Preston Hollow People February 2025

MUSIC, ART, AND WEISS WISDOM

Our February issue features a musician and the founder of a music school who’s cultivating the restorative power of music in students of all ages and backgrounds.

An acclaimed photographer reminded me how Steinbeck and Hemingway shaped my early narrative style after we discussed the American literary figures’ influence on his work; his mention of and nod to fellow Scot, Hugh McIlvaney, compelling me on a binge-reading weekend of the Sunday Times sports journalist’s work known for its keen attention to detail.

Also featured is a high school film teacher, known to his students as Mr. Weiss, who continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers in our community; the artist creating an unexpected synthesis in my quest to write about wildly zooly individuals.

While I knew little about Weiss’s work outside of the Episcopal School of Dallas classroom where he taught my youngest in film, I was uber-impressed with his tutelage in the genres of photography and film, and by his deep dedication to his students.

Adept at focusing on their individual growth, Weiss expected his high schoolers to communicate directly with him and not through their parents, so it would be years before I had the privilege of getting to know the teacher outside of the classroom.

When my husband and I attended an off-campus art exhibition featuring his paintings, I was surprised to learn we had some unique things in common.

Weiss was from my hometown, and he’d taught arts at my high school alma mater decades after I attended.

Years later, Weiss accepted an invitation to a graduation party at our home in recognition of a small group of our son’s

impactful mentors, and the artist struck up a conversation with my parents. The three found yet another remarkable connection among us.

“I was uber-impressed with his tutelage in the genres of photography and film, and by his deep dedication to his students.”

Before returning to Dallas to teach high school, Weiss was mentored by the artist Eric Avery, whose Spring Scare Crow has hung on the walls of my parents’ homes for decades. Avery’s art is reflective of his work as a psychiatrist, with his dedication to human rights and medical activism expressed in his acclaimed exhibits.

Avery, who worked at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston for 20 years, was initially brought to the program by the director and professor emeritus of the Institute for the Medical Humanities, who happens to also be my father.

In a nutshell, my son’s mentor was mentored by a mentee of his grandfather’s — with many decades and many miles separating the parallel events.

My sons would say “mind blown!” Their mom is in awe of the threads that bind.

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Willis Asks Police to Count Costs After Lit House Goes Viral

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Ahouse in the 6200 block of Deloache Avenue drew a lot of attention over the holidays.

When People Newspapers shared our post about the Christmas Lights House on social media, it generated thousands of views, prompting a deeper dive into the chatter on neighborhood platforms and public forums.

After the house went viral on social media, massive crowds flocked to the Preston Hollow neighborhood.

Neighbors reported trespassers, excessive noise, and littering. A frustrated homeowner was reported to have turned on his sprinklers to deter crowds from trampling his lawn.

Reports of illegal parking and safety concerns poured in, and teams of off and on-duty officers were dispatched to control traffic and ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

According to the Dallas Police Department, 71 on-duty personnel were assigned to

the location for eight nights, generating a total of 250.65 hours with the total expenses for on-duty resources reaching $25,375.04; the expenses included $17,546.35 for personnel, $7,206.19 (250.65 hours @ $28.75 per hour) for vehicles, and $622.50 (½ hour fuel and

Crime Reports Dec. 9 – Jan. 12

Dec. 9

An individual took property without permission from the trunk of a vehicle in the 5600 block of Lemmon Avenue.

Dec. 10

A truck in the 6600 block of Pemberton Drive was broken into and property was stolen.

Dec. 12

A vehicle was stolen from a commercial parking lot in the 12800 block of Preston Road.

Dec. 13

The front and back license plates were stolen from a vehicle parked in a retail lot located in the 5900 block of Sherry Lane.

Dec. 14

Vandalism of property occurred in a retail shopping center located in the 11800 block of Preston Road.

Dec. 16

Vandalism of property occurred in the 7200 block of North Janmar Drive.

Dec. 17

A motor vehicle was stolen in the 5700 block of Orchid Lane.

A vehicle intentionally ran over a bicyclist in the 8900 block of Boedeker Drive.

Outdoor property was stolen in the 4600 block of Willow Lane.

Dec. 18

A porch pirate took a package from a residence in the 7000 block of Orchid Lane.

A motor vehicle was stolen in the 6800 block of Stichter Avenue.

Dec. 19

A vehicle was stolen in the 12800 block of Preston Road.

Property was stolen from a vehicle in the 5900 block of Forest Lane.

Dec. 20

A theft occurred at a residence in the 11030 block of Tibbs Avenue.

Dec. 21

Vandalism of property occurred in a retail shopping center located in the 11800 block of Preston Road.

The window of a vehicle was broken, and property was stolen at NorthPark Center.

Dec. 24

A car was burglarized in the 6500 block of Northport Drive.

A front license plate was stolen in the 5500 block of Harvest Hill Road.

Dec. 26

A motor vehicle theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

Credit cards were used without the owner’s consent at NorthPark Center.

Dec. 27

An individual was charged with driving under the influence in the 7100 block of Glendora Avenue.

Dec. 28

Vandalism of property occurred at NorthPark Center.

maintenance) for a helicopter.

The City of Dallas Department of Code Compliance issued a Notice of Violation for light glare and noise to homeowners Mandi and Ryan Devitis, compelling their response to both praise and

criticism on social media and chat forums.

Probing comments included queries of how much the electric bill would run the homeowners, why Christmas grinches were shutting down the display, and whether taxpayers would end up covering the related city resource costs, with a top Reddit commentator reminding enthusiastic onlookers that, “while on duty DPD were reassigned to deal with the excessive crowds and traffic, your car was being broken into at NorthPark Center with no cops available to respond.”

Dallas Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis weighed in on the issue. “While I appreciate homeowners lighting their homes to bring joy to others during the holidays, compromising public safety resources to this extent doesn’t reflect the spirit of the season. I’ll be directing staff to evaluate policy on how home displays can be balanced with consideration of neighbors and taxpayers,” she said.

The Twitter group making plans to repeat the two-hour road trip to view next year’s display may want to wait and see if the City implements any restrictions..

Dec. 29

Items were stolen from a vehicle at NorthPark Center.

Dec. 31

The accidental discharge of a firearm occurred in the 6100 block of Del Roy Drive.

Jan. 1

A burglary occurred after the front door of a vacant house was pried open in the 5300 block of Bowser Avenue.

Destruction of property and vandalism occurred in the 7700 block of Walnut Hill Lane.

Jan. 2

A motor vehicle theft occurred in the 5300 block of West University Boulevard.

Jan. 3

A bait car was activated during a theft offense in a parking structure at Preston Center.

A motor vehicle theft occurred in the 6500 block of Del Norte Lane.

A gun was pointed at another individual in the 7900 block of Southwestern Boulevard.

Jan. 4

A restaurant was vandalized in the 5000 block of West Lovers Lane.

Jan. 5

A criminal stole property from a vehicle in the 4300 block of Northaven Road.

Jan. 8

An out-of-town stolen vehicle was recovered in the 6500 block of East Greenway Boulevard.

Jan. 9

A vehicle stolen out-of-town was recovered in the 6300 block of Bandera Drive.

Jan. 10

The rear license plate was removed from a vehicle in the 11900 block of Inwood Road.

Jan. 12

A vehicle was taken without the owner’s consent in the 4500 block of West Mockingbird Lane.

Thieves forced entry and stole jewelry from a residence in the 9100 block of Guernsey Lane on Dec. 27; the incident was reported to be one of a string of highprofile burglaries targeting the homes and cars of professional athletes.

For more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

Crowds flock to view lights, reindeer, and a Santa with President Donald Trump’s face, backing up traffic for blocks along Preston Road. DTXPIX

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Remember the Alamo, and the Fighting Words of William B. Travis

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

The 157 men under William B. Travis’ command were surrounded by thousands of Mexican soldiers at the Alamo when he penned one of the most memorable letters in American history.

He pleaded for aid, but wrote that even if his call was neglected, he was determined to fight with honor until the battle reached one of only two possible outcomes — “Victory or Death.”

A plaque of the 220-word letter caught Hockaday student Slone McNutt’s eye during her family’s visit to the Alamo in Jan. 2023. Slone had studied Travis’ words in school, but seeing them on paper didn’t compare to the impact of the 203-pound bronze memorial.

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independence, resilience, and liberty.”

The first plaque from the Alamo Letter Society was dedicated at the Ellis County Historic Courthouse on Feb. 23, 2024. On Feb. 24 — 188 years to the day after the letter was written — a second plaque was dedicated at the Rockwall Courthouse.

“The Alamo Letter represents everything we hold dear as Texans and Americans: the courage to stand up for our rights, and the willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom and independence,” said Judge Todd Little, who oversaw Ellis County’s effort to install the plaque as Alamo Letter Society County Chair. “I hope all generations continue to revere the story of our fellow Texans at the Alamo.”

“This letter really captures what it is to be a Texan … It really encapsulates independence, resilience, and liberty.”

Slone McNutt

Why, she asked her father, weren’t there similar plaques all over Texas? People shouldn’t have to visit the Alamo to view a tangible connection to their history.

