finn's retreat

Texas bluebonnet country estate built by renowned architect blooms on market for $5.95 million

Off a Brenham highway and up a winding dirt road that meanders through wildflower fields sits The Citadel. This historic venue, once conceived as a golf course — and later reimagined as a private residence — sits on 48 acres and is currently on the market for $5.95 million.

The charming property is represented by Janet Dreyer with the Country Properties Group of Sotheby's International Realty.

While the living space is two-bedroom, two-bath, the home offers ample space across its more than 7,000 square feet for entertaining, living, or event hosting. Be it an investment piece, event venue, or weekend hideaway, The Citadel (3401 US Highway 290 East) offers an array of options for its next owner.

Originally built in 1924, the main residence has been meticulously refurbished while preserving its classic Art Deco style. Wide verandas on both of the home's levels provide picturesque views of the setting sun.

A sweeping staircase beckons arriving guests to explore the first floor's grand ballroom, warm bar spaces, and inviting fireplaces.

The Citadel's expansive grounds are equally impressive, with terraced land previously used as a vineyard, and sprawling lawns that can host family picnics, parties, and wedding receptions.

Designed and built by the famed renowned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, who crafted the iconic San Jacinto Monument and many other famous landmarks, the property was originally envisioned as a social club, complete with a nine-hole golf course. It offered opportunities for men to hit the links while ladies hosted card games and garden parties in the main house.

By 1926, The Citadel had evolved into a country club. Five years later, in the depths of the Great Depression, it would be auctioned off and transformed into a private residence. For a time, colorful Texas eccentric Johnnie Mae Hackworth called it home.

Now, The Citadel is ready for another owner to come in with the vision and imagination to transform it yet again. It could become a vineyard that provides a spot for weekend daytrippers and wine education, or a retreat from Dallas' hustle and bustle. The possibilities are as endless as its sweeping vistas.

The Citadel was designed and built by renowned Houston architect Albert C. Finn.

TK Images

The Citadel was designed and built by renowned Texas architect Albert C. Finn.

Real Estate News

Dallas real estate developer pleads guilty to bribing 2 city officials

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Dallas developer Sherman Roberts

Dallas real estate developer Sherman Roberts pleaded guilty on November 12 to conspiracy to commit bribery, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Roberts, 70, who previously helmed City Wide Community Development Corporation, was indicted in December 2020. According to court documents, Sherman bribed two city council members — Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway and City Council member Carolyn Davis — to support loans and low-income housing tax credits for his apartment projects.

In return for several thousand dollars in cash – plus the promise of future payments after her city council tenure ended – Davis lobbied for Roberts' real estate projects, including Serenity Place, Runyon Springs, and Patriot’s Crossing.

She promoted Serenity Place to the City Housing Committee, demanded other developers also seeking real estate funding withdraw their applications in order to increase Roberts' chances of success, recommended Serenity Place receive a 9 percent low income housing tax credit, and voted to approve a $1.9 million loan from the city of Dallas.

“Right now you and me are making money,” Roberts texted Davis shortly after the vote.

Later, she repeatedly reached out to ask for more money — "just a few dollars" — and he agreed.

Davis and Roberts then met with Caraway to address a problem with the Patriot's Crossing project. In return for several hundred dollars cash and a $2,000 monthly stipend, Caraway agreed to stop the city from issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for the Patriots Crossing project and to deliver the project for Roberts.

“How much is the project worth?” Mayor Pro Tem Caraway asked. “Once you’re successful with this project, don’t forget about me.”

“I won’t forget about you,” Mr. Roberts responded. “That’s where the money is… the money has never been an issue.”

Roberts now faces up to five years in federal prison. He is slated to be sentenced on March 12, 2025.

Caraway pleaded guilty in 2019 to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and tax evasion and was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison.

Davis pleaded guilty in 2019 to conspiracy to commit bribery concerning an agent of a local government receiving federal benefits, but passed away in a car crash before she could be sentenced.

Roberts was one of three real estate developers charged in connection with the bribery scandal. Devin Hall, the developer behind the Grand Park Place apartment project, pleaded guilty in August 2020. Ruel Hamilton, the AmeriSouth Realty Group executive who backed the Royal Crest housing project, is awaiting retrial on conspiracy and bribery charges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of IRS – Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Busch is prosecuting the case with the help of Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Max.