The luxury market is picking up in Dallas

All indications are the market is experiencing the bounce we typically associate with springtime in Texas. This year luxury home sales are growing stronger at a time of year that we often see sales begin to slow. I attribute much of the “typical” summer slowdown to the extreme heat of summer in Texas and the mass exodus of affluent buyers to second homes and vacations in much cooler climates.

A fine example of the market gaining steam in Dallas is my listing at 3412 Princeton in Highland Park, which rec … Continued
on the blog.

Cabin Fever

Every August a certain fever arrives. It beckons cabin owners to travel and hide away during the hottest month of the year. Miller Young Design clients are definitely doing this in style. We have a vast array of “Clientele in the Cabin”. One favorite is The Log Style. Homes built from logs can be found all over the Northern Hemisphere, typically in areas where trees are in abundance. Whether traditional hand crafted log or a new application of the milled log, contemporary and ranch built cabins are quite stylish. For many, the log cabin has become an idyllic form of architecture. These serene es … Continued
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What will a few million dollars buy in Dallas?

In short, a whole lot of house. Dallas is known as a city that lives large, and that couldn’t be more true than when it comes to luxury real estate. Dallasites expect a lot of square footage and for a few million dollars they can literally count on it. My listing at 9898 Hollow Way is a prime example. Priced at $4.5 million, it is situated on almost three-quarters of an acre in prestigious Preston Hollow. This beautiful new home with every conceivable amenity features a 34-foot-high … Continued
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Is the second home market a luxury market?

These days, everyone is cutting back on wants & focusing mainly on needs. For this reason, the secondary home market has been hit reasonably hard during this economic recession. I believe it will make a come back as <u>confidence</u> in the real estate industry grows & more buyers take a leap of faith to invest once again in real estate. While the financial implications of a second home carry considerable weight, the hope is that your second home is first a place for fun, relaxation, enjoyment and quality fa … Continued
on the blog.

Casual Luxury Style Rising At Sea Level

Casual Luxury the enchanting style of luxury homes of today is deep-rooted in the desert foothills and is truly a style that is rising at sea level.

The creation of a comfortable natural environment with a dignified aura of modishness that is not strict and noticeably casual, however maintains the specifications of luxury products, is an art form.

Natures’ backdrops such as mountain views sites are optimal for desert residences. Mountains are indicative of the landscape of the valleys of the West and since streams and lakes are usually not on property, man-made natural water features are complementary and key in offering a relaxing approach and feeling of well-being throughout the property.

The application of identical specification for interior and exterior stone facades presents a link to nature, nurturing indoor-outdoor experiences and leading to the embraced (now massive) great rooms in the style of Casual Luxury. The same application can also be seen in the private residence areas with their ever so popular “Spa Features” together with all amenities. Spa ensembles are increasingly chic, enjoyable, and convenient to have at home for health and beauty. Pure luxury in a natural setting is the description of a beautiful spa.

Home Chef? Or just prefer a substantial welcoming kitchen? A plan that tends to this craving has divided great rooms which now include the serving and dining kitchen suited with dramatic ceiling treatments.

Hosting a concert of art takes us to completion. This is the answer to all other calls of the habitat; strong architecture, stone and natural backdrops. Collections by several individual artists. Powerful either in subject, size or color, each relative to the site and their group. Artifacts are welcome in moderation. Viewing spaces are generous and open to observers of the collections, as are the distinguished natural views.

Miller Young Design’s Bill Miller has recently completed the firm’s latest “Casual Luxury Residence” revealed in Contemporary.

Within our portfolio of style we at Miller Young are inspired to create Casual Luxury for our clients offering them the Beautiful Natural Environments they call home.

Posted by:Linda Young

Affluent Consumers Flock to Seattle Area and Luxury Brands Follow

Bellevue, Washington - the new epicenter of luxury shopping? Recent data seems to say yes! An article in the Puget Sound Business Journal this week highlighted why Neiman Marcus chose to open a new flagship store at the Bravern in the heart of downtown Bellevue. According to the article, there are more affluent consumers in the 10-mile radius around where the new Neiman Marcus store will be than there are in Beverly Hills. Here is a link to view the entire article.

Even though affluent consumers in the Northwest seem to prefer more a more understated luxury lifestyle, they still respect the quality that comes from top luxury brands.

We are so excited to see how many luxury retailers have chosen Bellevue (and the Bravern
) as their newest area to open - including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tory Burch. So now, in addition to being the luxury real estate destination of the Northwest, now Bellevue is fast becoming the luxury shopping destination as well.