Slone’s father, Bill McNutt, was “astounded at the power and simplicity of her idea.”

Together with fellow University Park resident Rosser Newton and Sgt. Maj. of the Army (Ret) John Vick, who is district director for state Sen. Bob Hall, the McNutts founded the nonprofit Alamo Letter Society. The Society’s goal is to place a replica of the bronze plaque with Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter in all 254 Texas courthouses.

“These soldiers could have very easily given up and gone home. But no, they wanted to stay there to defend the Alamo,” Slone explained. “This letter really captures what it is to be a Texan … It really encapsulates

Since those first two installations, the Alamo Letter Society has dedicated 14 more plaques. It has 31 additional dedications planned in 2025. Connecting with supporters across the state, Slone said, has been her favorite part of the effort.

“It has inspired me to see that my idea, just a schoolgirl’s idea, is coming true,” she said. “There is definitely a lot of interest in this, and we’re hoping to get this done as soon as we can.”

The Society has dedicated its efforts to José Antonio Navarro and Juan Seguín, leading Tejanos in the Texas fight for independence. It also honors supporters with the Captain Albert Martin Alamo Award. Martin rode through the Mexican army to deliver Travis’ letter, then returned to die defending the Alamo.

“As times are progressing, of course we need to change,” Slone said. “But these are the ideals, and this is what it means to be a Texan. And we need to remember this.”

HOW TO HELP

Visit alamoletter.com to learn more about the Alamo Letter Society.

FROM LEFT: Bill McNutt, Rosser Newton, Slone McNutt, Senator Bob Hall, and Lorne Liechty at the Rockwall Courthouse dedication. SUSANA MCNUTT

WHEN LIFE AND THE HEART ARE STRUGGLING.

Move Over, Energizer. SMU Researchers Create Cheaper, Longer Lasting Batteries

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Lithium-sulfur batteries are cheaper, lighter, more powerful, and more sustainable than the lithium-ion batteries used to power cellphones, tablets, and electric vehicles. So why aren’t we using lithium-sulfur batteries instead?

The answer is that they don’t work well for very long. The same sulfur that makes these batteries inexpensive and lightweight is also the source of their crucial flaw — over multiple charges and discharges, it causes the batteries to degrade.

But SMU mechanical engineer Donghai Wang and his research team have found a way to make the batteries last longer, while still delivering 1.5 to two times as much energy as lithium-ion batteries.

The team has seen its lithium-sulfur batteries discharge and

recharge without degrading as many as 1,000 times depending on the conditions, said Wang, who is the Brown Foundation Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SMU.

The group’s research was recently published in the journal Nature

Sustainability. And the SMU researchers are working to make their high-performance batteries even more efficient. One day, lithium-sulfur batteries could be used in drones or heavy-duty vehicles. And passengers could even fly in large, battery-powered commercial airliners.

“That is our dream,” Wang said.

“That we can have this technology to make it happen.”

Wang has spent more than a decade tackling the problem of how to make lithium-sulfur batteries last longer.

All batteries, including lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, have a positive and a negative

terminal. Lithium-sulfur batteries pair a sulfur-containing positive terminal with a negative terminal containing lithium. But when the lithium binds with the sulfur, molecules drift into the substance between the terminals, and the sulfur begins to destroy the battery.

It’s taken Wang and his team more than two years to develop a “hybrid polymer network cathode,” a project he began at The Pennsylvania State University and continued to further develop at SMU when he joined the faculty in 2024.

The “hybrid polymer network cathode” has multiple tethers that capture the sulfur before it’s able to bind with the lithium. Because the sulfur stays in the cathode’s framework, it can’t damage the battery.

“This breakthrough could lead to more durable, long-lasting batteries,” Wang said.

Donghai Wang. COURTESY SMU AND UNSPLASH.COM

YARROW ENTHUSIASTS KNOW HE GOES BEYOND A CROUCHING TIGER

Acclaimed photographer debuts Storytelling Series during Dallas visit

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Who could blame David Yarrow devotee Shay Billings for coveting the fine art photographer’s All Nighter in Cowtown?

The 71-by-98-inch piece depicts the heart of her hometown of Fort Worth.

“It’s something I’ll have to save my pennies for,” the Preston Hollow resident joked, adding that her goal for the evening was to meet Yarrow and procure an autographed book.

“There’s quite a long wait list, but I’m hoping I can get a book signed tonight,” Billings said at a gallery exhibit last fall.

Yarrow has garnered a cult following. When the prolific storyteller made a stop in Dallas on his rounds to Oslo, Monaco, and Vancouver, the guest waitlist ran amuck with many Park Cities and Preston Hollow fans turning out.

The two-night events were held at the award-winning Samuel Lynne Galleries opened by artist JD Miller and restauranteur and painter Philip Romano.

Miller, who hosted the artist’s It’s a Wonderful World exhibition, praised the pioneer for “possessing an undeniable aptitude for capturing the splendor of what remains wild and free in our world.”

While his realistic imagery seems to defy logic, there’s nothing tawdry in Yarrow’s work — his commitment to capturing a story evident in his depictions.

Yarrow’s cast of characters range from wild animals and cowboys to supermodels and A-list celebrities. As the assortment played out in a proscenium-type production on the big screen, only a few images from the artist’s finical lens survived the cutting room floor.

Sotheby’s auction house has reported the chosen ones have sold for over six-digit figures.

“These have to be photoshopped,” remarked gallery guest Scott Haynes, the newcomer to Yarrow’s work unaware his nescient assumption would swiftly be rebuffed.

Behind the images of Yarrow’s multi-layered story arcs, preparations resemble a cinematic production chock-full of scripting, character casting, lighting elements, and deep dives into landscape, culture, and climate.

Musical accompaniment enhancing his slideshow commentary, the artist fittingly weaved connections to Hemingway and Steinbeck into his storytelling. “The biggest myth is that photography is characterized by singularity, when it’s actually plurality,” he said.

The artist explained how key the groundwork is to his photography, emphasizing his wildlife depictions are not akin to a safari tourist snapping away with high-priced, long-lens camera equipment.

Wading waist-deep in muddy swamplands with painstaking patience to capture an orangutang and shrugging off snow squalls to convey the espirit de corps of huskies sledding across the Arctic, Yarrow isn’t sitting on the sidelines creating his masterpieces.

With the rugged confidence of a man who, while lying in front of a crocodile as dusk dims the safety net of daylight, could conceivably survive a snap of the predator’s jaws, Yarrow acknowledged that it’s only after comprehensive research and planning that he is…well, as prepared as he can be for the unexpected.

“Photographing China’s The Siberian, the

planet’s most visually affecting animal also capable of killing a human in eight seconds, involved a trade-off between safety and proximity,” said the photographer.

Designating the cowboy as “the most enduring symbol of America,” Yarrow recounted his efforts to properly depict the cowboy’s spiritual home of the Fort Worth Stock Yards in All Nighter in Cowtown

With fans tugging at his sleeve, Yarrow appeared as comfortable in front of the camera as behind it. Prepared to close out the evening greeting fans, he suddenly pivoted to the young man on the sound mixer behind him. And, with a move evocative of the rapid pressing of his shutter button, a gesture revealed a more intimate side to the cameraman’s rugged persona.

As the two shared a laugh, a tranquility overtook the burly lens-man, and a smile any dad would delight in emanated from his young mentee’s face.

Outside the gallery, Billings departed on the red carpet. With a large hardcover book in hand, she turned and shouted, “It’s a signed copy!

President Carter Remembered for SMU Visit, Efforts To Make the World Better

Leaders at SMU joined the chorus of tributes to the 39th president as the nation mourned the passing of the United States’ longest living chief executive.

James Earl Carter Jr. – better known as President Jimmy Carter – died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100.

“President Carter dignified the office,” noted former President George W. Bush in a statement released by his presidential center on the SMU campus. “And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”

Leaders at SMU recalled a visit where Carter inspired those on campus.

Two days before the 1976 Texas presidential primary, candidate Carter spoke at SMU’s McFarlin Auditorium to a crowd of 2,400, his third campaign event of the day.

Carter entered to the song “This Is My Country” where, according to the Dallas Morning News, “the crowd almost came out of the double balconies.”

Less than two miles away at NorthPark Center, then President Gerald Ford also greeted the largest crowd of his two Texas tours. Both men would go on to win their party’s nomination in the Texas primary,

which took place on May 1, 1976.

During his speech, Carter talked about fairness, honesty, and compassion in government. He appealed to what he called the “independence and pride of Texas.”

was the last Democratic presidential candidate to claim Texas, winning with little more than 51 percent of the vote.

Carter

–Compiled by William Taylor

FROM LEFT: Former President Jimmy Carter visits the White House. Jimmy Carter speaks at SMU in 1976 while campaigning for the Democratic nomination to the presidency.

FROM LEFT: David Yarrow’s TheSiberian. An aptly dressed couple blends into the foreground of Yarrow’s StopThat Train. David and Cameron Yarrow backstage at Samuel Lynne Galleries. CLAUDIA CARSON-HABEEB AND COURTESY DAVID YARROW

‘Preston Hollow People’ Applauds

• Allie Beth Allman,  Curtis C. Farmer, and  Dale Petroskey, who were named the 2025 Laureates by Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas). The business leaders will be honored at the annual Dallas Business Hall of Fame Gala at the Omni Hotel on Feb. 22.

