Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Lists Iconic Chateau with Unique History
Hidden behind an 8-foot stone privacy wall in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas is 6941 Gaston Avenue, a prohibition-era castle that piques the curiosity of anyone who passes by. Once the home of a Dallas mayor, "Chateau des Grotteaux" is now for sale and ready for its next owner or investor.
DALLAS, June 17, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Any Dallas resident who has ever paused at the stoplight at Gaston Avenue and West Shore Drive in Lakewood has no doubt imagined who or what was beyond the 8-foot stone-and-hedge wall on the northwest corner. The former residence of Dallas Mayor R.L. Thornton – and current landmark – at 6941 Gaston Avenue (6941gaston.daveperrymiller.com), was dubbed "Chateau des Grotteaux" (House of the Cave) by Thornton himself, and is listed for sale by DeCarla Anderson of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate for $1,895,000.
"When you drive by this 'mysterious' house," says Anderson, "it's natural to wonder what life is like at Chateau des Grotteaux. Actually, I'm pleased to report Lakewood's famous 'castle' is every bit as fascinating as you'd expect a 1929 castle to be. Its history is rich, the grounds are impeccable, the privacy is unrivaled and the potential for customization is unlimited. Anyone who values those four things will want to take a look."
Construction on the 1-acre estate was begun by famed Texas oilman and builder, Edwin Cox, Sr., who sold to Thornton following the 1928 stock market crash. Thornton lived there with his family until his passing in 1964 and entertained many guests on the secluded grounds. The Thornton family sold the home 10 years later in 1974. Remnants of the "cave" still exist on the property. It's rumored that a tunnel went all the way from the southern-most corner of the property to White Rock Lake and may have been used to transport liquor during Prohibition. The tunnel was sealed off by the City of Dallas some time ago and is no longer accessible.
The current owner is to be credited with the incredible grounds. He has been restoring them along with the exterior in a painstakingly methodical fashion since his purchase in 2005. His work has been not only a labor of love, but a major financial investment as well: a privacy wall, sprinkler system; mosquito misting system; a new tile roof; oxidized copper gutters and turret covers; pool resurfacing and conversion to saltwater; numerous statues, sculptures, bridges and ponds; and the creation of several sitting areas, including a one-of-a-kind "Secret Garden" added in 2016. His hope has been that everything would have time to mature before work began on the interior of the 10-level home.
"There are so many structural and design decisions he could have made prior to listing," says Anderson, "but he realizes those decisions will be intensely personal and better left to the next owner. So aside from the doors and windows that were replaced in 2017, essentially he is leaving the interior of the home untouched."
For more information about this significant listing or to view the property, contact DeCarla Anderson at 214-695-9043 or [email protected].
Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (daveperrymiller.com) is a division of Ebby Halliday Real Estate, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, with four locations that specialize in Park Cities, Preston Hollow, North Dallas, Lakewood, East Dallas, Uptown, Oak Cliff and Farm & Ranch properties.
Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International (luxuryportfolio.com).
SOURCE Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate
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