In the heart of Dallas’s coveted Park Cities, a new benchmark for luxury living has emerged: the extraordinary estate at 6767 Hunters Glen Drive. This magnificent property, boasting a commanding price tag of $39 million, represents the pinnacle of opulence and exclusivity, poised to redefine real estate records in one of North Texas’s most desirable enclaves. Unlike typical luxury listings, this architectural marvel is not found on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), underscoring its private and exclusive market presence. It is, without question, a timeless classic, a home that transcends mere dwelling to become a living work of art.
Prepare to be captivated, for 6767 Hunters Glen Drive is unlike any other mansion in North Texas. Its sheer beauty and meticulous attention to detail are truly breathtaking, offering an experience that can genuinely be life-altering. Spanning one of the largest and most beautifully sculpted lots in the Park Cities, the estate unfolds with a unique warmth, vibrant character, and even a whimsical charm rarely encountered in properties of such grand scale and stature. This unparalleled residence is expertly marketed by the esteemed team of Dave Perry-Miller and Ryan Streiff, guaranteeing a discerning and exclusive clientele.
The strategic siting of this estate is as remarkable as its design. The current owners, prominent Dallas figures John and Debbie Tolleson, embarked on this grand vision in 1991, acquiring the original circa 1946 property from the ex-wife of entrepreneur and philanthropist Mike Myers, former chairman and CEO of Myers Financial Corporation. Their ambition grew further in 1993 with the acquisition of the adjacent property, seamlessly integrating the additional acreage into an expansive, five-year remodeling project. The result is a sprawling estate that gracefully follows the winding contours of Hunters Glen Drive, a testament to thoughtful expansion and harmonious design.
Every corner of 6767 Hunters Glen Drive reveals a fascinating tapestry of architectural history, both ancient and contemporary, infused with cutting-edge technology. Imagine two retractable roof covers, adding both surprise and functionality to the home’s numerous nooks and crannies. A truly unique feature is a discreet door leading from the mistress’s master closet to a private balcony overlooking the majestic great room. Dominating this grand space is an antique hand-forged chandelier, a piece of cinematic history from which actor Errol Flynn famously swung in the 1935 movie, The Three Musketeers! This home is not just a residence; it’s a treasure chest of stories and exquisite details.
That master closet door, a marvel of ingenuity, is secured by a hidden keypad, with access codes known only to Mrs. Tolleson and the house manager, highlighting the property’s blend of luxurious design and utmost privacy. The level of meticulous detail found throughout this estate is frankly unparalleled. From custom masonry, crafted on-site by a gifted Russian artisan using imported, hand-selected stone, to the exquisite antique millwork above the great room fireplace, created by a protege of the legendary 17th-century Dutch-British sculptor and woodcarver Grinling Gibbons, the home effortlessly evokes classic, enduring design. Gibbons, renowned for his work in iconic English landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, set a standard of artistry that resonates deeply within this University Park estate.
No detail has been overlooked. Every balustrade on the three main house staircases is custom-designed and custom-built, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. The study ceiling boasts an intricate pattern of criss-crossed beams, each intersection adorned with a shimmering gold medallion. The mistress’s soaking tub in the master bath is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring padded shoulder rests at each end. Even the HVAC vents in the floors are custom-designed by the visionary Cole Smith, integrated seamlessly into the aesthetic. It took not merely one or two designers but an entire collective of Type A, detail-obsessed artisans and designers to meticulously scrutinize every micro-inch of this residence, ensuring a cohesive and branded design infused into every fiber of the home. This level of dedication truly sets 6767 Hunters Glen apart.
Further accentuating the home’s bespoke nature are the custom-designed fireplace tools, featuring ember tongs reminiscent of a bygone era when men used coal embers to light their pipes. These tools are a subtle yet significant component of Cole Smith’s comprehensive custom hardware design, where every touchpoint, from door handles to light fixtures, exhibits a harmonious coordination. The windows and doors, crafted from rich Honduran mahogany, predominantly feature custom pocket screens, ingeniously designed to invite fresh air while maintaining the home’s exquisite aesthetic.
Indeed, 6767 Hunters Glen Drive stands as Cole Smith’s magnum opus. Every piece of metal throughout the estate, from the grandest chandelier to the smallest drawer pull, has been custom-designed and hand-forged by Cole himself. This includes every door handle, stopper, doorknob, window handle, hinge, and drawer pull. The windows open with a graceful turn of a custom “Lobster Claw” bronze handle, a design replicated on the numerous French doors, adding a distinctive touch of elegance and whimsy. Air vents are transformed into custom-created grates of diverse shapes and sizes, each meticulously chosen to complement its specific room. Many of the estate’s magnificent chandeliers were also hand-forged and designed by Cole, then meticulously wired for electrification, blending art with functionality.