Our team specializes in listing and selling luxury homes in urban neighborhoods. A legacy of finding the perfect high-rise neighborhood for people wanting to downsize or the ambiance of Uptown/Downtown/Turtle Creek. We’re here for you.

Allie Beth Allman , executive director of the board and founder of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, has been in luxury residential real estate for more than 30 years. She has been on the Top Ten list of Dallas agents since her arrival on the residential real estate scene, and Dallas County’s Top Producer, competing with more than 7,000 agents for three consecutive years.

Curtis C. Farmer, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank, is a leader in the banking industry.

With more than three decades of experience, including key roles at Wachovia Corporation, Farmer assumed the role of CEO in 2019. He serves on numerous boards, including the SMU Cox School of Business Executive Board and the Wake Forest University Board, and is an active member of the Bank Policy Institute and Dallas Citizens Council.

Dale Petroskey serves as president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, which plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s economy.

Under his leadership, it was named the National Chamber of the Year in 2022. Petroskey’s career spans from Assistant White House Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan to serving as president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He serves on several boards, including SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, EducateDallas, the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council, and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

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• Wesley Prep Second Graders for raising awareness and funds to enable the adoption of “angels” from The Salvation Army Angel Tree. When The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program invited community members to help brighten Christmas morning for 45,000 children, seniors, and adults with special needs, the second graders came up with a plan to sell donuts. The student-led outreach project also incorporated a math lesson as the youngsters budgeted their funds and used them to purchase as many items as they could to fulfill angels’ wishes.

– Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

BLACK SWAN SERIES TOUTS BENEFITS OF PRESERVATION

Designer guides renovations for historically significant homes

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Photographs documenting an ugly duckling transformation guided by Hillary Littlejohn left many guests surprised the “before” photos came from the same home they were touring.

The graduate of SMU and The New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York opened her namesake design studio in 2005 and recently partnered with Holly Davis of Allie Beth Allman & Associates for the inaugural presentation of The Black Swan Series: Buying, Selling, Updating an Ugly Duckling.

including the revamped, fully equipped kitchen.

The space featured Bianco Carrera countertops, Waterworks faucets and hardware, Hector lighting, and an adjacent breakfast room with double doors opening to an outdoor courtyard, complete with lemon trees, perfectly pruned shrubs, and a gurgling stone fountain.

“Renovating an entire house is easier than a single room.” Hillary Littlejohn

The late 2024 event highlighted the overhauled 4036 McFarlin Blvd. residence, where visitors explored their favorite rooms,

The University Park property, built in 1929, had retained its sound bones and old school charm, but needed more than a few coats of paint to bring it up to date.

Littlejohn, with her old soul personality and dedication to preserving the important residences, was undaunted.

Even the green carpet proved only a temporary eyesore in her vision for the property.

Small components make grand results possible, she said, explaining her resolve to handle the details and make the renovating an

Real Estate Market Snapshots

Editor’s note: Find here the latest available (as of press time) real estate market statistics for Dallas, Highland Park, and University Park from the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems Inc. The Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University prepares the monthly Multiple Listing Service (MSL) reports but leaves out municipalities when they don’t hit a 10-sale threshold for single-family homes. University Park last met that threshold in October, Highland Park in September. We would prefer more comprehensive and timely data but believe these market snapshots still provide a helpful look at where the industry is heading.

uncomplicated process for the homeowner.

“I believe there is a lack of information about how to go about preserving old homes,” Littlejohn said. “Most builders will encourage homeowners to demolition as there are less contingencies, and a new build is often more lucrative for them than a thoughtful renovation.”

She wants homeowners to consider the benefits of preserving a home and feel confident in taking the leap into realizing their vision.

The client should be in control of the project and feel encouraged to bring a range of ideas to design meetings, while the designer provides transparency and acts as an adviser, “so the process does not become a discordant rumble, an orchestra without a conductor,” Littlejohn said.

“Clients don’t often know how much things cost — the price of a Porsche Targa maybe, but the price of a luxury kitchen gives people sticker shock,” she said.

The designer finds inspiration tucked deep in the bones of historically significant residences but often encounters homeown-

ers reluctant to peel back the layers and take on what she calls an “aesthetically ugly duckling,” even one structurally sound.

Littlejohn hopes to alter that frame of thought and persuade hesitant homeowners to dive in.

“Renovating an entire house is easier than a single room,” she said. “I know that sounds surprising, but a full house renovation has the benefits of the designer being able to create a lifestyle, outlining cohesive spaces that relate to one another.”

At a recent Preservation Park Cities meeting at the Belclaire Avenue home of Cheryl and Sam Chantilis, Littlejohn realized she’d be preaching to the choir but shared her signature optimism and candor with the group.

“Black Swan homes are often rare but extraordinary,” the designer said as she focused on proactive solutions to changing the mindset of homebuyers.

“There are a limited number of Hal Thompson homes — he is never going to design another,” Littlejohn said. “And these beauties should not be destroyed.”

CLOCKWISE: Outdoor courtyard renovated. Entryway and staircase renovated. Entryway and staircase before renovation. Back porch renovated. Outdoor courtyard before renovation. STEPHEN KARLISCH FOR HLS DESIGN Before

Before

Five Interior Design Trends for 2025

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and bring it up-to-date.

If you’re redecorating this year and want your rooms to look as current as possible, consider incorporating some of these design elements.

Here are five trends that designers are featuring in our projects this year.

1. High-lacquer walls and cabinets

Lacquered walls add a lot of drama to a room. Dark colors, especially, make the room feel moody and mysterious. Greens and blues seem to be the most popular paint colors for lacquered walls right now. If you want something more subtle, choose a soft pastel or off-white instead.

2. Wallpapered ceilings

Wallpaper has been making a comeback for several years now, and the trend will continue in 2025. Since most homeowners ignore their ceiling, a wallpapered ceiling is very memorable. If you’re only wallpapering your ceiling, paint the rest of your walls in a solid, complementary color.

3. Textured rugs

In my projects, I like to use sisal rugs or rugs made of wool carpet that have been cut to size. Rugs with tufted details, high-pile rugs, or rugs with raised patterns are all great ways to add more texture to the room. Subdued, neutral colors like cream, gray, and beige work especially well on textured rugs.

4. Wide-plank wood floors

Most new houses these days have wood floors with at least 5-inch wood planks, instead of narrow strips of wood. In a big house, you might see a herringbone pattern wood floor used in a study or a dining room for variety. As far as wood color goes, I’m starting to see people move away from gray and towards warmer browns or blonds.

5. An element of surprise

Adding an element of surprise to a room introduces tension and keeps your space from being too matchymatchy. Some people will create surprise by installing an unusual light fixture or mixing in contemporary art and lamps with traditional furnishings. Your hobbies and collections can be a source of inspiration here, especially art pieces collected from your travels.

Although I stay abreast of the latest trends, I always try to design homes for my clients that are timeless enough to look beautiful for decades. You should only follow a trend if it’s something you genuinely enjoy. When you design a home personalized to you, you’ll love it for a long time, no matter how design trends change.

Margaret Chambers, a registered interior designer (RID) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, leads Chambers Interiors and Associates. Her colleague Caitlin Crowley helped edit this column. Visit chambersinteriors.com/blog for more design advice.

CLOCKWISE: In this dining room, a dark terracotta paint visually brought the 9-foot ceiling down. Installing a light-patterned wallpaper “lifted” the ceiling and added interest without being too distracting. This bathroom features a herringbone pattern on the floor. Many people think that you can’t put wood floors in a bathroom, but you can. You just need to protect the floors from water by using multiple coats of high-quality polyurethane. This rare and hard to come by Syrian table, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, adds sparkle and surprise to this formal living room and makes a great conversation piece. MICHAEL HUNTER AND NATHAN SCHRODER WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

MARGARET CHAMBERS

Historic Houses and Contemporary Art: Embrace The Love Affair

As an artist, I was particularly interested in the topic of last fall’s Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon: Living with Art.

And I was specifically eager to hear the speaker’s take on age-old arguments about the aesthetic appropriateness of contemporary art in historic homes, which are happily still manifest in the Park Cities, though their numbers decrease with each passing year.

Personally, I find the stylistic juxtaposition intriguing and attractive if it’s accomplished in a thoughtful and tasteful way.

In my midcentury Turtle Creek condominium, I’m happy to mix the primitive with the modern — Luba and Bantu masks and Maori carvings interspersed with my own colorful and modernist landscapes and portraits on the matte white walls and in the built-in bookshelves.

Though my artwork and architecture might encompass a narrower span of time than a 1920s house and 2020s paintings, I think the contrast reveals my eclectic taste in a cozily ironic and

hopefully sophisticated way.

The panelist at the Dallas Country Club advocated similar views.

