Unveiling Unrivaled Luxury: The Reimagined Vendome Penthouses in Dallas
For connoisseurs of unparalleled luxury real estate and those with a keen appreciation for distinctive living spaces, the narrative of the Vendome Penthouses presents a captivating saga of visionary transformation and refined design. Dating back to 2015, the Dallas high-end market was intrigued by an expansive, unfinished 12,370-square-foot shell penthouse nestled within the esteemed Vendome building. Constructed in 2002, this colossal space, originally conceived as a singular, breathtaking residence perched twenty stories above the scenic Turtle Creek, lay dormant as a blank canvas for over a decade. The initial owner’s ambitious vision for a monumental home never came to fruition, leading to an estimated $1.5 million in property taxes and Homeowners Association (HOA) dues expended on a property that had yet to fulfill its residential purpose.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of luxury living at the Vendome has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. A perceptive investor recognized the profound potential inherent in this unique property, strategically acquiring the sprawling combined space. This acquisition marked the inception of an extraordinary project: the meticulous reconfiguration and development into three distinct, ultra-luxury penthouses. These residences are now in the advanced stages of being impeccably finished, evolving from raw, empty shells into sophisticated urban sanctuaries. With structural framing complete and drywall installed, these expansive spaces are rapidly taking shape, promising an elevated living experience unparalleled anywhere else in Dallas. While they still offer a thrilling degree of customization potential for discerning buyers, comprehensive floorplans are readily available, providing invaluable insight into the elegant flow and intelligent design principles that define each bespoke unit.
These magnificent penthouses have recently made their anticipated debut on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), generating considerable buzz and excitement within the exclusive high-end real estate community. They are expertly marketed by The Morguloff Team, a prestigious division within Ebby Halliday, a name synonymous with excellence and integrity in Dallas luxury real estate. Danna Morguloff-Hayden, a prominent expert with the team, emphasizes that each residence is being meticulously crafted with a unique identity, ensuring that no two units are alike in their final presentation. The superior construction is skillfully managed by Hudson Construction, a distinguished firm consistently honored by D Magazine as a “Best Builder” since 2015, a testament to their unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and quality. The interiors, poised to redefine contemporary sophistication, are being curated by the acclaimed design collective X+III (Ten Plus Three), whose visionary work has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as D Home and Modern Luxury. This powerful collaboration of elite professionals guarantees an unparalleled standard of quality, encompassing everything from structural integrity to the most intricate aesthetic details, ensuring a truly peerless product for the most discerning buyer.
The Enduring Allure: New Construction within a Classic Icon
Beyond the fascinating historical journey of this ambitious transformation, what truly elevates these Vendome penthouses is the exceptional opportunity they present: acquiring a “new build” residence within the esteemed confines of a historically significant and classically revered building. The Vendome, with its majestic chateau-inspired exterior, stands as an enduring symbol of timeless architectural grandeur and European elegance. Its original construction in 2002 reflected the zenith of luxury and design sensibilities of that era, characterized by a heavier, more traditional aesthetic with distinctly French influences. However, the paradigm of luxury has gracefully evolved over the past two decades. Today’s discerning buyers frequently seek lighter, more open, technologically integrated, and minimalist living environments that cater to contemporary lifestyles.
These three newly unveiled units offer a seamless and sophisticated bridge between the Vendome’s storied past and the aspirations of modern luxury. Buyers are afforded the unique privilege of reveling in the enduring charm and stately presence of the Vendome’s classical exterior, while simultaneously indulging in the cutting-edge design, state-of-the-art amenities, and pristine finishes synonymous with a newly constructed, bespoke penthouse. It represents a harmonious fusion of architectural heritage and contemporary sophistication, offering an unparalleled “best of both worlds” scenario. This distinct proposition is tailored for those who deeply appreciate the gravitas and prestige of a well-established, iconic address but are unwilling to compromise on the conveniences, technological advancements, and refined aesthetic sensibilities that define 21st-century luxury living. Imagine the profound satisfaction of stepping into a brand-new, impeccably designed home, knowing it resides within one of Dallas’s most iconic and perpetually prestigious residential buildings, offering an unmatched legacy of elegance and innovation.