The estate’s exterior lighting is equally impressive. The replacement value of the outdoor tree lights alone is estimated to be well in excess of a million dollars across the expansive 2.8-acre property, casting a magical glow over the grounds after dusk. However, the true crowning glory may well be the solarium, with its innovative coated rotating metal panels. Custom-designed by Cole Smith, each metal “leaf” gracefully opens, slides out, and rotates to fully cover the sunroof when the Texas sun becomes too intense. Then, with a simple push of a button, these metallic leaves retract like a blooming flower, folding back in one beneath the other, revealing the open sky once more. (Each leaf is connected to the other by a slim, elegant chain.)
To truly appreciate this architectural marvel, one must embark on a guided tour. Imagine grabbing a bottle of your favorite vintage, not just a glass, and experiencing the breathtaking 16,748-square-foot expanse that comprises the main house and its secondary structures at 6767 Hunters Glen Drive in the prestigious University Park. Your journey begins upon entering a circular cobblestone driveway on Hunters Glen, through a single, antique entry door. The stone floors gracing this entry and the adjacent dining room are “First Cut 18th Century Italian Cathedral Stone,” meticulously chiseled and imported from an urban villa in Italy. This illustrious address places you among esteemed neighbors such as Nancy Perot Mulford, Mary Clare Finney, Nancy Dedman, and Gerald Ford, whose residence lies directly across the street. The home’s design masterfully facilitates grand entertaining; a party of 300 to 400 guests could effortlessly exit this way, bypassing the main house entirely, arriving directly from the magnificent Party Pavilion. The Tollesons’ discerning acquisition of this home in 1991 predates John Tolleson’s groundbreaking sale of his financial services company, First USA, for $7.2 billion to Banc One of Columbus, Ohio, just seven years later. In a mere eight years, First USA had soared to become the nation’s third-largest credit card issuer, doubling Bank One’s cardholder base to nearly 32 million post-acquisition, a testament to Mr. Tolleson’s visionary entrepreneurship.
The grand, arched-front foyer ushers you into the awe-inspiring Great Room, a space thoughtfully designed around a massive 18th-century gold mantel-top mirror, an heirloom that will convey with the home. This mirror is the very piece crafted by the renowned Gibbons understudy, adding a profound layer of historical artistry. The soaring beamed ceiling in this room is a triumph of craftsmanship, composed of hand-carved wood planks meticulously arranged to “create a sense of movement,” as Cole Smith so eloquently describes it. The walls are entirely clad in stone, lending an air of ancient grandeur. This room, serving as the heart of the home, was a significant addition to the original estate by the Myers. A large, wood-topped bar seamlessly connects this majestic space to the more intimate family rooms and kitchen, fostering both grand entertaining and comfortable daily living.
To the left of the foyer, a rich mahogany-coated study awaits, complete with its own custom fireplace, offering a sophisticated retreat. To the right, the elegant dining room sets the stage for memorable meals. A graceful hallway leads to the main staircase, one of three within the residence, culminating in a spacious formal powder room. This powder room beautifully encapsulates the vibrant personality and profound love that imbues this unique home: Mrs. Tolleson, with a stroke of individual charm, chose to display a painting by their daughter prominently in front of the sink, re-positioning the traditional mirror to the side. Everywhere throughout the home, subtle hints of her favorite color, lavender, add a touch of personal elegance.
Beyond a generously sized butler’s pantry lies the kitchen – a masterclass in efficiency, stocked with Class A, commercial-grade appliances, including a robust Viking range, yet designed with a human scale. Like every creation by Cole Smith, proportion is meticulously considered. Below the main kitchen, accessible from the porte-cochere entrance, is a charming basement mini-kitchen, serving as a tranquil break and relaxation room for staff. This versatile space also offers potential as a secondary wine and storm cellar, adding to the home’s practical amenities.
The kitchen wing seamlessly transitions into the vibrant family room, a dedicated music room, a state-of-the-art media room, and a sun-drenched breakfast area. Off the breakfast area, the incredible solarium beckons. The media room itself is a marvel of design: its ceiling features partially opaque panels for ambient light play, yet it also boasts a motorized, retractable roof cover, ensuring optimal black-out conditions for an immersive cinematic experience. What truly distinguishes this home from other grand estates, such as the famous Beal-Hicks-Crespi estate, is the palpable warmth and inviting scale of every room. The media room, for instance, is thoughtfully situated near the kitchen, clearly a space cherished and frequently used by the family, resonating with a genuine sense of home.