“When we bring a work of art into our home, we are bringing a conversation,” said Thomas Feulmer, curator of The Warehouse Dallas. “We are putting our values and our curiosities — the things that we are and the things that we hope to be — up on the wall. It should not be the anesthesia for your home. It should add a kind of life, a kind of conversation, and a kind of complexity.”

Robyn Siegal, advisor at CCS

Fine Art, suggested decorating with whatever speaks to your soul.

“I think collecting should come first and foremost from a place of love,” Siegal said. “You should never ever collect anything that you don’t love, because over time you’re going to like it even less.”

Ashley Avrea Cathey, founder and principal of Avrea & Company, says contemporary art “works 100%” in a traditional home.

“It’s the best juxtaposition,” Cathey said. “It really evokes so much more meaning, because it’s so unexpected. It can be so lonely and

boring without a story, and contemporary art is the perfect solution.”

Siegal suggested layering on periods. “Make it authentic, whatever that is to you. It doesn’t have to be an expensive piece of art on expensive wallpaper, but it can be. It’s whatever feels right.”

Feulmer offered, “I think it’s a more authentic way to live. We are engaged with contemporary society, contemporary ideas, the contemporary world. Your home should reflect that you have some engagement with that.”

Siegal compared art selection to

dating. “It’s so personality-driven, and there is no formula. It can be a lifelong relationship.”

“Let it be a slow, evolving process,” Feulmer added. “Old houses love contemporary art. It’s the most dynamic thing on the planet to see art that is in dialogue and not subservient to an architecture.”

To me, there’s nothing more pleasing to the eye and soul than an unexpected burst of bright modern color, texture, or shape popping up around the corner of a lovingly-preserved Park Cities home, happily reminding one of the present day.

Discover

JOSH HICKMAN

FROM LEFT: Luncheon speakers Ashley Avrea Cathey, Thomas Feulmer, and Robyn Siegel with moderator Joyce Goss at the Dallas Country Club. Primitive masks and carvings mix with a Dallas artist’s colorful and modernist landscapes and portraits on the matte white walls of his midcentury Turtle Creek condominium. ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO AND JOSH HICKMAN

Comings and Goings

NOW OPEN

Aroma360

Galleria Dallas

The company backed by Shark Tank’s Daymond John offers a variety of scent diffusers, candles, reed diffusers, room sprays, and other products to transform homes and businesses. It is open on level 2 near Abercrombie & Fitch.

Berkley’s Market

2822 McKinney Ave.

The locally-owned neighborhood destination for gourmet goods, premium prepared foods, fine wines, craft beers, and specialty coffee has opened a 4,100-square-foot Uptown location.

Claremont Neighborhood Grill

4343 W. Northwest Hwy.

The restaurant is serving up appetizers, mains, grilled specialties, soups, salads, and sides in the space formerly occupied by Suze.

Dior Boutique

Highland Park Village

and has donated over $15 million through the glassybaby foundation.

• British luxury womenswear label ME + EM has brought its mix of British craftsmanship and American design sensibility to level one between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

The boutique’s four salons, each devoted to one of Dior’s product categories, offer clients merchandise including handbags, shoes, sunglasses, scarves, small leather goods, jewelry, timepieces, and ready-to-wear.

Highland Park Emergency Room

5150 Lemmon Ave., No. 108

The free-standing, full-service emergency room performs most procedures available at a traditional ER and aims to treat patients like family. A related location, the Preston Hollow Emergency Room, is open at 8007 Walnut Hill Lane.

NorthPark Center

Various Stores

• French perfumer and pioneer of luxurious scent experiences Diptyque has opened its only Dallas boutique on level one between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

• Glassybaby has brought its hand-blown glass, which is made in America with color and light, to level one near Nordstrom. Glassybaby gives back a portion of every sale,

• Prada , the iconic, luxury fashion house founded in Milan in 1913, has opened on level one between Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s.

Studs

4416 Lovers Lane

The studio offers piercings, as well as an assortment of affordable, ontrend earrings made of quality materials that won’t irritate sensitive ears.

CLOSED

Crisp & Green

6565 Hillcrest Ave., Suite 140

• Wilson is offering its latest collection of sportswear, footwear, equipment, and accessories, as well as services including racket stringing and equipment rental, on level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Oishii

11700 Preston Road, Suite 650

The restaurant featuring Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi has opened in the space formerly occupied by Pei Wei.

Pure Glow

5319 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 130

The airbrush tanning studio has brought its health-conscious, luxury sunless tanning experience to the Dallas market with the opening of its store in Mockingbird Station.

The fast, casual restaurant offering made-from-scratch salads, grain bowls, and smoothies has closed its Snider Plaza location.

La Madeleine

NorthPark Center

Diners said au revoir to the French bakery and café on Dec. 31.

Mai Le Nails

4504 Lovers Lane

The nail salon that offered services including manicures and pedicures has permanently closed.

Sur la Table

4525 Cole Ave., Suite 190

The one-stop kitchen store for home chefs and food lovers closed its doors on Jan. 25.

Trova Wine + Market

4004 Villanova St.

The neighborhood wine bar and bistro popped its last cork in The Plaza at Preston Center on Jan. 18.

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges and Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Pure Glow COURTESY PURE GLOW

Prada COURTESY NORTHPARK CENTER

Berkley’s Market COURTESY BERKLEY’S MARKET

HIGHER WATTAGE: SIBLING BOND HELPS GREENHILL DUO THRIVE Hornets

Gaim for first SPC boys basketball title with talented roster fueled by chemistry

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

reenhill siblings Dillon and Bryson Watt seem synchronized, as if each move together has been choreographed and rehearsed in advance.

That extends from their shared TikTok dance videos to the basketball court, where the duo hopes to help Greenhill bring home its first SPC title in February.

Their divergent athletic careers intersect on the hardwood, where Dillon is a three-year standout point guard and Bryson is a starting forward.

“We have that connection. He’s like a second set of eyes. In games, we hold each other accountable,” Dillon said. “It’s kind of like a telepathy — being around each other all the time. We know each other’s habits, and that really helps us.”

The Watts each played multiple sports growing up, but while Dillon chose to focus exclusively on basketball, Bryson is a standout for Greenhill as a receiver in football and an outfielder in baseball. Their older brother, Jaden, starred in football and track

for the Hornets.

“They’re two completely different types of players,”

“They lead by example.” Joey Sims

said Greenhill head coach Joey Sims, describing Dillon as a floor general and Bryson as a tenacious rebounder and defender.

“They work really well together. They lead by example.”

Dillon has averaged more than

20 points per game throughout his high school career in addition to being a team leader in assists and steals. Despite being just 5 feet, 10 inches, he will play at the NCAA Division I level next season at Army West Point.

“It took me a while to understand my role,” he said. “I distribute the ball and set up plays, and make sure everything runs smoothly. I want to encourage my teammates and make sure they’re

confident and put us in the best position to win.”

Bryson, who is a year younger and a few inches taller than Dillon, admits he wasn’t as athletic growing up. He didn’t start playing football until his sophomore season but blossomed as the team’s leading receiver last fall.

“That’s when I really started to be good,” Bryson said. “I was playing defense, and I knew I should have been at receiver. That really

made me better.”

Led by Dillon and fellow standout guard Jaxson Thompson, the Hornets feel they are positioned to challenge for a championship in the highly competitive SPC 4A division this winter.

“We’re good enough and we have the chemistry to win it,” Bryson said. “We’ve been close, and this year we have that momentum and it’s just about locking in. The goal is very attainable.”

Ursuline Motivated by Tradition, Competition in Seeking Soccer Three-Peat Ready for the challenge, Bears have the depth and balance in quest for 31st TAPPS title

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

When you collect a remarkable 30 TAPPS state soccer championships, as Ursuline has, it doesn’t happen by accident.

The Bears have the highest of expectations, a level of commitment from players to the program and the system, and a mindset that keeping the tradition alive isn’t a hope, but a mandate.

That belief is fueling Ursuline this season as it looks to extend its current title streak to three at the TAPPS 6A state tournament on March 5-6 in Round Rock.

“Defending state championships is what’s done here,” said Ursuline head coach Darrin Hedges. “We’re one of the highpoint games for just about everyone on our schedule. We have to be ready. We’re going to get their best game.”

The Bears will be favored to repeat again with a roster that includes returning striker Audrey Bryant, a University of Texas commit who tallied a hat trick in a 4-0 win over rival Bishop Lynch in last year’s championship game.

“There’s a little bit of pressure with those expectations, but I feel that we thrive with that,” said senior midfielder Laila Nieto. “We build each other up and hold each other accountable.”

Since TAPPS starts the soccer season in November, more than a month before public schools in Texas, it overlaps with the end of the club season for some players, causing some annual schedule conflicts.

Hedges estimates that the Bears only played with a full roster in two of their first

12 games this season. At least twice they played — and won — without a regular goalkeeper, forcing a position player into the net.

Still, Hedges credits the team’s marquee players for their dedication to the school team, often accommodating position changes, sacrificing personal statistics, or shuffling

formations to help their teammates.

“Everyone prioritizes high school [soccer] as much as they can,” said senior defender Ellie Teachout. “It’s a very competitive program. Not only is it fun and you’re playing with your friends, but you have a real chance at winning.”

