Kimberly Schlegel Whitman’s Exquisite Highland Park Estate Hits the Market: A Dallas Icon’s Luxury Home for Sale
The Dallas real estate market is abuzz with exciting news: Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, celebrated author, media personality, and one of Dallas’ most distinguished entertaining experts, has officially listed her magnificent Highland Park residence for sale. This highly anticipated listing offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of luxury property steeped in the elegance and charm that Whitman herself embodies.
For years, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman has been synonymous with sophisticated living and impeccable taste, not just in Dallas but across the nation. As the author of six acclaimed books on entertaining, including the beloved The Pleasure of Your Company, she has shared her secrets to creating memorable gatherings and cultivating a gracious lifestyle. Her influence extends far beyond the printed page, with frequent appearances on the Today Show, a dynamic blog based on the venerable RSVP Social Calendar (the definitive guide for charitable events in Dallas), and a popular daily radio segment on Dallas’s top morning show. She also co-hosted KTXD’s live daily television talk show, Texas Living, further solidifying her status as a media empire builder.
In 2011, Whitman expanded her impressive portfolio by becoming the Editor-at-Large of Southern Living Magazine, a role that allowed her to infuse her signature style into one of the South’s most cherished publications. Beyond her professional achievements, Kimberly is a devoted wife and mother of two children, with her youngest, Millie Stuart, recently celebrating her first birthday. Her life perfectly balances public prominence with cherished family moments, a balance beautifully reflected in the home she now offers to the market.
A Prime Highland Park Address: 4465 Rheims Place
The decision to sell their Highland Park abode marks a new chapter for Kimberly and her husband, Justin Whitman. They’ve entrusted the sale of their exquisite residence to a familiar and highly capable hand: Kimberly’s sister, Kari Schlegel Kloewer, a distinguished star agent at Allie Beth Allman & Associates, one of Dallas’s premier luxury real estate firms. The Whitmans are exploring new horizons, with plans to purchase a new home in either the prestigious Preston Hollow or Bluffview neighborhoods, driven by evolving considerations for their children’s schooling, a common and significant factor for many luxury homeowners in the Dallas area.
The property, located at 4465 Rheims Place, Highland Park, TX 75205, is nothing short of exceptional. Offered at an asking price of $5,250,000, this residence represents a pinnacle of luxury living in one of Dallas’s most sought-after enclaves. Built in 1952, this architecturally significant home spans an impressive 7,215 square feet, boasting five spacious bedrooms, seven lavish bathrooms, and a four-car garage, providing ample space for family living and grand-scale entertaining.
Nestled on a prime half-acre lot, 4465 Rheims Place enjoys a coveted position within Highland Park, renowned for its manicured streets, top-tier schools, and vibrant community. The home’s location offers unparalleled walkability, a highly desirable feature in today’s luxury market. Echoing the sentiment of the United States Conference of Mayors’ focus on pedestrian-friendly communities, this property exemplifies quality urban living. Residents can effortlessly stroll to the famed Highland Park Village, a historic and upscale shopping and dining destination that defines luxury in Dallas. With its charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and the iconic Starbucks, the Village provides an idyllic setting for daily errands and leisurely outings, all within a comfortable walking distance, making 4465 Rheims Place a true pedestrian’s paradise.
Designed for a Dynamic Family: Kimberly Whitman’s Vision
The Whitmans have called Rheims Place home since 2007, a period that saw the welcoming of their first child. During their ownership, the house has been transformed into a warm and versatile sanctuary, perfectly balancing high-profile entertaining with intimate family moments. Kimberly Schlegel Whitman herself attests to its adaptability, stating, “We have done kids parties, swim parties, cocktail parties and formal dinners, and the home works so well for everything.” This testimonial speaks volumes about the thoughtful design and functionality woven into every corner of the property.
To realize her vision, Kimberly enlisted the expertise of celebrated interior designer Jan Showers. Showers, known for her glamorous yet livable aesthetic, collaborated with Whitman to create interiors that are both sophisticated and supremely comfortable, “with a small and growing family in mind.” Her masterful touch ensured that each space exudes a distinct personality while maintaining a cohesive flow, making the home ideal for both lively gatherings and quiet family time. This collaboration between Whitman and Showers underscores the property’s pedigree and its status as a truly curated residence.