But where does this fortunate family find repose? Upstairs, the private sanctuaries await. The expansive master bedroom suite is majestically perched over the main living area of the house, situated north of the Great Room. This is a master suite with a capital ‘M’, encompassing a tranquil sitting room and a screened-in balcony offering panoramic views across the entire property, stretching to the very tip of the putting green. This enchanting sitting porch gracefully opens onto a balcony that extends the entire girth of the Great Room, connecting seamlessly to a rear bedroom suite. Another hand-chiseled stone fireplace adds a touch of rustic elegance. A private staircase from the master suite ascends to a third-floor exercise room and a dedicated wrapping room, a perfect, discreet hideaway for surprise gifts. The exercise room bathroom thoughtfully includes a dry sauna, providing a spa-like retreat within the comfort of home.
Given the expansive square footage, sprawling grounds, and multiple staircases, a natural regimen of exercise is effortlessly incorporated into daily life within this home. For convenience or those with mobility needs, a discreet elevator is available for accessing different levels, perfect also for transporting suitcases. Should a revitalizing pick-me-up be desired within the Master Suite, a coffee bar is strategically and conveniently located near the enormous his-and-hers closets and the lavish marble-clad bathroom, complete with that magnificent soaking tub – a true sanctuary of relaxation.
The main house accommodates four luxurious bedrooms, all situated on the second level, including the master suite. Each ancillary bedroom is designed as a private suite. Two of these are positioned at the front of the house, featuring generous dressing areas, abundant built-in storage, and private baths. Another suite, located at the rear of the second floor, resembles a self-contained apartment, boasting a chic third-story loft bedroom accessible via a private staircase and directly connecting to the master suite via a side balcony. On the other side of this room, thoughtfully separated by an exterior wall, is a spacious two-bedroom, one-bath garage apartment, situated above the substantial four-car garage. This apartment includes a full kitchen and could be easily integrated into the main house with minimal modifications, potentially expanding the total main house bedroom count to at least five, possibly six. The current owners thoughtfully utilize this delightful space to comfortably house staff and accommodate overflow guests, ensuring privacy and convenience for all.
Speaking of garages, the main garage is accessed off the kitchen through a stone-lined, double-gated porte cochere, capable of easily housing three large cars plus a motorcycle or e-bike. It is thoughtfully equipped with a 220-voltage outlet, ideal for charging a Tesla. This garage is a kingdom unto itself, complete with the two-bedroom, 720-square-foot apartment above, a huge laundry facility designed to process all the estate’s linens, a convenient half bath, a wet area, and ample counter storage spanning the entire back wall. Even the floor is specially coated and cushioned, enhancing both durability and comfort. For additional vehicle storage, a secondary two-car “East Garage” is strategically located on the eastern edge of the property, custom-built to accommodate even a stretch limousine.
This concludes our tour of the main residence, an impressive 11,551 square feet of meticulously designed living space. Now, it’s time to venture outdoors and experience the myriad resort-like amenities and breathtaking grounds that further define this exceptional estate, promising even more amazement.
The Main House is thoughtfully enveloped by a panorama of resort-style amenities. To the far western edge of the expansive lot lies a professional-grade, lit tennis court, ensuring private recreation day or night. Just a few steps away, a dedicated tennis kitchen provides refreshments for players. For convenience, a bathroom serving this area is cleverly integrated into the main garage complex. Beyond a meticulously manicured backyard, flowing gracefully from the informal living areas and the solarium, stands the inviting 670-square-foot guest house. This charming abode features one large bedroom, a well-appointed bath, and another custom fireplace, offering comfort and privacy to visitors. Crucially, this guest house is also equipped with an emergency generator, providing a safe and reliable haven during any power outages.
Adjacent to the guest house, Mrs. Tolleson’s private garden flourishes, a verdant sanctuary where she cultivates seasonal vegetables and fragrant herbs. This serene area also features a second spa with a soothing fountain, perhaps designated for guests’ exclusive use, gracefully surrounded by beautiful antique statues of two children, a girl and a boy. Indeed, antique sculptures, thoughtfully sourced from Europe, are strategically placed throughout the estate’s magnificent grounds, adding layers of history and artistic beauty to the landscape. For family gatherings and casual entertaining, a private outdoor kitchen and grilling area, complete with an outdoor television, is nestled harmoniously near the family room and easily accessible from the solarium, making al fresco dining a seamless pleasure.
Now, let us traverse the magnificent grounds, a true Dallas homage to an English Garden, meticulously crafted by Armstrong-Berger. The estate gently slopes eastward, terraced with exquisite design. The journey begins at the shimmering pool and its luxurious cabana, offering a full suite of amenities including a comfortable sitting and dining room, a fully equipped kitchen and bar, a spacious full shower bath, and a charming loft area where a live Ficus tree intertwines its vines with Cole Smith’s masterful metal vine sculptures. Perched on the bar, two brightly colored, possibly Portuguese, ceramic busts affectionately named Lucy and Ethyl, inject a delightful sense of whimsy into the lavish setting.