Posted by:Tere Foster

Happy to be home

The Preston Center office of Dave Perry-Miller & Associates welcomed a special visitor this past week when former President George W. Bush, the ultimate luxury real estate client, dropped in to attend our Monday morning office meeting. Mr. Bush talked with our agents and staff members about plans for his presidential library to be built on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Mr. Bush also spoke candidly about the book he is currently writing, which will discuss the reasoning behind some of the toughest choices that he had to make while serving as president. But most of all, the former president expressed how happy he is to be back in Texas and getting re-acquainted with longtime friends and the state he loves. Recently he and Laura purchased a beautiful luxury home right in Preston Hollow.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

An Influence on Architecture-The California Mission Bell

The “El Camino Real Bells” along with their destination have long influenced today’s architecture.

My design career has been influenced by the history of the California missions, specifically when designing California classic homes and commercial buildings from this era.

The “El Camino Real Bells” were in place from the early part of the last century to designate the route of “El Camino Real” from San Diego to Sonoma, California. They were built by the Spanish during the early mission days.

370 original bells graced The El Camino Real, (Royal Highway or King’s Highway), which is guided by Highway 101 in California. The El Camino Real is the first recorded road in the state, and was built by the Spanish when the missions were operational.

Most bells were produced in the 1920’s and over the years have been displayed on commercial and residential properties of historical importance. They have a dignity denoting mission and convey the Spanish Colonial or Spanish Revival periods.

When I was commissioned to design homes and commercial buildings from this era, some of my travel and research took me through the El Camino Real, reviewing the homes and buildings of the 1920’s. This allowed me to journey back into time and find sources sensitive to the era and lifestyle. This would assist me in the design which would soon be dictated by the historic influence of these periods. I found skilled artisans who hand painted tile from this era and were baking them on site all while I watched. There were shops with one-of-a-kind 1920’s lanterns, hardware, vintage iron and vintage wood carvings and of course, old mission bells.

When we look at a beautifully well constructed home or building with a unique design that stands out, is rich in history, is a meticulous reproduction of an era, however new in amenities, it more than likely is the result of a dedicated designer’s travels and research which has been interpreted into an owner’s dream.

While Spanish Colonial is a classic period it is only part of the Miller Young Design portfolio of style and eras that we embrace. We at Miller Young Design have created “Classic Origins” for connoisseurs of traditional homes. This is a signature design for those who desire a home designed with authentic influences enhanced by a library of fine pieces crafted in Old World techniques, celebrated in spaces of serene contentment.

Posted by:Linda Young

Mid-Century Modern Treasure

Representing truly unique and special properties is one of the highlights of my residential real estate career. And, frankly, it’s not every day that I have the opportunity to represent a modern masterpiece!

Designed by Glen Allen Galaway, who trained with Philip Johnson in New York, as his Dallas home, the mid-Century Modern residence at 7010 Airline in University Park is a shining star in the Park Cities.

The Park Cities includes the small, affluent towns of Highland Park and University Park, which are actually island cities surrounded by the much larger city of Dallas. Both towns are well known for significant architecture, but not typically of the modern variety!

The property offers an ideal setting in which to display a significant modern art collection. Natural lighting plays a prominent role in its design – and skylights add to the drama.

The current owners made a commitment to preserve the integrity of this significant Dallas residence and I am proud to have been chosen to represent their home. This magnificent residence truly offers buyers who appreciate mid-Century Modern architecture an unmatched opportunity in this part of the world.

Posted by:Dave Perry-Miller

Greenway Parks: Serenity in the City

Greenway Parks is a 150-acre neighborhood three miles north of downtown Dallas known for its abundant parks and homes of architectural significance.

Designed in 1927 by David R. WIlliams, the neighborhood was an innovative concept intended to be like no other American suburb. Homes in Greenway Parks are clustered around a series of open private parkways in the English Commons tradition, offering residents ample green space in the center of a major metropolitan area.

Noted architects who have designed homes in the neighborhood include Charles Dilbeck, O’Neil Ford, Howard Meyer, Ralph Bryan and John Aston Perkins. A strong homeowners association, as well as deed restrictions, have helped to preserve the integrity of Greenway Parks.

The neighborhood is increasingly popular with upscale Dallas homebuyers — so popular that one of my recent listings (pictured) drew as many as four prospective buyers a day and went under contract in only six days!

By: Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX

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