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.

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

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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.