Continuing our exploration, we discover the terraced and covered outdoor entertainment pavilion – a formal setting complete with a cozy fire-pit, a fully stocked bar, and an outdoor kitchen, perfect for sophisticated gatherings. The lawn, an expanse of heavenly green, is dotted with carefully placed restful chairs, evoking an exclusive resort-like ambiance. Is this the serene Greenbrier or the vibrant heart of University Park? One might need a gentle pinch to confirm reality!
The eastern frontier of the estate showcases a charming 220-square-foot English greenhouse, elegantly framed by four verdant ceramic columns that double as Faubert-style planters. Directly across from this horticultural haven stands the property’s ultimate palace for entertaining, affectionately known as The Party Pavilion. In reality, it transcends a mere pavilion, resembling more an expansive English country drawing room or even a grand ballroom. This impressive 2,594-square-foot space is anchored by massive custom fireplaces at either end, with luxurious stone flooring underfoot. Acoustical engineers were specially commissioned to design the space, ensuring optimal sound quality for conversation and controlled “bounce,” making it as pleasing to the ears as it is to the eyes. This historic venue played a pivotal role in the funding of the George W. Bush Presidential Library, with John Tolleson, a trustee of SMU, hosting critical donor meetings here. Below this magnificent entertainment area, complete with a scullery housing warming drawers and cooled beverage storage, lies a walk-in wine cellar and two meticulously appointed powder rooms – one formal, one casual. The pavilion also boasts a full commercial kitchen, capable of servicing a large restaurant, equipped with Hobart and Viking appliances, a professional grill, exhaust system, safety floor mats, concrete floor, stainless steel counters and storage, and a full elevator plus stairs to efficiently transport food on carts. It is rumored that over 300 guests have been sumptuously catered from this exceptional kitchen.
Highlighting the estate’s vast entertainment capabilities, this particular portion was designed with meticulous foresight: a tent can be seamlessly and elegantly erected between the Greenhouse and the Party Pavilion, gracefully covering the terraced gardens. This allows guests to wander freely and comfortably through the beautiful gardens to the Greenhouse and back to the main pavilion, regardless of weather. A comprehensive sound system is expertly wired into every structure and extends across the entire property, ensuring a perfect auditory experience. Furthermore, the estate is fortified with triple layers of exterior security cameras, providing unparalleled peace of mind.
Nestled discreetly between the charming Greenhouse and the East (limo) Garage, a pristine sand volleyball court offers yet another opportunity for recreation and enjoyment.
With ample acreage still available, the Tollesons thoughtfully installed a delightful playground for their grandchildren, ensuring endless hours of joy. However, the very eastern edge of this magnificent estate holds a CEO’s ultimate fantasy: a private putting green. This particular green is ingeniously designed with a small, babbling brook meandering through its northern portion, providing natural, soothing water sounds that transport you far from the bustling energy of University Park. Nestling the brook is a thicket of predominantly native trees, including one said to be over a hundred years old, forming a natural buffer from the street, which remains yards away. A charming, lit stepping stone path weaves through this thicket, offering an enchanting walk reminiscent of a tranquil forest, right in the heart of University Park. One can only imagine the sheer delight this “forest” has brought to generations of children, a truly magical escape.
Finally, we revisit the limo or “East Garage,” featuring two expansive bays and a generous 700 square feet of air-conditioned storage above. This dedicated space serves as the meticulous storage area for many of Cole Smith’s custom-designed candelabras and candles, alongside the extensive holiday decor for which this home is famously noted, ensuring every festive occasion is celebrated with unparalleled grandeur. This, my friends, is the Tolleson estate.
Undoubtedly, this is a lavish estate, ranking among the top five most opulent residences in the entire Park Cities. The total square footage of its structures exceeds an impressive 16,000, representing a rare opportunity to own nearly three acres in University Park, on one of North Texas’s most coveted streets. Yet, glancing back at the main residence from the far reaches of the putting green, a profound sentiment emerges. Unlike many grand estates built by billionaires with seemingly limitless budgets, this home possesses a distinct spirit, a palpable sense of joy, love, family, and purpose. It embodies the very essence of why we seek to create homes for our families. This is a residence meticulously crafted with classic design and rock-solid craftsmanship. Though its extensive renovation took place in the 1990s, its style is truly timeless, ensuring its beauty and relevance for generations to come. Now, another fortunate family has the extraordinary opportunity to cherish this magnificent legacy for years, with more happy children and grandchildren meandering through those charming in-town “woods.”
