Quantcast
Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

One of the most expensive homes in Texas is on the market for $20 million in Southlake - and it's drawing more than a little attention on social media.

And, no wonder: The opulent 31,000-square-foot mansion, at 1469 Sunshine Ln., features such over-the-top amenities as a full-size basketball court, bowling alley, batting cage, movie theater, and "indoor glass-enclosed" trampoline.

The transitional Mediterranean estate hit the market in December for a whopping $19.99 million. A January 30 post on the Zillow Gone Wild Facebook page called it "the most Southlake, TX home we’ve ever seen," and made it instantly social media-famous. Thousands of people have chimed in to comment.

Seated on 3.6 acres and boasting 31,234 square feet, the home was built in 2016 and features - at first glance - all the "normal" nice things that a nice mansion has: seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and four half-baths, an open floor plan, smart home technology, and plenty of natural light to experience Texas sunsets.

A wide-angle view of the transitional Mediterranean mansion at 1469 Sunshine Lane.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

The mansion at 1469 Sunshine Ln., Southlake, is on the market for $20 million.

Then the listing gets to the part about it being “an entertainer’s paradise,” and that's where things get wild. The home can accommodate multiple athletic activities, has designated yoga and beauty rooms, a spa, wine room, and nine attached garage spaces.

Other features include:

  • Chef’s kitchen
  • Elevator
  • Gym
  • Game room
  • Two guest suites with a private entry
  • Turfed backyard

Elsewhere on the grounds is the perfect solution to enduring the hot Texas summers – two climate-controlled saltwater pools and hot tubs with a hidden waterslide, jumping rock, and diving board. The outdoor space is completed by an enclosed heated terrace, outdoor living area, and kitchen.

Zillow Gone Wild commenters have, predictably, expressed their awe or disdain for the extravagant manse. One commenter said they could imagine fictional mafia boss Tony Soprano “walking down that driveway in his bathrobe to get the paper,” after looking through the listing’s photos.

“This is the first mansion where I’m like, yep. I’d buy this if I was rich,” another admirer said.

A more sarcastic commenter wrote, “I’m sorry, but only one lane for bowling? I’m out.”

Critics were quick to call out the home’s opulence while others in the state struggle with homelessness or financial stability. “This kind of wealth actually makes me sick to my stomach. There’s so much better that could’ve been done with all this money,” one critic commented.

Others focused on guessing who the mansion belonged to. Southlake, after all, is home to plenty of celebrities and professional athletes.

Some guesses landed on a former baseball player’s home. “Serious question, is this A-Rod’s former house? It looks familiar, and he did play for the Rangers,” asked a curious viewer.

Other commenters believed the home belonged to a former Los Angeles Lakers player, after witnessing the signature gold and purple colors decorating the walls of the basketball court.

While Douglas Elliman listing agent Breah Brown said the owners wish to remain private (one might imagine the security concerns when a house goes viral on social media), she revealed they constructed the home themselves and are behind all aspects of the design and customization.

As for the next owners ... they can brag that they live in one of the top 10 most expensive homes in Texas in the richest city in the state.

Ad Placement 300x100
Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Where to shop in Dallas right now: 10 must-hit stores for March

Where to shop

Spring has sprung in Dallas, and that means tulips on every corner and pastel in every retail shop's window. Whether you like light and bright this time of year or keep your wardrobe neutral 24/7/365, there is as store on this list for you.

Alexia Maria
Luxury evening wear and bridal designer Alexia Maria recently held a trunk show at the Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon in Dallas, and it has us swooning over her Spring/Summer 2023 Wedding Wardrobe Collection. Originally from Mexico, the designer has an atelier in San Diego and sells her designs at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Over the Moon, and more. We love the go-big-or-go-home bows that adorn some of the dazzling designs.

Allie + Bess
With a new season comes new accessories, and Dallasites love supporting this local bangle brand that makes dressing up a little more fun. We specifically are into the brand's new necklace collections. Featuring a range of colors and materials, the collection makes it easier than ever to showcase your personality through luxe yet approachable jewelry. Our favorite? The Dakota necklace. Why? We are suckers for anything turquoise in color.

Artwork for Humans Showroom and Boutique
Dallas artist Jerod DTOX Davies, well-known for his murals around Dallas and album covers, has just opened a showroom in Deep Ellum to showcase his other passion: his fashion line, Artwork for Humans, which he calls "wearable art that upcycles clothing and uplifts the human spirit." Davies' garments have been favored by local musicians like Erykah Badu, who wore a sweatshirt he created for her at her recent birthday party. The showroom and boutique, at 3001 Canton St., is open Sunday afternoons for walk-ins and on Wednesdays by appointment. Read more about it in this story.

