverse avocations. We have CEOs who run Fortune 500 companies, folks who run routes for the Cowboys, and those who daily run carpool. We truly run the gamut.”
Bidding starts Tuesday, June 25, at 5 pm sharp with open house opportunities available by appointment only. Concierge Auctions will manage the sale.
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A version of this story originally was published on CandysDirt.com.
There's a gourmet kitchen, of course.