Penthouse 20F: The Exquisite “Baby” of Vendome Luxury
While a spacious 3,863 square feet might be considered grand by most standards, in the context of the Vendome’s expansive penthouse offerings, Unit 20F affectionately earns its “baby” moniker – yet it promises an unequivocally sophisticated and luxurious living experience. This exceptional two-story residence is thoughtfully distributed, featuring 1,634 square feet on the primary living floor and an additional 1,752 square feet on the upper level. Complementing these magnificent interior spaces is a generous 477-square-foot outdoor terrace, meticulously designed for residents to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking Dallas cityscapes and the serene ambiance of Turtle Creek. Unit 20F boasts a highly functional layout comprising two spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and one elegant half-bathroom, ensuring ample comfort, privacy, and convenience for its occupants. It is currently listed at $2.59 million, with monthly HOA dues of $2,672, a figure that commendably includes utilities – a significant and appreciated advantage for luxury high-rise homeowners seeking streamlined living.
Upon reviewing the intricately detailed floorplan, entry to Penthouse 20F is gracefully situated on the lower-left, leading seamlessly into an expansive open-concept living and dining area. This grand space is meticulously designed to accommodate both intimate gatherings and sophisticated entertaining on a larger scale. French doors provide direct, elegant access to the private wrap-around patio, an integral and signature feature of the Vendome’s exclusive penthouse level, offering continuous outdoor enjoyment and panoramic views. The open-concept kitchen, a chef’s delight, is strategically positioned to face the windows, ensuring that culinary endeavors are perpetually accompanied by inspiring vistas, transforming the act of cooking into an engaging and visually rich experience. To the right of the main living space lies the first of the two generously appointed bedrooms, complete with an adjacent full bathroom. A consistent hallmark of these Vendome penthouses is the thoughtful and luxurious design of every full bathroom, each featuring dual vanities and distinct, generously sized shower and bathtub areas, collectively promising a spa-like retreat within the comfort of home. This particular bedroom also benefits from direct access to the sprawling wrap-around patio, effortlessly blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity.
Ascending to the upper floor, residents are immediately greeted by a striking walkway, defined by an elegant glass railing, which gracefully connects the various spaces while simultaneously offering captivating, unobstructed views down to the first-floor living areas. This architectural feature is a true triumph of contemporary design, creating a dramatic visual focal point. While many high-rise residents actively seek single-story living—often affectionately termed “ranch houses in the sky”—the unique multi-story configuration of these Vendome penthouses, especially with their dramatic double-height areas, introduces a thrilling dimension of verticality, grandeur, and architectural dynamism. The experience of walking from the stairs to the private bedroom suites, past the transparent glass railing, creates an exhilarating visual journey. Your gaze is naturally drawn both outward through the expansive first and second-floor windows, twenty stories above the ground, and simultaneously downward, appreciating the dramatic indoor verticality. This rare and compelling juxtaposition of impressive height, panoramic views, and an open, multi-level design defines a truly unique and unequivocally luxurious living environment, offering a sense of boundless space and light.
The thoughtfully designed upper floor of Penthouse 20F provides for a more relaxed and intimate den or secondary living area, perfect for casual relaxation, media enjoyment, or a private retreat. Anchoring this level is a magnificent full master suite, conceived as a private sanctuary of unparalleled comfort and luxury. It boasts a generously proportioned master bathroom, meticulously appointed with high-end finishes, and an exceptionally spacious walk-in closet, ensuring a sense of indulgent luxury and seamless practicality for the most extensive wardrobes. This master retreat promises a serene escape where every conceivable comfort and convenience has been meticulously considered and integrated into its sophisticated design.
Penthouse 20D: The “Goldilocks” of Dallas Penthouse Living
Unit 20D, perfectly balanced for sophisticated urban dwellers and offering an ideal fusion of space and intimacy, confidently earns its “Goldilocks” designation with a generous 4,613 square feet of impeccably designed living area. This exquisite penthouse unfolds gracefully across two distinct levels, featuring a substantial 2,226 square feet on the main floor and an additional 2,077 square feet on the upper level. These impressive interior spaces are further enhanced by a private 310-square-foot outdoor terrace, providing an intimate setting for al fresco enjoyment. Offering three spacious bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and one elegant half-bathroom, Penthouse 20D is ideally suited for growing families, those who frequently entertain, or individuals requiring ample accommodations for guests or dedicated office spaces. It is currently listed at $3.55 million, with monthly HOA dues of $2,672 – a figure that commendably includes all utilities, representing a significant and often overlooked benefit for luxury high-rise ownership, simplifying monthly expenditures.
