Private Air New York

www.privateairny.com Private Air | Summer 2025 92 REAL ESTATE T here are homes that impress, and then there are those that define eras. Rising behind wrought iron gates in Dallas' storied Preston Hollow neighborhood, e Crespi Estate is not simply a residence—it is a cultural landmark, an architectural symphony, and a singular opportunity to own one of America's most significant private estates. Commissioned in the late 1930s by Count Pio Crespi, an Italian-born cotton baron, and his wife Florence, the estate was conceived at the height of pre-war glamour, when American aristocracy sought to emulate the elegance of European nobility. e couple enlisted Swiss-born architect Maurice Fatio, then known for his refined Palm Beach and New York commissions, to bring their vision to life. What emerged after three years of meticulous craftsmanship was a palatial French-style château—a home that radiated intimacy within grandeur, and grace within scale. Since then, the home has played host to presidents, royalty, and style icons. Coco Chanel, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and countless dignitaries have passed through its halls. French horns and violins have echoed from its ballroom to the terrace, and the conversations of diplomats, artists, and Texas legends have filled its salons. is is where society gathered, where history unfolded under frescoed ceilings. Set on nearly 16 acres of manicured grounds, the estate unfolds across four platted lots and features three primary structures: the 27,092-square-foot main residence, a 3,347-square-foot guest house, and a 4,836-square-foot pool house and entertainment pavilion—each an architectural jewel in its own right. Over time, and most notably under the guidance of renowned architect Peter Marino (whose work includes flagship boutiques for Chanel and Louis Vuitton), the estate was restored and expanded at a reported cost of over $100 million. e result is a seamless blend of European craftsmanship and modern sophistication. Inside, the estate boasts 10 bedrooms, 17 baths, and 11 fireplaces, with interiors that include a ballroom, paneled French library, mirrored Art Deco bar, and a conservatory. e gourmet kitchen features Gaggenau appliances and a La Cornue range, while the lower level offers a media room, gym with steam and massage rooms, cryo chamber, safe room, sensory deprivation tank, and two wine cellars. A private elevator ensures effortless movement between the home's many dimensions. e 3,000-square-foot primary suite is a residence unto itself— featuring a sumptuous bedroom, dual spa baths, two expansive dressing rooms, and a private outdoor terrace with garden views. Every inch of the estate has been considered, refined, and elevated, right down to the millwork and hardware—each echoing the work of artisans rarely seen in modern construction.

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