“Defending state championships is what’s done here.” Darrin Hedges

Aside from the strong senior class, Ursuline has several top college pledges among its underclassmen, including Mimi Flanagan (Tennessee), Makenzie Majors (TCU), and Ryan Fogel (Hawaii).

Ursuline has gotten off to another strong start this season, including at the National Elite Prep Showcase in Southlake in early January, when the Bears shut out defending UIL 6A state champion Prosper. They hope that experience will pay dividends during the upcoming playoffs.

“We’re always having to adjust. The beginning of the season can be a little difficult,” Nieto said. “Now we know our strengths and we can push to the limit.”

Greenhill’s Dillon (LEFT) and Bryson Watt (RIGHT) share a special connection on the basketball court. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Ursuline senior Audrey Bryant is one of the top goal scorers in the state. CHRIS MCGATHEY

in partnership with

The Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas, in partnership with NorthPark Center, is grateful to the generous sponsors and community for their incredible commitment and support of A Season of Giving

Since its inception in 2018, this holiday campaign has brought joy to thousands of patients and families served by Children’s HealthSM through beloved events, movie nights and Santa visits. We are thrilled to announce that we have raised over $1 million to support the Children’s Health mission to make life better for children.

NorthPark Center Santa Visits

NorthPark Center’s Santa provided over 3,600 Santa visits to families in the community from November 29 through December 24. He also brightened the hallways at Children’s Health for hundreds of patients who spent the holidays at the hospital with personal visits and storytime with Santa at Seacrest Studios.

Breakfast with Santa Spectacular

The 34th annual Breakfast with Santa Spectacular presented by NorthPark Center hosted more than 700 guests to kick-o the holiday season. Festivities included photos with NorthPark Santa, holiday performances and carolers, face painting, balloon artists, special character appearances, live reindeer, crafts, activities and so much more! A special thanks goes to our chairs, Katy Brooks, Stacy Hicks, Jessica Rugg and Ashley Smetko.

Movies with a Mission

In partnership with AMC NorthPark 15, the 4th annual Movies with a Mission is a platform for young philanthropists to make a di erence in the lives of children. Founded by Ella Kate Nayfa and Barrett Gibbins, the duo was able help raise funds to benefit Children’s Health through an advance screening of the much anticipated movie Wicked.

Thank you to our generous sponsors

Candy Cane Lane

Cholla Petroleum, Inc.

Sugar Plum Fairy

The Brooks and Finney Family

The Stephen M. and Carol A. Cassiani Family Foundation

The Hopper Family LABORA

Peppermint Swirl

Ann and Frank Adams

The Stephen M. and Carol A. Cassiani Family Foundation

Bela and Chase Cooley

The Emanuelson Family

Stacy and Mack Hicks

The Ili Family

Ann and John Jones

Nicolette and Miles Lamont

Marion and Cadell Liedtke

The Loehr Family

Malloy, Evans and Lucas Families

Neiman Marcus

The Novak Family

Jen and John Sanders

The Sewell Family and Sewell Automotive Companies

Colleen Walter

Special Characters at Breakfast with Santa Spectacular

Breakfast with Santa Spectacular Co-Chairs

Stacy Hicks, Ashley Smetko, Jessica Rugg and Katy Brooks

Visits with Santa at NorthPark Center

Movies with a Mission Co-Founders Barrett Gibbins and Ella Kate Nayfa

Storytime with Santa at Children’s Health Seacrest Studios

Schools

ROBERT WEISS TELLS HIS STORIES THROUGH ART, TEACHING

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Robert “Bobby” Weiss explores life through art and encourages his students to do the same.

“I teach because I love teaching,” the studio art and film teacher said. “I am here to help my students find their individuality and to nurture their creative spirit.”

The upper school fine arts instructor has been with The Hockaday School since 2022, with a previous eight-year tenure at the Episcopal School of Dallas.

With a last name apropos of his beyondhis-years persona, the painter, filmmaker, sculptor, music video director, theater scenic designer, and art historian’s curriculum vitae boasts too many pages to recite.

Anyone who’s been to an exhibit of the artist’s work or has attended a screening of his films knows diving into Weiss’s world is an immersive trip worth taking. And the artist is worth meeting — his storytelling ability another impressive aspect of his multidimensional talents.

After attending Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Weiss’s encounter with contemporary figurative painter Jerome Witkin during his time at Syracuse University set about a deep friendship between mentor and mentee, inspiring the young artist to pursue teaching alongside his artistic endeavors.

“As fate would have it, I met my idol on the one-year anniversary of him losing his son,” Weiss recalled. “He took me under his wing, and his faith in my work inspired me to pay forward what he so graciously gave me.”

And the film instructor has done just that; Weiss’s students have continued their studies at the University of Texas, University of Southern California, and New York University film schools.

Screenings of Weiss’s documentary, Song of the Cicada, have left audiences spellbound. The full-length film offers a look at life and death through the eyes of Dale Carter, a mortician whose stranger-than-death life experiences play out on screen.

Meeting with the high school educator, it’s hard to associate him with anything even mildly macabre, but through his craftful documentation of Carter, Weiss takes viewers on an exploration of the human psyche.

“Death has to be viewed through a filter,” conveyed the mortician in Weiss’s film. “Like a camera has a filter, a lens; that filter is what we use to make that loved one look beautiful again,” he said.

Whether with a sketch pad, a paint brush, or a camera lens, Weiss weaves the intricacies of his complex characters into his work.

“I tell a story through my art, blending experiences with my deep appreciation of art history,” he said. “And with each piece, regardless of genre, I convey a part of who I am.”

Pausing to reflect on how he utilizes art

to challenge his students’ perspectives, Weiss said, “Inevitably, we are all the characters we write, and our story is never fully written; I want to help people explore their hopes and fears while they become the protagonist in their own story.”

The artist, who clearly delights in the wearing of many hats, recently created the scenic paintings for Dallas’s Ochre House Theater’s Daddy’s Rabbits and Patti and Theo

“Doing scenic painting has been something I always wanted to do. My sister was a Broadway stage manager for many years, and we went to see a lot of shows together. Painting sets at Ochre House Theater has been a great departure from painting on a canvas and, considering that a lot of my paintings are interior spaces, it comes very natural to me; it has not only loosened up my hand, but also my mind to try new things,” he said.

Weiss is represented by Dallas’s Ro2 Art Gallery in the Tin District, and his paintings can be experienced in ongoing solo and group curatorial exhibitions. The script for his third film, in which Dale Carter will again appear, is near completion; the filmmaker assures fans that the movie won’t take a decade to film as did the last one.

The artist, adjusting the brim of one of his many hats, spoke about his latest movie project with excitement, maintaining that he carries a deep sense of gratitude alongside his eager foresight.

“I’m always striving to reach my personal

best, and because of the revolutionary artists who helped pave my path, I am compelled to bring that full circle guidance to the creative minds that come to me for tutelage,” he said.

CHECK IT OUT

Song of the Cicada, the winner of the 2022 London Independent Film Awards and the 2023 Atlanta Docufest, also won Best Feature Documentary at the 2023 Burbank International Film Festival, Best Feature Film at the 2022 Toronto Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival, the 2022 Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival, Best Documentary at the 2022 Lone Star Film Festival, and has received Official Selection honors at film festivals across the globe. The Texas Theatre will host the film’s Dallas premiere at 8 p.m. on March 21.

CLOCKWISE: Robert Weiss paints a 50-by-75-inch piece. Weiss in his studio. Dale Carter in His Parlor || Acrylic on Linen || c.2017. ROBERT WEISS AND VONDA KLIMASZEWSI

Tooting One’s Own Horn Is Welcomed

Park Cities School of Music

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Eva Brandys believes music should be a part of our lives from start to finish.

“Music has the ability to spark joy, boost confidence, and build new connections,” said the founder of Park Cities School of Music, located at Inwood Road and Lovers Lane.

“An early introduction can provide a lifetime of love for it; strumming strings, blowing horns, and tapping drums is all it takes to fall in love with an instrument,” she said.

Brandys began her musical journey at age 8 in communist Poland. The pianist’s early music education was defined by discipline, and yet, despite the rigorous daily piano practice and pressure to perform with precision, she developed a deep appreciation and love for music.

After immigrating to the U.S., Brandys earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Dallas Baptist University and a master’s degree in music education and piano pedagogy from SMU.

By 2009, Brandys was teaching private piano lessons to more than 100 students in Highland Park and Preston Hollow. She opened the first of her three Dallas area music schools in 2010.

The classically-trained pianist described how children’s brains can absorb musical skills like sponges. “Introducing music early can enhance cognitive development, emotional growth, and motor skills,” she said, “And music fosters creativity, focus, and

confidence while laying the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional expression.”

With lessons in piano, guitar (acoustic, electric, bass), harp, cello, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, ukulele, tuba, trombone, French horn, drums, voice, composition, music theory, and musical theater, the Instrument Explorers’ Program at the Park Cities School of Music doesn’t lack in options for youngsters interested in exploring music.

