The late, great Bill Booziotis lent his name to all manner of Dallas buildings, from museums to churches to sleek Turtle Creek high-rises. But the acclaimed architect was arguably at his best when it came to single-family residences, designing contemporary homes that somehow concentrated the quiet grandeur of a museum into livable, light-filled spaces. It’s apparent, for instance, in the Preston Hollow home he designed to include a private art gallery. And his 12 Royal Way, now on the market, is no different—with expansive display walls and abundant natural light, the four-bed, four-and-a-half bath home is ideal for an avid art collector.
“There’s an incredible timelessness to this home,” says listing agent Sylvia Scott. “It has a unique aesthetic that I would never change, with a very organic, simple flow.”
Likely custom-built, the 1978 home’s exterior features copper roofing, distinctive brickwork, and a cylindrical, silo-like structure concealing the stairwell. Just as much attention to detail is paid to the interiors, which feature travertine floors, brass handrails beside the stairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows in every room save for two of the bedrooms.
All of those windows let in the light needed to illuminate artwork—both pieces that already exist in the home, and the ones its new owner is sure to add. There’s an infinity-light installation in the first-floor hallway that you might miss if you don’t tilt your head back to look; and facing the living room window is an iron gate speckled with circular cutouts, designed by renowned Dallas sculptor George Tobolowsky. The centerpiece of the living room itself is a large, blank wall; Scott’s clients commissioned art to adorn it, and future owners have their pick on how they’ll customize it, too.
But outdoor entertaining comes just as naturally as art appreciation at 12 Royal Way. Everything, Scott says, centers around a courtyard—the living areas’ windows all gaze out at it, while two upstairs bedrooms have access to overlooking balconies. There’s enough room there to seat guests around a fire pit or the tranquil in-ground water feature.
Only 28 properties make up the private, limited-access enclave that is Royal Way. Besides having its own pool, tennis court, and green spaces, the tight-knit community also boasts an unbeatable location close to the tollway and Dallas’ best private schools.
“It’s centrally located and yet still very quiet,” says Scott. “Very few homes come on the market in this little pocket, but this one is so special.”
Check out the photo gallery to see more of this unique home.
Author
Julianna Chen
Julianna Chen is a regular contributor for D Magazine, covering homes, weddings, food, and more. Born and raised in Pittsburgh before moving to Dallas, she loves everything about Texas, except for the Cowboys.