Blue Nile
Diamonds are a Dallas girl's best friend, and on NorthPark level one, near Macy's, there is a new mecca for meandering through the best of bling. Blue Nile showrooms provide shoppers with an opportunity to look, touch, and try on a superior selection of jewelry and engagement rings. Or, choose the custom route using the Build-Your-Own Diamond Jewelry Tool.

Cappello
It seems silly to remind everyone that the summers are really hot in Texas. That said, the sun’s not something you can combat without the right accessories. Enter the most perfect sun hat, both beautifully made and certified at UPF 50+. These hats block 95 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. The co-founders, Catherine Bankston and Erin Rabenhorst Davis, work with amazing artisans in Ecuador, ensuring that each hat is hand-woven and thus, unique. A vintage ribbon adds the perfect pop of color to a truly exceptional piece of wearable art. Shop them online.

Christian Louboutin x Neiman Marcus - “A La Piscine”
In time for swim season, Neiman Marcus has partnered with Christian Louboutin for an exclusive collection called “A La Piscine.” The collection features footwear and handbags in neon colors and splash print, as well as pet accessories, tumblers (gotta stay hydrated at the pool), t-shirts with hand woven details, and even limited-edition skateboards. A La Piscine is available online and at Neiman Marcus stores nationwide, including NorthPark, where shoppers will find an installation that transports them to a sunny Palm Springs day circa the ‘80s - think pool, bar, lounge chairs, grass, and floor-to-ceiling palm trees.

Finley
We love a Dallas-based brand that actually makes the clothing here in town, too. Finley — seen on racks at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies, and more — provides a great staple for the ever-changing Dallas wardrobe. Chilly? Add a cardigan and a belt bag and you’re off to car pool. Warm? Wear this breezy beauty with shorts and some Golden Goose sneakers. Really, really warm? Throw this over a white one-piece and drive as fast as you can to Cedar Creek Lake. The possibilities are endless.

Cappello hat

Photo courtesy of Cappello

Get one of Cappello's new hats from the spring collection before your hot Dallas summer.

Parker and Hyde
Dallas-based handbag creators Lauren and Zack McLarnon hit the Dallas-demand jackpot with the success of the Neoprene Collection that they first offered in 2020. And because the brand is all about growth, the new signature woven collection - with a lycra blend and contrasting weave - is poised to be their next big hit. Each tote comes with a matching pouch and detachable strap to transform a tote into a crossbody. Get ready to see these everywhere this summer in Dallas.

Mizzen + Main
The Dallas-based brand has launched a new retail experience after years of feedback from its customers. The redesigned, 1,200-square-foot space in West Village is all about community. Come in and shop, talk, drink, and stay a while. The vibe is small-scale lounge, and the products are as reliable as always. Grab a friend and go shop for the comfiest dress shirts in Dallas at 3699 McKinney Ave. #407.

Moncler
This French-founded brand is now headquartered in Italy and offering Highland Park Village shoppers the utmost in luxe, innovative outerwear. City life and nature expeditions have been married in a cohesive way, and the resulting pieces are on display at the now-open Dallas boutique.

*Bonus Intel *

We technically are only supposed to talk about things happening in the month of March; however, Highland Park Village is having its annual Spring Shopping Stroll kickoff on April 1, and we just couldn't let it pass without spreading the word. Happening from 10 am to 6 pm, it will include photos with live bunnies, face painting, balloon twisting, and endless store promotions. Some of our favorites include custom sketches by a fashion illustrator at Ralph Lauren and complimentary monogramming on in-store purchases as La Ligne. Be there or be oh-so-square!

2 Dallas suburbs unlock new rankings among best cities to live in America

SUPREME SUBURBS

Homebuyers and families searching for their next place to call home should take a look at Plano and Richardson, which were just named among the top 15 Best Cities to Live in America by Niche.

Plano ranked No. 11 and Richardson, No. 12 in the 2023 report.

Niche is an online platform that connects families to schools or colleges; their 2023 report’s data was collected through resident reviews in combination with information from the Census and the FBI. This latest release is their ninth annual report, with rankings determined after a study of 228 American cities and nearly 18,000 towns and neighborhoods.

Plano and Richardson are no strangers to this prestigious list. Last year, Plano came in at No. 9, and Richardson, at No. 12. Richardson also came in at No. 12 in the 2021 list, while Plano was No. 7 that year.

Breaking down the 2023 report:

Plano (No. 11 overall) ranked in the top 10 in two categories in the report. It was named the No. 8 best American city to buy a house, and ranked No. 10 on the list of best cities to raise a family. Niche gave the city an A+ rating for its public school selection, diversity, and family-friendliness, and an A rank for its jobs, nightlife, and health and fitness.