And, in an effort to combine skill development with fun activities, Brandys created

music engagement enhancing well-being at any age. “While my approach has always exposed young people to the power of music, anyone at any age can benefit. For adults, music becomes both a creative outlet and a mental workout, fostering emotional health, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall quality of life,” she said.

the  Instrument Explorers  series for children, the engaging material sustaining the attention of even her youngest students.

“I love music class. I get to play fun songs and learn cool things. The music bug bit me and every day I want to learn a new song on the piano,” said 7-year-old Chloe.

Brandys enjoys watching young students discover their musical talents, but emphasized the impact music can have on all ages.

“It’s absolutely never too late to start learning music,” she said, citing studies of

Brandys recently introduced a music therapy program, led by board-certified therapists, to her curriculum. The program integrates music while addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The sessions focus on relaxation, emotional expression, communication, and stress reduction, with activities such as rhythm exercises, singing, and instrument playing improving motor coordination, self-awareness, and cognitive function.

Brandys has witnessed the impact music therapy sessions can have on social, emotional, motor, and communication skills, and offers them on both an individualized and group basis.

“Learning an instrument has brought joy back into my days and has given me a new sense of purpose and accomplishment,” said Brandys’ student Chelsea Abbott, a mother of two.

Brandys continues to incorporate new approaches to music into her personal and professional realms and is proud of the influence her programs have on music explorers of all ages.

“Music changed my life and has had the most profound influence on me; I feel compelled to share its life-altering impact with anyone in my community who is willing to experience it,” she said.

CLOCKWISE: Young adults receive flute and violin instruction on an individual and group basis. PCSM Founder Eva Brandys provides cello instruction. PCSM’s Young Explorers students are exposed to a wide range of instruments including the French horn, saxophone, cello, and harp. PCSM

FOR THE ULTIMATE ANTIQUES MEETUP, SWAP IN ROUND TOP

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Texas roots run deep, but with hot days far outnumbering cool ones, there aren’t many Dallasites that’ll give up the opportunity to head to the lake or beach. But jump at a chance to drive to the middle of nowhere, across a corn field or two…or 10, to end up in a dusty barn?

If the invitation sounds less than appealing, no one faults you, but if you take a look into the many offerings of the Round Top Antique Fair, you’ll likely be enticed to join a fellow adventurer for an unforgettable weekend of treasure hunting.

“This place has allowed the beautiful things to keep telling their stories.”

Sheila Dunn

Round Top sits off State Highway 237 — blink and you’ll miss the exit into town. Twice a year, the town of Round Top showcases more than 80 venues and 4,000 dealers along the 11-mile stretch of farmland. But don’t let the peeling red paint of the barn siding fool you, the show boasts a treasure trove of rare finds, with the opening day’s line up at the front gates resembling a coordinated stampede.

Since its founding in 1997, the Marburger Farm Antique Show has been a go-to

source for the discerning antique-lover and the eclectic vintage shopper. In the last few years, it’s also been added to the not-to-bemissed weekend jaunts for those ready to dig their boot heels in and get a little dusty in the Big Red Barn.

The Texas weather cooperated perfectly for October’s show. With stalls filled to the rafters with rare, sought-after furnishings, art, and antiques, a Murano glass ashtray caught the eye of one collector, while a set of iron gates salvaged from an Italian

villa proudly displayed a SOLD tag only an hour into the ringing of the opening bell.

Preston Hollow design assistant Brianna Moore headed straight to her favorite tent at sprinter speed.

“I already spotted a piece I can’t live without,” she said, admitting she’d already done a brisk walk-through of her favorite tent during the kickoff tailgate event, which offers early access before the general public opening triangle is rung at 9 a.m. sharp.

The original Round Top Antiques

WANT TO GO?

The five-day event returns to Round Top March 25-29. The town anticipates over 100,000 visitors, which is about 99,000 more than the entire population of the town. Visit roundtopmarburger.com and roundtoptexasantiques.com.

Fair debuted more than 50 years ago and is known simply as “The Show” to veterans such as Sheila Dunn, who has frequented the venue for many years.

“This place has allowed the beautiful things to keep telling their stories. The thrill of the hunt is as alive in me today as it was 30 years ago,” she said.

A lot has changed on the Round Top Fair scene since then, including the fashions, accommodations, and curated experiences. Owner of Hostie Vacation Rentals, Lindsey Pleasant, offers personalized agendas with options for luxury transportation, concierge service, and access to local craftspeople. Lodging choices include the charming ‘Round the Round cottage, designed by HGTV’s Leanne Ford and Grace Mitchell.

“Whether you’re looking for transportation on board an executive class Sprinter van, a local charcuterie class or winery tour, or a custom hat making experience, we’ve got you covered,” said Pleasant.

Not up for the eight-hour round-trip drive to Round Top? No problem. Pleasant can arrange helicopter transfer to a secluded hideaway where you can kick off your boots and kick back on an Adirondack chair by the outdoor firepit or take a dip in the pool before heading out to do some treasure hunting.

Not All Feb. 14 Occasions Prove Worthy of Dinner Reservations

With January’s demise, we can happily forget we didn’t quite meet our New Year’s workout and dietary resolutions and deny ever committing to do Dry January.

Next up: February a short-butsweet 28-day period that includes the potential for ice storms, winter sunburns, a Fat Stock Show (rude name after failing aforementioned dietary goals), romance, and a handful of unique National Days of Celebration.

This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Friday, which means restaurants are going to be slammed, and, if you’re not quick about it, you might find yourself at home with a pot of chili

mac and a bitter wife.

Before I jump into my recommendations for romantic dining in Dallas, I want to shed light on other holidays that are frequently overlooked due to sharing the date with Cupid.

“Valentine’s Day shares the spotlight with National Impotence Day. I’ve got nothing to add on that one.”

First, there’s Pet Theft Awareness Day. A downer, yes, but my own Westie was stolen back in 2015 and,

I’m just saying, the threat is real.

On a brighter note, it’s Library Lovers Day and all libraries deserve love these days.

It’s also Cream-Filled Chocolates Day and Chocolate Secrets has a creamy ancho chili-filled chocolate among its creative offerings.

Some folks wait all year for National Bonobo Day and, lucky for them, the Fort Worth Zoo houses several and will host an event in their honor. Bonobos are known as the “hippie apes” who like to make love, not war. Very romantic.

Last but not least, Valentine’s Day shares the spotlight with National Impotence Day. I’ve got nothing to add on that one.

Dallas has some obvious choices for romantic dinners. Carbone’s oldschool glamour and doting service is always impressive. Georgie’s vermillion velvet banquets and white table-

cloths set a romantic tone for couples who appreciate fine cuisine prepared by the exceptionally talented team led by RJ Yoakum. Tei-An’s quiet luxury and superb sashimi, soba, and other fine Japanese cuisine is quite romantic. To really impress, order the Krug Feature, tuna tartare with golden Russian caviar and a glass of Krug Grande cuvee.

For unique options, visit The Mitchell, a downtown cocktail lounge that serves excellent food as well, including oysters and caviar. It’s edgy and romantic at once. Uptown’s Bowen House is a gorgeous cocktail lounge and restaurant where you can sip creative cocktails such as Bhakta The Future while noshing on housemade chips with crème fraiche and caviar. Ayahuasca Cantina in Oak Cliff is a sexy, exotic Mexican cocktail lounge with elevated Central Mexico-inspired food.

If you prefer a low-key night in with your Valentine, consider ordering whatever Lucia is offering for its “Dinner to Go” special. Sometimes it’s a rich pasta dish, others it’s a glorious salumi board. No matter what, it’s going to be delicious.

Grilling steaks at home can also be romantic, especially when you bring home premium meat from Evan’s Meat Market.

If the weather is nice, order a charcuterie board from Scardello cheese shop, grab your favorite beverages and have a picnic at a nearby park.

Whatever you celebrate this month, enjoy!

Kersten Rettig, a freelance writer with leadership experience in the food and travel industries, lives in the Park Cities, where she is known as “the restaurant sherpa” for her recommendations. Follow her on Instagram @KerstenEats.

KERSTEN RETTIG

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Round Top’s iconic barns and tents are filled with antiques and unique finds. Hostie Vacation Rentals offers curated experiences including private transportation. Hostie lodging options include a three-bedroom home with a dreamy bathroom retreat designed by HGTV’s Leanne Ford and Grace Mitchell. The bi-annual fair ushers in stylish western wear with canine companions taking part in the fun. CLAUDIA CARSON-HABEEB AND HOSTIE VACATION RENTALS

LEFT TO RIGHT: Alexandra Billmyre, Austin Holmes, Amy Ford, Ryan Nordhaus*, Rob McAngus*+†, George Parker*, Jim Mueller*•+†, Charlie Hodges*•+†, Abby M. Foster*+, Shane Landers, Kim Meaders, Ravi Mohan, and Maddison Clark

Teton Village Vantage Point Puts Skiers in Perfect Position for Powder

By Diana Oates

Special Contributor

It’s an annual debate for Park Cities people each spring break — to ski or sunbathe? That is the question.