As thoughtfully depicted in the detailed floorplan, entry to Unit 20D is gracefully positioned in the upper left, past a beautifully designed staircase that serves as a subtle architectural feature, leading directly into a grand and expansive living and dining room area. This generous space is meticulously laid out to facilitate both sophisticated entertaining and comfortable, elegant daily living, offering versatility for various social occasions. An open-concept kitchen, embodying the unit’s commitment to capturing and celebrating its panoramic surroundings, is perfectly positioned to drink in the stunning Dallas skyline views, transforming every culinary endeavor into an inspired and visually stimulating experience. To the right of the main living area, residents will discover a full-depth master suite, a true sanctuary of indulgence boasting an enormous walk-in closet, providing unparalleled storage and organization capabilities for the most discerning wardrobes. An additional flexible space, currently conceptualized as a “library” on the lower right of the floorplan, invites a touch of personal customization. While it serves admirably as a quiet study or a refined home office, it also offers the potential for imaginative conversion into an additional bespoke wardrobe, a private fitness area, or a personalized hobby room, perfectly reflecting the adaptable nature of luxury living at the Vendome.
To further ignite the imagination and illustrate the boundless potential of Penthouse 20D, a stunning virtual rendering of the open kitchen has been meticulously conceptualized. This rendering showcases exquisite finishes, state-of-the-art appliances, and a sophisticated contemporary aesthetic, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary heart of the home. While these units are currently being finished, offering prospective buyers the unique and invaluable advantage of customizing specific elements to their precise tastes and preferences, the virtual rendering provides a concrete vision of the unparalleled quality and refined style achievable. Interestingly, a specific, striking stone prominently featured in the rendering, initially thought to be purely conceptual, is actually on hand and awaiting selection by a future homeowner. This detail underscores the unwavering commitment to bringing these luxurious design visions to vibrant life. This inherent flexibility empowers buyers to truly personalize their dream kitchen, ensuring it not only meets but exquisitely exceeds their lifestyle requirements and most exacting design preferences, making it a truly bespoke space.
The upper level of Penthouse 20D continues the theme of refined living and architectural distinction. Here, the dramatic elegance of the glass-railed walkway once again commands attention, offering impressive, sweeping views down to the first floor and extending outward through the double-height windows to the panoramic outdoor landscape. This masterful design element ensures a continuous visual connection throughout the residence, fostering an unparalleled sense of open grandeur and expansive light. The upper floor thoughtfully includes another master suite, providing exceptional flexibility for multi-generational living, a sophisticated guest retreat, or a private secondary sanctuary, alongside a third spacious bedroom and a versatile den. This intelligent configuration offers distinct zones for privacy, relaxation, and entertainment, catering to diverse lifestyle needs and ensuring every occupant finds their perfect space within this singular, elegant home.
Penthouse 20E: The Granddaddy of Dallas Luxury High-Rise Living
Unit 20E truly stands as the undisputed “Granddaddy” of the Vendome Penthouses, encompassing an impressive expanse that accounts for more than half of the original 12,370-square-foot combined unit. Its sheer scale and magnificent layout necessitated a rotated floorplan representation to fully capture its numerous amenities and sprawling design. This awe-inspiring residence invites discovery from its entry point, gracefully positioned bottom mid-left, situated just to the right of a striking circular staircase that serves as a sculptural focal point. From this grand entry, residents are effortlessly swept along a journey through three distinct, yet harmoniously connected, living and dining areas. The thoughtful design even incorporates a sophisticated wet bar in the upper corner space, ideal for entertaining guests with effortless elegance. The formal dining room, characterized by its long and luxurious proportions, is perfectly suited for hosting grand dinners and memorable celebrations, comfortably accommodating numerous guests. Importantly, all three primary living areas boast their own private terrace access, ensuring an abundance of natural light, invigorating fresh air, and a seamless connection between sophisticated indoor comfort and expansive outdoor enjoyment.