Interior Opulence and Bespoke Details
Every room within 4465 Rheims Place tells a story, carefully crafted to offer both aesthetic pleasure and functional purpose. As Kimberly shared with CultureMap, “all the rooms have distinctive personalities, and no detail was overlooked.” This philosophy is evident in features such as the striking zebra-skin rug in the library, which adds an unexpected touch of exotic glamour, and the vibrant tangerine twin sofas that inject a playful yet sophisticated energy into the formal living room. These elements showcase a home that embraces luxury while celebrating individuality.
Among the many exquisite spaces, Kimberly’s personal favorite is the rich navy blue library. More than just a quiet retreat, it’s a hub of family joy. “That is where we put our Christmas tree,” she fondly recalls, “and we have little dance parties with the kids.” This room perfectly encapsulates the home’s dual nature: a place of refined beauty that also fosters cherished family memories, highlighting its true essence as a family-centric luxury residence.
The heart of any home, the kitchen, has been recently renovated to perfection, embodying modern luxury and culinary efficiency. Awash in pristine white Carrera marble, the space is a testament to timeless elegance, featuring top-of-the-line appliances that cater to even the most discerning chef. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the enormous kitchen island, a true marvel of design and utility. Its sheer size is so impressive that, as Kari Schlegel Kloewer humorously notes, “One person who came to look at the house took one look and said that it should be referred to as a continent instead of an island.” This expansive island serves as a gathering point for family and friends, perfect for casual meals, homework sessions, or elaborate party preparations, making it the focal point of daily life and entertaining.
Thoughtful Family Layout and Private Quarters
Beyond the magnificent kitchen, the home seamlessly transitions into a huge 23 by 21 square foot family room. This generous space serves as the ultimate hub for relaxation and casual entertainment, offering direct views of the sparkling backyard pool through expansive windows. The open concept facilitates easy interaction, allowing family and guests to move freely between indoor and outdoor living areas, a crucial element for the Dallas lifestyle.
One of the most notable aspects of this family-centric home is its ingenious bedroom configuration. All five bedrooms, including the luxurious master suite, are thoughtfully located upstairs. This layout, especially cherished by families with young children, ensures that everyone remains close during the formative years. While a downstairs master suite offers privacy for older children or empty-nesters, the upstairs arrangement provides peace of mind and fosters a strong sense of togetherness for growing families. Each of the five bedrooms is a private retreat, featuring its own en suite bath and generous walk-in closets, providing comfort and convenience for all occupants. The entire home is adorned with gorgeous hardwood floors, adding a timeless elegance and warmth that complements any decor. Additionally, a dedicated playroom offers a vibrant space for children to explore and create, keeping toys and activities neatly contained while enriching family life.
Magnificent Outdoor Living and Entertaining Spaces
The exterior of 4465 Rheims Place is as captivating as its interior, designed to maximize enjoyment of Dallas’s beautiful climate. The rear facade of the house is almost entirely comprised of elegant French doors and expansive windows, creating a seamless connection between the indoor living spaces and the spectacular outdoor oasis. These architectural elements not only flood the interiors with natural light but also offer picturesque views of the meticulously landscaped grounds.
The crown jewel of the backyard is undoubtedly the oversized saltwater pool. This inviting aquatic retreat is perfect for both invigorating swims and leisurely dips, providing a refreshing escape from the Texas heat. Safety, particularly for families, is a paramount consideration, and the pool features an essential netting system designed to prevent accidental access by children, offering peace of mind for parents and grandparents alike. Surrounding the pool are multiple areas designed for outdoor living and entertaining. A charming covered porch extends from the house, offering a shaded sanctuary for al fresco dining or simply relaxing with a book. Further into the garden, a beautiful gazebo provides an idyllic setting for intimate conversations or a quiet moment amidst the lush greenery. These thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces transform the backyard into a private resort, perfect for hosting everything from sophisticated cocktail parties to vibrant children’s swim parties, embodying the quintessential luxury lifestyle of Highland Park.
An Enduring Legacy in Dallas Luxury Real Estate
The listing of Kimberly Schlegel Whitman’s Highland Park home at 4465 Rheims Place is more than just a real estate transaction; it’s an opportunity to acquire a residence that represents the pinnacle of Dallas luxury living. Infused with the impeccable style of its famous owner and the design genius of Jan Showers, this property is a testament to sophisticated taste and family-oriented elegance. From its prime walkable location near Highland Park Village to its meticulously designed interiors and spectacular outdoor entertaining spaces, every aspect of this estate has been curated for a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and unparalleled charm. As the Whitmans embark on their next chapter, 4465 Rheims Place stands ready to welcome a new family to create their own cherished memories within its storied walls, continuing its legacy as a true gem in the heart of Highland Park.