For the family that feels ski school and hot cocoa is more their speed, I ask them why not Wyoming? With a three-hour nonstop flight out of DFW Airport and endless options for year-round recreation, this epic outdoor destination should truly top everyone’s wanderlust list.

For ski-in, ski-out accommodations for families, the private retreats collection at the Four Seasons Resort & Residences

Jackson Hole is second to none. As families expand and kids grow, having space on vacation to spread out and relax becomes the true luxury. Offering two-to five-bedroom residences, these private spaces allow you to unplug and re-enter the après ski scene exactly when you want to. The full kitchens, washer/dryers, and living rooms are a gamechanger for feeling at home on the road.

Speaking of skiing, it is essential to equip your group with the amenities to make the most of your time on the slopes. The Four Seasons ski concierge helps with everything from rentals to instruction and will even store and dry your boots overnight.

The Kids Ranch operated by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers ski lessons for children and teens ages 3 to 17.

Not into skiing or snowboarding but enjoy the thrill of the winter season all-the-same?

Consider having the property schedule a sleigh ride or head over to Teton Village to ice skate on the Village Commons.

And while most of the activities are on the mountain during a ski trip, we are Dallasites, after all, and love to eat fabulous food and sip delicious drinks while we explore new parts of the country.

I was pleasantly surprised with the culinary offerings during my stay at Four Seasons

Simplified fares move you in the right direction.

Effective March 1:

Resort and Residences Jackson Hole with multiple meals in the cozy Handle Bar pub right on property. The Westbank Grill served sophisticated steakhouse classics in a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere. There is even a speakeasy called 80 Proof for craft cocktails in a resort guests-only environment. Other can’t miss cuisine in the Teton Village area includes Corsa for Italian and Teton Thai.

Pro tip: Order your Teton Thai to go and take it back to your private residence-style room for a perfect movie by the fire night post skiing. It’s tough to talk up a trip to Jackson Hole without also

reminding travelers to spend a couple hours wandering the charming downtown square.

Whether you are snapping a family photo at the iconic elk antler entrance or climbing up on a saddle for a local beer and live show at the Million Dollar Cowboy, there is something for everyone to check off their downtown to-do list here. Think fresh baked pastries and strong coffee at Persephone Bakery in the morning, shopping for boots and hats galore, and for dinner treating yourself to the iconic Snake River Grill.

However you spend your time in this town, I can guarantee it won’t be your last visit.

CLOCKWISE: The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is located in Teton Village just outside of the city center and offers a seamless ski in and ski out situation. After a long day of skiing, having room to relax in residence-style accommodations makes all the difference and is truly what turns a family trip into a vacation for all. The National Elk Refuge is home to a local herd of bison during the winter months which makes exciting encounters with the area’s amazing animal-life possible all year long. COURTESY FOUR

Musings on Travels, Tastes, and Valentine’s Day Apple Tarts

Travel adventures filled my 2024 –some close to home and others overseas. From Tyler, Texas, and Billings, North Dakota, to Nice, Barcelona, Tangier, Gran Canaria, and Paris, every visit introduced me to new flavors, gastronomic traditions, and mouthwatering dishes.

Scores of photographs captured at every opportunity now provide a catalog of my epicurean discoveries. East Texas barbecue, Marseille’s fresh markets, Barcelona’s paella and roasted lamb hip, the fragrant spice markets of Tangier, and in Paris – decadent pastries, chocolates of every shape and size, colorful macaron, and gorgeous wines tantalized my palate.

This year promises to be similar. This spring I’ll take my first transatlantic cruise from Miami to Lisbon with stops in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Azores.

Ingredients:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 firm apple, peeled and cored (I used Cosmic Crisp)

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed

1 ½ teaspoons Saigon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and

In early summer, we’ll be back in Colorado gathering with friends while grilling or cooking over a live fire, and in August a New York film crew arrives to film another season of At Home with Christy Rost. I’ll rejoin Atlas Ocean Voyages in October as a guest chef when we cruise from Dublin to Lisbon – a voyage that’s certain to result in recipe inspiration.

line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured pastry cloth or counter to a 12” X 9” rectangle, taking care to seal the folds in the pastry. Place a 6-inch round cake pan or bowl on half the pastry, cut around the pan with a sharp knife, and repeat on the other half of the pastry to form two circles. Transfer the circles to the baking sheet and chill while preparing the apple filling. Gently fold the remaining puff pastry, wrap well, and freeze for appetizers or other use.

Slice the apple into 1/8-inch thin slices and place them in a medium bowl. In a small

sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Pour over the apples, add lemon juice, and gently toss with a rubber spatula until the apples are well coated.

Remove the pastry from the refrigerator, brush with melted butter, and using your fingers, roll the edge inward to form a rim around both tarts. Arrange apple slices in a spiral inside the tart, overlapping the slices. Apples will form a peak in the center which will drop as the tart bakes. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until the apples soften and the pastry browns and puffs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Yield: 2 individual tarts

Before boarding the ship, Randy and I will explore and taste our way through Ireland to sample its rich culinary traditions and today’s epicurean trends. Always searching for stunning, but easy recipe ideas to share with my readers and TV audience, I’m looking forward to stops in France and Spain before we dock in Lisbon.

This month’s Valentine dessert was inspired by my visit to France for a Paris Fashion Trip.

French apple tarts are melt-inthe-mouth, personal-size pastries served warm from the oven with or

without a scoop of ice cream. Thinly sliced apples accented with cinnamon sugar, nutmeg, and cardamom are cradled in puff pastry, then baked shortly before serving for an impressive, yet easy grande finale to a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

“Always searching for stunning, but easy recipe ideas to share with my readers and TV audience, I’m looking forward to stops in France and Spain before we dock in Lisbon.”

Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime resident of the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. Her ‘At Home with Christy Rost’ cooking series for Eat This TV Network airs on AmazonFire, AppleTV+, Roku, Samsung TV, and YouTube. Visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.

CHRISTY ROST

CHRISTY ROST

NOV. 21

Doing The Most Good Luncheon, Hilton Anatole. Gene Jones, Haley Anderson, Laura Bush, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Lori Jones, Meredith Counce, Meredith Land, and Bina Palnitkar. COURTESY THE SALVATION ARMY OF NORTH TEXAS

OCT. 23

AWARE Affair Boots, Buckles and Brain Health 2025 Gala kickoff party, home of Gail Plummer and John Cattaneo. David McDavid Jr., Karen Koop, Gail Plummer, and John Cattaneo.

ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO

NOV. 13

A Writer’s Garden Star Style Glamour for the Home & Garden, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Joni Krieg, Tonya Trest, Lilli Braniff, Terri Billingsley, and Mary Griggs.

DEC. 10

A Night to Remember: Kicking Off the 2025 Nexus Mothers’ Brunch & Bazaar, Lela Rose boutique in Highland Park Village. Cathleen Griffith, Lili Luth, Cameron Hernholm, and Maggie Kipp. COURTESY NEXUS

DEC. 9

Women for Orphans Worldwide Heart of Hope Luncheon and Orphan Outreach Marketplace, Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel. Liz Williamson, Amy Schwetz, Amy Bowers, and Margo Isbell. COURTESY WOMEN FOR ORPHANS WORLDWIDE

NOV. 8

Rising GENerosity initiative announcement party, Park House. Courtney Underwood, OJ DeSouza, Mackenzie Causey, and Jenn DeSouza.

DEC. 5

DIFFA Dallas Holiday Wreath Collection, The Empire Room. Steve Lopez, Julie Lindley, Darren Deville, and Skylar Conte. DANNY CAMPBELL

JAN. 7

Dallas Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars Luncheon, Park City Club. Linda Clark, Marcelyn Atwood, and Elizabeth McCormick. COURTESY NATAN TON-THAT

NOV. 9

The Folds of Honor North Texas Annual Gala, AT&T Stadium. Holly and Jim Trester. CHRIS WAITS

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Luxury Living in Gated Lake Forest

This beautifully updated home at 12215 Park Forest Drive (12215parkforest.daveperrymiller.com) in the prestigious guard-gated Lake Forest community, offers refined finishes and unparalleled comfort. Newly listed by Laura Michelle for $1,595,000.

A gracious entry with soaring ceilings welcomes you, flanked by a formal dining room and a library adorned with built-in shelving. The great room, open to the kitchen and breakfast area, features a cozy fireplace and a wall of windows overlooking a private landscaped courtyard.

The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, showcasing quartz countertops, a center island, built-in refrigerator, gas cooktop, and double ovens. The first-floor primary suite includes a spa-like retreat with double vanities, a separate shower, and a custom walk-in closet. Upstairs, you’ll find a versatile living area and two additional bedrooms with a shared bath.

Lake Forest’s 170 acres of park-like grounds include walking trails, serene lakes, a community pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and dog parks. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!

To schedule a showing, contact Laura at 214-2283854 or laura@dpmre.com.

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (dpmre.com) is a division of the Ebby Halliday Companies, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, specializing in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, Lakewood, East Dallas, Uptown, Kessler Park, and Farm & Ranch properties.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP

Striking New Construction by Crescent Estates

Striking new construction by Crescent Estates behind a walled and gated 1.8-acre estate in the heart of Old Preston Hollow offers a resort-style experience in one’s own backyard. 10006 Hollow Way was just completed in November 2024. This primarily one-level home with sleek modern design boasts expansive art walls, warm transitional finishes and an incredible U-shaped floorplan, is ideal for entertaining and everyday living.