Richardson (No. 12 overall) ranked No. 13 for best cities to raise a family. Richardson earned an A+ for its diversity, and an A grade for its family-friendliness, public schools, nightlife, and health and fitness. In the list of best cities to buy a house, it ranked No. 19.

Only one Texas town beat them out: Houston's northern neighbor The Woodlands, which made it at the top of the list in several categories. It was named theNo. 1 best city to buy a house in America, and No. 2 in the ranking of best cities to raise a family. The city has an A+ ranking for its family-friendliness, public schools, and job market, and an A- rating for its diversity, housing availability, and outdoor activities.

In the overall best American city to live in category, The Woodlands ranked No. 3. Cambridge, Massachusetts (No. 1) and Arlington, Virginia (No. 2) took the top two spots in the ranking.

Niche founder and CEO Luke Skurman says in a press release that the company is proud to be “a trusted resource for families, homebuyers” and many other professionals.

“For almost ten years now, our Best Places to Live rankings have helped people find a new neighborhood to call home based on what matters most to them, whether that’s affordable housing, easy access to amenities or excellent local schools,” says Skurman. “Families wondering about an area’s school district can also use our comprehensive school profiles and rankings to get a feel for their child’s potential school.”

The full report and its methodology can be found on Niche's website.

Venerated English rock singer Peter Gabriel adds Dallas date to long-awaited 2023 tour

Bring the Sledgehammer

English rock singer Peter Gabriel has added 13 new North American cities to his worldwide "i/o - The Tour," including a stop at Dallas' American Airlines Center on Thursday, October 19.

The massive tour, Gabriel's first solo jaunt since the "Back to Front Tour" that took place from late 2012 to early 2014, kicks off in Krakow, Poland on May 18. The Dallas concert will be one of the three final dates on the 48-city tour, alongside Austin on October 18 and Houston on October 21.

The tour is in support of the new album, i/o, Gabriel's first new release since 2011. Although an exact date for the album's release has not been announced, new music from the album is being released on the full moon of each month in 2023; the now-available song for March is called "Playing For Time."

On the tour, fans will get to see Gabriel playing new material from the new album, as well as hits, fan favorites, and the unexpected. Gabriel will be joined by regular bandmates Tony Levin, David Rhodes, and Manu Katché.

Gabriel got his start as the original lead singer of the band Genesis, with which he released six albums in the early 1970s. He left for a solo career in 1975, releasing his first album in 1977. The pinnacle of his career came with the 1986 album So, which contained the indelible hits "Sledgehammer," "In Your Eyes," and "Don't Give Up" with Kate Bush.

The general onsale for the newly added shows will start on Friday, March 24 at 10 am at LiveNation.com. Fans will have access to a special presale through Peter’s Fan Club mailing list, starting on Tuesday, March 21.

Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning on Wednesday, March 22 at 10 am until Thursday, March 23 at 6 pm through the Citi Entertainment program.

Fans can also purchase VIP packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show lounge, limited edition gift items, and more

Peter Gabriel - i/o – The Tour North American Dates

  • September 8 Quebec City, Quebec Videotron Centre
  • September 9 Ottawa, Ontario Canadian Tire Centre
  • September 11 Toronto, Ontario Scotiabank Arena
  • September 13 Montreal, Quebec Bell Centre
  • September 14 Boston, Massachusetts TD Garden
  • September 16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wells Fargo Center
  • September 18 New York, New York Madison Square Garden
  • September 20 Washington, D.C. Capital One Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 22 Buffalo, New York KeyBank Center – NEW SHOW
  • September 23 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PPG Paints Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 25 Columbus, Ohio Nationwide Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 27 Cleveland, Ohio Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – NEW SHOW
  • September 29 Detroit, Michigan Little Caesars Arena – NEW SHOW
  • September 30 Chicago, Illinois United Center
  • October 2 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Fiserv Forum – NEW SHOW
  • October 3 St. Paul , Minnesota Xcel Energy Center – NEW SHOW
  • October 7 Vancouver, British Columbia Rogers Arena
  • October 8 Seattle, Washington Climate Pledge Arena
  • October 11 San Francisco, California Chase Center
  • October 13 Los Angeles, California Kia Forum
  • October 14 Palm Springs, California Acrisure Arena – NEW SHOW
  • October 16 Denver , Colorado Ball Arena – NEW SHOW
  • October 18 Austin, Texas Moody Center – NEW SHOW
  • October 19 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center – NEW SHOW
  • October 21 Houston, Texas Toyota Center – NEW SHOW