The gourmet kitchen, strategically positioned “below” the formal dining room on the floorplan, remains captivatingly open to the magnificent panoramic views. This ensures it serves not only as a functional hub for culinary artistry but also as a vibrant focal point for social interaction and engaging conversation, where cooking becomes an interactive experience. The right third of Penthouse 20E is dedicated to an extraordinary master retreat, a true sanctuary of unparalleled luxury and privacy. With its generous size and the thoughtful inclusion of its own separate living room, this area transcends the definition of a typical master suite, offering what effectively functions as a private apartment-within-an-apartment experience. As the exclusive endcap unit of the Vendome, this penthouse benefits from truly breathtaking, triple-exposure views, spanning three distinct sides of the building. This prime positioning provides unparalleled panoramas of the picturesque Turtle Creek area, the dynamic Dallas skyline, and distant horizons. This commanding location also accounts for its incredibly generous 1,055-square-foot terrace space – an expansive outdoor oasis meticulously designed for al fresco dining, serene relaxation, and sophisticated entertaining on an exceptionally grand scale, offering a private sky-level haven.
The upper level of Penthouse 20E elevates the luxury experience even further, offering nearly another 3,000 square feet of meticulously designed space awaiting exploration. This expansive upper floor features two additional bedroom suites, each exceptionally spacious and sumptuously appointed – indeed, many are larger than numerous first apartments – providing truly luxurious and private accommodations for family, extended guests, or dedicated personal spaces. Complementing these opulent suites are a pair of cozier, less formal living spaces, offering versatile areas for quiet reflection, immersive reading, or intimate gatherings. This multi-tiered design ensures an exquisite balance of grandeur and comfort, catering to every conceivable facet of sophisticated high-rise living, allowing for distinct zones for every mood and occasion within this magnificent residence.
The Strategic Vision: Three Penthouses, A Broader Appeal for Discerning Buyers
The strategic and insightful decision to reconfigure the colossal 12,370-square-foot original shell into three distinct, luxurious penthouses – ranging in size from a substantial 3,863 square feet to an impressive 7,143 square feet – was undeniably a stroke of genius in the realm of high-end real estate development. While the market for an ultra-rare, single 12,000-square-foot penthouse is exceptionally niche and operates within rarified air, the thoughtful creation of these three opulent yet distinct units opens up a broader, albeit still highly exclusive, market segment. Priced from $2.59 million to $4.59 million, these Vendome penthouses remain firmly within the elite category of luxury real estate, far from what could be considered “run of the mill.” However, this intelligent pricing and sizing strategy offers a more accessible entry point into the prestigious Vendome ownership and, critically, presents a more “human-scale” luxury. This approach appeals to a wider spectrum of high-net-worth individuals who desire expansive space, unparalleled prestige, and the opportunity for custom finishes, without the unique logistical and financial demands often associated with a truly colossal, single residence.
Each of these reimagined Vendome penthouses represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a coveted piece of Dallas’s most prestigious real estate, meticulously crafted for the zenith of modern luxury living. From the sophisticated and elegant “Baby” Penthouse 20F, offering refined living in a thoughtfully designed two-story layout, to the perfectly balanced and versatile “Goldilocks” Penthouse 20D, and finally, the expansive and awe-inspiring “Granddaddy” Penthouse 20E, there exists a bespoke residence awaiting its discerning owner. The harmonious combination of the Vendome’s classic European elegance, breathtaking panoramic views of Turtle Creek and the Dallas skyline, and interiors meticulously finished by leading design and construction firms, ensures these homes are not merely properties, but enduring legacies of refined taste and exceptional living.
About the Author and Dallas Luxury Real Estate Insights
With a specialized and deep focus on high-rise developments, the intricate dynamics of Homeowners Associations (HOAs), and the transformative art of luxury renovations, my expertise spans the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Dallas real estate. I possess a profound appreciation for both cutting-edge modern and historically significant architectural styles, always considering their delicate balance against the evolving YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement and its multifaceted impact on urban development and community planning. My unwavering commitment to insightful reporting and meticulous analysis has been consistently recognized by the National Association of Real Estate Editors, an esteemed organization that has honored my writing with three Bronze awards (in 2016, 2017, and 2018) and two Silver awards (in 2016 and 2017). For those with compelling stories to share about Dallas’s dynamic real estate market, intriguing insights, or specific inquiries regarding luxury high-rise living, please feel free to reach out directly via email at [email protected]. Stay connected for more exclusive insights and expert commentary on the captivating world of luxury high-rise properties and urban development.