Discover Dallas’s Hidden Gem: A Contemporary Oasis at 23 Ryddington Place in Downs of Hillcrest
Dallas boasts an impressive collection of extraordinary homes nestled within exclusive neighborhoods, many of which remain undiscovered without the expertise of a seasoned real estate professional. Our featured Inwood Home of the Week at 23 Ryddington Place perfectly exemplifies such a hidden treasure. Listed by Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate’s accomplished agent, Megan Stern, this magnificent Downs of Hillcrest contemporary residence recently entered the market for an attractive $1.399 million. Prepare to be captivated the moment you step through its grand entrance; the sheer splendor will leave you breathless, making it difficult to pull yourself away from this remarkable property.
A Visionary Design: From Concept to Reality
The history of this unique property begins with Al Lamb, the discerning owner of Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda, the only authorized Honda motorcycle dealership within the city limits. In 1996, Lamb commissioned renowned builder Jim Kienast to construct a dream home for his family. Lamb possessed a clear vision for his ideal residence, desiring a spacious 5,933 square feet, encompassing five luxurious bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two convenient powder baths, a dedicated media room, a dry sauna for relaxation, and, most notably, an extraordinary indoor lagoon. This was not merely a house; it was a bespoke sanctuary designed for ultimate comfort and year-round enjoyment.
The Unrivaled Indoor Lagoon: A Tropical Paradise Year-Round
One of the most captivating features of 23 Ryddington Place is its innovative indoor lagoon, a testament to Al Lamb’s forward-thinking approach. Lamb eloquently explained his motivation: “Everybody builds a pool, but you only get to use it for about three months of the year. Plus, many plants struggle to survive around outdoor pools, limiting your landscaping options. I envisioned extending the roof over one end of the pool, essentially creating an indoor oasis. This way, you can enjoy the pool year-round, transforming it into a constant, vibrant focal point.”
This ingenious design was not only a stroke of brilliance but also surprisingly cost-effective to implement. Lamb, a self-proclaimed admirer of Caribbean aesthetics and tropical flora, sought to replicate the enchanting beauty of island lagoons within his own home. The result is a stunning indoor environment that far exceeded his wildest expectations, bringing the tranquility and exotic allure of a tropical paradise to Dallas. This indoor lagoon doesn’t just provide a “wow” factor; it profoundly enhances the home’s year-round resort vacation vibe, setting the stage for a truly unique living experience.
The Exclusive Downs of Hillcrest Community: Your Private Retreat
The allure of 23 Ryddington Place begins even before you step inside, thanks to its prime location within The Downs of Hillcrest. This distinguished gated community in North Dallas comprises approximately 150 luxury homes. The neighborhood itself is a masterpiece of landscape architecture, featuring serene lakes and meandering streams that weave throughout the expansive grounds. This carefully crafted environment creates an immediate sense of exclusivity, tranquility, and a resort-like ambiance, establishing a peaceful backdrop for the unparalleled luxury found at 23 Ryddington Place.
Megan Stern emphasizes the comprehensive lifestyle offered by this property: “Here, you truly have it all. There’s almost no need to leave the house; it feels like you’re on a continuous vacation.” The moment residents or guests enter, they are greeted by an immediate, breathtaking view of the indoor lagoon and its vibrant tropical foliage. Furthermore, the entire landscape, both indoor and outdoor, is designed for minimal maintenance. Thanks to an advanced irrigation system and a user-friendly phone application that controls various aspects of the home, maintaining this stunning environment requires no “green thumb” whatsoever. It’s luxury living made effortless.
Beyond the Lagoon: Luxury Amenities for Modern Living
While the indoor lagoon is undoubtedly the star attraction, 23 Ryddington Place offers a wealth of other amenities designed for comfort, entertainment, and a high-end lifestyle. Spanning an expansive 5,933 square feet, this contemporary masterpiece boasts five generously sized bedrooms and five full bathrooms, providing ample space and privacy for families and guests alike. Two additional powder baths offer convenience and sophistication. Each room is meticulously designed with a focus on modern aesthetics, clean lines, and an abundance of natural light, characteristic of its contemporary architectural style.
For entertainment and relaxation, the home features a dedicated media room, perfect for cinematic experiences or immersive gaming. The inclusion of a dry sauna provides a private spa-like retreat, promoting wellness and tranquility within the comfort of your own home. The luxury extends to the personal spaces, notably the master suite, which features a custom master closet recently completed by the current owner. This bespoke closet offers sophisticated organization and ample storage, reflecting a commitment to refined living.
Wellness and Outdoor Entertainment Spaces
This home truly caters to every aspect of a modern, active lifestyle. Megan Stern highlights another fantastic feature: “It also has a pretty awesome gym situated above the three-car garage, complete with a convenient half bath. And yes, you can spot a doggie treadmill on the far left, catering to all members of the family!” This versatile space offers endless possibilities, whether for a dedicated fitness enthusiast or simply as an additional flexible living area.
The outdoor living spaces are equally impressive and designed for year-round enjoyment. The current owner thoughtfully enhanced the property by adding a sophisticated entertainment patio. This outdoor haven comes equipped with a television, a stylish louvered roof for adjustable shade, and a phantom screen, allowing for comfortable outdoor gatherings regardless of weather or insects. This addition seamlessly extends the home’s living area into the pristine Dallas climate.
And for those who appreciate the classic pool experience, the property also features an outdoor pool and hot tub, both equipped with heaters to ensure comfort and usability during cooler months. This ensures that whether you prefer the tropical allure of the indoor lagoon or the refreshing ambiance of a traditional outdoor pool, 23 Ryddington Place has you covered.
An Unparalleled Lifestyle Awaits
With a mere two owners in its history, this Dallas luxury home speaks volumes about its enduring appeal and the exceptional quality of life it offers. As Megan Stern aptly puts it, “Why would you ever leave if you didn’t have to?” The current seller’s thoughtful additions, such as the state-of-the-art entertainment patio with its integrated television, louvered roof, and innovative phantom screen, further enhance the home’s appeal. These features transform the outdoor space into a versatile sanctuary, perfect for hosting elegant soirees or enjoying quiet evenings with family and friends.
This Downs of Hillcrest Contemporary home is more than just a residence; it promises a lifestyle of unparalleled comfort, convenience, and continuous delight. It’s an investment in a permanent vacation, a place where luxury and functionality converge to create an environment that caters to every desire. With its unique indoor lagoon, sophisticated amenities, and prime location within a prestigious gated community, 23 Ryddington Place is truly an architectural marvel designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
It’s a property that offers a “kick-up-your-feet lifestyle” combined with a “wow factor” that will impress for years to come. We wholeheartedly agree that this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dallas’s most distinctive real estate. Don’t miss the chance to experience this exceptional home for yourself.
Open House Details
Open House: Sunday, April 8, 1-3 p.m.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager for more than 25 years and a professional writer for 20 years. Karen is the mother of a son who’s studying music at The University of Miami. An ardent animal lover, she doesn’t mind one bit if your fur baby jumps right into her lap. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com