In the dynamic world of luxury real estate, where advanced valuation models (AVMs) and digital platforms increasingly reshape how homes are bought and sold, certain professionals stand out for their unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication. Joan Eleazer, a distinguished agent with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, is precisely one such luminary. Her recent achievement in facilitating the second sale of the iconic Champ d’Or estate solidifies her reputation as a true master in the high-stakes realm of ultra-luxury properties. This colossal mansion, once majestically priced at $72 million, presented a monumental sales challenge, enduring nine years on the market and baffling eight different agents before Joan Eleazer ultimately brought the deal to a triumphant close, not just once, but twice.
Just this week, Joan Eleazer successfully orchestrated the latest transaction for Champ d’Or, marking another significant milestone in its storied history. For those unfamiliar with the grand estates of North Texas, let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of Champ d’Or, nestled at 1851 Turbeville Road—a property widely regarded as the most magnificent private residence in the entire region.
Champ d’Or is majestically situated in Hickory Creek, a serene enclave just south of Denton, conveniently accessible off I-35. Its architectural design is a breathtaking homage to the iconic Vaux-le-Vicomte, a historic 17th-century French chateau located on the picturesque outskirts of Paris. This inspiration imbues Champ d’Or with an undeniable aura of European elegance and historical grandeur, setting it apart from virtually any other estate in the United States.
The estate’s initial offering boasted an impressive 48,000 square feet of living space meticulously set upon 39 sprawling acres. Commissioned and originally brought to life by Alan H. Goldfield, the visionary founder of CellStar Corp., and his wife, Shirley, Champ d’Or—a name aptly meaning “Gold Field” in French—stands as an unparalleled testament to luxury, unequivocally recognized as one of the most magnificent private residences across the entire nation. Its sheer scale and opulent detailing are a marvel to behold, reflecting the ambition and artistic vision of its creators.
I recall the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mrs. Goldfield, a conversation that offered profound insights into the estate’s spiritual genesis. She shared how divine inspiration guided her in the creation and sustained maintenance of this monumental home, particularly in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11th. A poignant and enduring tribute to this national tragedy resides in the grand foyer: a constellation of delicate doves adorning the ceiling, serving as Shirley’s personal memorial to 9/11, infusing the home with a deeper layer of meaning beyond its lavish exterior.
Beyond its grand scale, Champ d’Or is a veritable treasure trove of bespoke, high-end amenities, each thoughtfully designed to offer an unparalleled living experience. The property features an awe-inspiring two-story mahogany library, a sanctuary of knowledge and quiet contemplation, where custom millwork and intricate details evoke a timeless elegance. The conservatory, a luminous space, draws inspiration from the legendary Tavern on the Green in New York City, creating an ideal setting for lavish gatherings or serene moments amidst lush greenery. For entertainment, an ornate private theater awaits, complete with a professional stage, a massive screen, and a fully equipped concession stand, promising cinematic experiences of unparalleled luxury within the comfort of one’s home.
The convenience and opulence continue throughout the estate with two commercial-grade elevators and numerous elegantly crafted staircases, ensuring seamless access across its multiple levels. The home is dotted with exquisite powder rooms and magnificent fireplaces, each contributing to an ambiance of refined comfort. The master suite is a lavish retreat, featuring a steam room famously inspired by the sophisticated allure of “The Rat Pack.” Adjacent to this, a dedicated hair salon offers ultimate privacy and pampering. Perhaps the most iconic features are the dual two-story closets: a sensational Chanel-style “her” closet, a testament to haute couture and organization, and an equally impressive two-story “his” closet, providing ample space for extensive wardrobes. Further enhancing the master wing are an indoor lap pool for private aquatic exercise and a dedicated exercise room, conveniently situated off the colossal master bathroom, which itself is equipped with the ultimate indulgence: heated towel drawers, ensuring every detail of comfort is met.
Indeed, heated towel drawers. A detail that epitomizes the no-expense-spared approach to comfort and luxury embedded within Champ d’Or’s design. This level of meticulous planning extends to every corner of the estate, crafting an environment of unparalleled indulgence.
Ascending to the third story reveals a breathtaking mirrored ballroom, a direct inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, designed to host the most magnificent galas and celebrations. This expansive space is complemented by a complete catering kitchen and separate, elegantly appointed powder rooms for both ladies and gentlemen, ensuring that large-scale events are executed with seamless sophistication. The potential for grand entertaining is virtually boundless, with the veranda alone offering seating for up to 450 guests. Additionally, a dedicated Butler’s pantry further supports the extensive culinary and service needs of any event.
Venturing downstairs to the lower level, residents and guests can enjoy a full-sized bowling alley and a robust racquetball court, providing diverse recreational options. The property also boasts an immense garage capable of accommodating up to 20 cars, a dream for any automotive enthusiast or collector. A commercial-grade laundry room, complete with industrial washer, dryer, and a professional sheet press, addresses the practical demands of such a grand estate. For connoisseurs, a full wine room offers ideal conditions for aging and enjoying fine vintages, while a dedicated gift wrap room with ample storage provides a thoughtful touch for special occasions. The outdoor amenities are equally impressive, featuring a sparkling swimming pool and a fully equipped pool house, a professional tennis court, and a multitude of intimate patios and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.
