About
The construction of the mega started back in 1995. It was planned to be built along Strait Lane, accurately described as "Billionaire's Row". The lead architect, Robbie Fusch, along with his architecture company worked diligently on floor plans for the monstrosity. Once everything was ready to go, construction on the home was started in 1995. The 10 acre lot was situated at 10330 Strait Lane, a couple doors down from Ross Perot and other famous residents. Everything seemed to be on track until July 2002.
Just weeks from completion, the security guard for the estate noticed thick black smoke coming from the front of the mansion. In a quick attempt to save the house, he rapidly called the Dallas Fire Department. Once the first units arrived on scene, a working fire had already been growing larger. A total of 300 firefighters fought the blaze for over 8 hours and were unable to save the mansion. In the firefight, 4 fighters had to be taken to the hospital for wounds pertaining to the fire. The owner was not living in the estate at the time and was no doubt anxiously awaiting its completion. After the fire, damage was dubbed at $20 million.
Chateau du Triomphe was certainly a residence stopped short of making history - at the time, it would have been the second largest home in America. Valued at $44.9 million dollars, the unmistakably French chateau boasted a variety of uncommon amenities, especially back in 2002. These amenities included:
-A total of 4 bedroom suites
-Olympic-styled swimming pool
-2,566 sq. foot gate/guard house (which still stands today)
-20,000 bottle wine room
-16 car garage
-indoor car washing facility
-17,000 sq. foot basement
-2 porte cocheres
-6,200 sq. foot natatorium
-3 stories
-gift-wrapping room
-butler's pantry
-balconies
-separated into 4 "apartments" each with its own living room, bath, kitchen, and bedroom
-changing room
-tasting room
-loggia
-billiards room
-21 seat home theater
-scenic grounds with lush pastures and creek views
Certainly, the masterpiece residence was stopped short of making history. Today, the 2,566 sq. foot gate/guard house still stands with clearly seen imprints of where the estate once laid its foundation. The Dallas Appraisal District shows the address to be 10330 Strait Lane. The total land appraisal is over $13 million. Norm Green, former owner of the Dallas Stars, currently lives directly next to the property where Chateau du Triomphe once stood.
Owners
Some sources, like D Magazine, say Nathalie and Jean-Raymond Boulle owned the mega mansion. Jean Raymond Boulle is a very successful miner who sold Diamond Field Resources for a high amount of money.
Original rendering of the mansion
Two pictures of the gate house that still stands to this day, built in 1996
Construction photos
(Above photos courtesy of The Paging Information Resource)
As you can tell, the heavy fire demised everything
The property has been listed for sale several times with the 2,566 sq. foot guard house and remaining privacy walls. Drive by today and you will catch a glimpse of the large iron gates and guard house near the front. The possible cause of the fire is under question, but several speculate the construction workers did not properly put away their highly flammable materials igniting a large fire in a matter of minutes. The property has remained vacant and inactive since the fire. Kay Coughlin from Christie's International Real Estate originally listed the nearly $50 million dollar home and once stated that the fire was "a shame." After a 6 alarm fire, I agree - it is truly a shame that Chateau du Triomphe was unable to show off its grandiose appearance due to a massive fire that could have been prevented.
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