The primary wing includes a coffee/wine bar, sitting area, gym and fireplace with separate large closets and dual spalike bathrooms flanking a private courtyard. Three more large en-suite bedrooms and a play room are on an adjacent wing.

The primary wing includes a coffee/wine bar, sitting area, gym and fireplace with separate large closets and dual spalike bathrooms flanking a private courtyard. Three more large en-suite bedrooms and a playroom are on an adjacent wing.

A full bar with separate wine room anchors spacious formals and dining areas. The vaulted great room with chef’s kitchen and large seated island opens onto one of multiple covered terraces with drop down screens – all overlooking the 42-ft pool and spa. A handsome game room, card room and media are all downstairs, easily accessible to the central living areas.

Brilliantly designed guest wing includes a two-room suite with fireplace and full bath, and an open-air loggia that connects to an entertainment pavilion with living area, fireplace, kitchen with pizza oven and dining area. Steel and glass panels can be retracted to open the pavilion to the seating areas with a fire pit overlooking the pool and regulation sized lighted tennis court - also outfitted for pickleball and a two-goal basketball court. Completing this outdoor paradise is a 2-hole putting green, also lit for night play.

Contact Charles Gregory (214.929.4434) or Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) for more information or visit www. DPMFineHomes.com

UTD Partnership Blossoms

Ebby Halliday Companies Senior Vice President of Brokerage Malinda Howell recently spoke to students in UTD’s management program.

Students at The University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management recently put the finishing touches on their Capstone Senior Projects. The projects provide opportunities for business students to test their knowledge of what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in industry settings.

During the Fall semester, UTD students collaborated with the Ebby Halliday Companies Marketing team, learning how to solve real-world business issues faced in the daily operations of a team that serves the marketing needs of one of America’s largest and most-admired real estateservices companies.

“I greatly enjoyed working with students from UTD,” says Steve Smith, Vice President of Marketing for the Ebby Halliday Companies. “In frequent collaboration sessions, these talented students came prepared to share their researchsupported feedback and offer realistic solutions to business challenges.”

As part of their commitment to the Capstone program, companies provide timely feedback to project teams, hold regular meetings, and provide necessary guidance as projects progress.

In addition to partnering with UTD’s Naveen Jindal School of Management for semester-long Capstone projects, the Ebby Halliday Companies are proud to annually financially support several deserving UTD students in their educational endeavors via the Ebby Halliday Scholarship program.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Host a gathering in a modern home

Find a modern home with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates expert.

With expansive windows that invite natural light, a modern home provides the perfect backdrop for a party.

The clean lines and open spaces create a festive canvas. A modular layout offers endless possibilities for transforming the space, adding seasonal touches to any property.

An expert with Allie Beth Allman & Associates can show you a host of possibilities among modern properties available in DFW.

At 3501 University Blvd., modern meets meticulous craftsmanship in this seven-bedroom, 7.2 bath home in University Park. With 6,669 square feet, the property features a secluded primary suite, with a balcony overlooking the beautiful back yard.

The entertaining space includes a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen that flows seamlessly into a family room, along with a built-in wine cooler, butler’s pantry and wet bar.

A modern oasis exists at 9630 Inwood Road in Preston Hollow. The property is surrounded by lush landscaping, offering privacy amid elegance. Soaring ceilings define the renovated interior, along with a stunning 90-year-old burning bush mahogany crotch wood fireplace surround in the grand living room, and sleek European style kitchen cabinetry with top-ofthe-line appliances.

Find the ideal home with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates real estate expert. Connect with an agent: https://www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

1747

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Brokerage touts significant home sales in University Park for 2024

Trust the leaders in selling homes in University Park, Allie Beth Allman & Associates, to sell your home this spring market.

If you must sell your home in University Park, your next call should be to the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates, who are the leader in home sales in the Park Cities.

Here are six significant sales from the Allie Beth Allman & Associates team in 2024. The expert agents can provide a plan to sell your home for top dollar.

You might have marveled at the beautiful, Southern-style home at 3825 Potomac Ave. It has a spacious foyer that leads to formal living and a wellness room. A guest house has a full bath and a new gym.

The five-bedroom home at 3116 Caruth Blvd. was designed by SHM Architects. The 7,300-square-foot home has tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. A game room is on the mezzanine level.

Home shoppers loved the five-bedroom home at 3612 Centenary Ave. The home features a study with butternut paneling and leather ceiling. Its kitchen has four ovens, ready for the grandest parties.

The transitional-style, four-bedroom home at 3844 Greenbrier Drive sold in the fairway. The home has a large foyer and formal living and dining rooms to host dinner parties. The beautiful European bar features antique brick and a 1000-bottle wine chiller.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Notable Highland Park homes sell in 2024

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents have led in the sale of Highland Park homes for numerous years, according to data from the Multiple Listing Service.

While the Dallas market naturally experiences changes, one thing has remained true for some years: Allie Beth Allman & Associates continues to lead in Highland Park sales.

The luxury brokerage’s expert agents know this neighborhood inside and out, and they proved their skill once again in 2024.

With unmatched numbers and an expansive reach with buyers nationwide, Allie Beth Allman & Associates is the clear choice for discerning homeowners looking to sell their properties. Here’s a look at some significant Highland Park sales agents executed seamlessly in 2024.

At 4000 Gillon Ave., the lucky new owners gained a stately masterpiece inside and out. Adorned with all the bells and whistles—including an elevator, an entertainer’s dream backyard, and spacious formals for elegant hosting.

A new construction at 4408 Lorraine Ave. also changed hands. The heart of the home is a light-filled open space holding the main living area, dining area and gourmet kitchen. From there, you’re just steps away from the covered veranda, and heated pool and spa.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates represented the sellers and brought the buyer for 4352 Fairfax Ave. The home attracted its new stewards with perks like a downstairs primary suite and C-shaped floor with beautiful views of the serene backyard.

Experience unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views in this exceptional 3-bedroom residence at Hall Arts Residences, nestled in the heart of Dallas’ vibrant Arts District. This sophisticated home is defined by its refined design and high-end finishes, featuring soaring 11’ floorto-ceiling windows, a Bulthaup kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, an Eggersmann custom closet, and Dornbracht fixtures throughout. Lutron shades add an extra touch of convenience and style, completing this one-of-a-kind living experience. Enjoy a comprehensive suite of amenities, including 247 valet service, on-site concierge, a resortinspired pool and spa, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, and a pet-friendly dog park with grooming facilities. For outdoor enthusiasts and entertainers, there’s a putting green, multiple indoor and outdoor kitchens with grilling areas, and numerous spaces for hosting guests. This is a truly exceptional address offering a lifestyle of elegance, convenience, and comfort.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Choose bountiful living for the holidays

Plan gatherings for years to come in one of these homes offered by Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents.

Whether you are looking for a modern or traditional style home, the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates can help you find a beautiful new residence in a great neighborhood that will open a path to your new adventure. Consider one of these spectacular homes, now available through an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent.

The French-transitional-style home at 5414 Edlen Drive has six bedrooms and sits on an acre of land in Preston Hollow. Inside, delight at the 25-foot foyer and floating staircase. Or relax in front of a hand-carved marble fireplace. Your guests will enjoy a drinking glass of something special from the 2,000-bottle wine vault or kicking back in the dramatic speakeasy beside a luxurious bar. Outside is a covered patio with remote-controlled shades beside a pool and spa.

If you prefer a newly constructed home, tour the fivebedroom home at 3936 Amherst Ave. The home has an open floor plan with eight baths and a kitchen that is equipped with high-end appliances and opens to a breakfast room. Find the right home with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates real estate expert. Connect with an expert agent: https://www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents

BETH ALLMAN 6 tips for preparing your home to sell

Spring market will come early this year, according to the luxury real estate experts with

Now is the time to get your home

Here are some helpful tips from the agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates to prepare your home to sell. Be sure to get in touch with the leading brokerage soon so an agent can help you list your home strategically.

1. Declutter and de-personalize your spaces. Tuck away distracting items such as family portraits, sentimental knick-knacks, or bold artwork.

2. Make the little fixes. Small jobs done now can pay off huge later, since buyers will love that your home is wellmaintained. Remember that buyers want move-in-ready.

3. Consider repainting inside and out. A new coat on the front door can instantly increase first impressions and painted interiors exude palpable freshness.

4. Put love into your landscaping. Hire a service to groom the grounds or brighten up your front yard with flowers, organic grasses or elegant bushes.

5. Make your spaces sparkling clean. Bring in professionals to deep clean everything from carpets to windows, so there isn’t an odor or stain to be found.

6. Lastly, start working with an agent you trust now. The agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates can assess your home and give you a tailored plan to get your property in selling shape for the spring market.

ALLIE

Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

ready to sell.

URBAN

Leonard St #1401

by: Ani Nosnik & Sanders Avrea