Regarding its extensive sleeping quarters, Champ d’Or offers a thoughtfully arranged layout, featuring approximately six distinct bedrooms, each accompanied by six full baths and eight additional powder rooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for all residents and guests. The primary master wing, often referred to as the “Wedgewood suite,” occupies a significant portion of the first floor. This opulent sanctuary includes a spacious living area adorned with a charming fireplace, a private breakfast bar, a luxurious ensuite bath, and its own dedicated laundry room, offering a truly self-contained retreat. On the second floor, another master suite provides similar grandeur, alongside an additional two-bedroom suite, each featuring its own en suite bathroom, perfect for family or distinguished guests. An additional, highly private bedroom compartment is located on the third floor, conveniently situated near the ballroom. This independent living space boasts its own living and dining rooms, a full kitchen, and two more bedrooms, each with separate en suite baths, making it ideal for staff, extended family, or long-term visitors requiring maximum autonomy.
These elaborate descriptions merely scratch the surface of the myriad details and bespoke elements that define Champ d’Or. Every corner, every room, and every amenity has been conceived and executed with an unparalleled commitment to luxury and functionality.
The journey to sell Champ d’Or was as epic as the estate itself, spanning years and involving a constellation of prominent real estate agents. Over time, a total of eight agents endeavored to find a buyer for the Goldfield family, navigating the complexities of marketing such a unique and expansive property. Joan Eleazer, who held the initial listing, was followed by respected names such as Doris Jacobs with Allie Beth Allman; Greg Cagle with Ebby Halliday; Cindy Frey with Coldwell Banker; and the esteemed team of Elaine Whitfield & Matthew Edwards at Dave Perry-Miller. Despite these concerted efforts, the property remained elusive to a definitive sale. It was Joan Eleazer who, with remarkable tenacity, took on the listing again and again, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the property. Ultimately, Clay Stapp successfully introduced a buyer when the magnificent estate went to auction in March of 2012. That buyer, a resident from North Dallas, acquired Champ d’Or to serve as a private “country” retreat for his family and grandchildren, offering a sanctuary away from the city’s hustle.
Remarkably, Champ d’Or stands as perhaps the only home of its stature that has never been truly lived in as a primary residence. Shirley Goldfield, the visionary behind its creation, famously purchased a more modest home across the street during its construction. She would routinely traverse the street, often laden with shopping bags, to oversee the painstaking details of her dream château. The property’s pricing history is equally captivating; Champ d’Or has been on and off the market almost since its completion in 2002, with asking prices fluctuating wildly from an ambitious $72 million down to $35 million. These variations depended not only on the amount of land included in the deal but also on prevailing market conditions and, at times, the owners’ shifting inclinations.
While the estate garnered fame for its myriad extraordinary features, the two-story Chanel Closet arguably stood out as the most unique and widely talked-about master closet in the history of residential architecture. Its sheer scale and luxurious design captured national attention, embodying Shirley Goldfield’s meticulous vision for a truly unparalleled personal space. Shirley herself once recounted to HGTV during a feature on the closet, “When I built this closet, I tried to think of everything that I would need,” a testament to the comprehensive planning that went into every detail of Champ d’Or.
The estate’s journey through public perception also included some memorable, albeit humorous, misjudgments. Zillow, at one point, famously appraised the house at an astonishingly low $512,839, an estimate that sparked both disbelief and amusement within the real estate community, highlighting the limitations of automated valuation models for truly unique properties. Furthermore, a purported real estate expert, later identified as an accomplished journalist now in residence at SMU, once provocatively dubbed the home “The Biggest Little Teardown in Texas” in D Magazine. Despite such pronouncements and the passing years, the magnificent Champ d’Or stands defiantly, a steadfast monument to enduring luxury and architectural brilliance, proving its critics profoundly wrong.
The newest chapter for Champ d’Or is now being written by Walters Hospitality, a prominent entity renowned for its expertise in the entertainment venue business. This partnership feels incredibly synergistic, as the estate’s grand design and extensive facilities are perfectly suited for hosting magnificent events. Remarkably, Joan Eleazer’s connection with the new owners, Keith Walters, spans more than nine years, originating from her initial marketing efforts for the property. This long-standing relationship underscores the deep understanding and strategic approach Joan brings to her work, cultivating connections that ultimately lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Reflecting on this enduring relationship and the monumental sale, Joan shared her excitement on Facebook, writing, “Nearly nine years after we first met, this incredible property is yours, Keith Walters! I can’t wait to see you and Walters Hospitality take off with it!” Such personal sentiments highlight the profound human element in these high-value transactions, where trust and long-term vision play crucial roles. It truly is one of those stories that can only unfold in the unique landscape of ultra-luxury real estate.
“Mr. Walters was someone I met during my ten years with the Goldfields, always interested in the property,” Joan explained. “He initially started with weddings and eventually expanded his enterprise into various other events. A formal press release detailing the acquisition and future plans for Champ d’Or is anticipated very soon.” Joan suspects that Keith Walters harbored a long-standing aspiration to own the estate, which had previously gone to auction last year but failed to secure a buyer, at which time it was listed for $17.5 million. The specifics of the recent sale price remain confidential, a standard practice in the realm of ultra-luxury, and the transaction for Champ d’Or was conducted off-market, further underscoring its exclusive nature.
What this means for the future of Champ d’Or is unequivocally exciting: the iconic estate is set to embark on a new era, transforming into a premier luxury venue under the experienced stewardship of Walters Hospitality. This transition promises to open its grand doors to a wider audience, allowing many more to experience its unparalleled splendor. With its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and endless amenities, Champ d’Or is poised to become a sought-after destination for grand celebrations, high-profile events, and unforgettable experiences, solidifying its place not just as a magnificent residence, but as a landmark of unparalleled luxury in North Texas. Stay tuned for further announcements as this exciting new chapter unfolds!