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If you have ever traveled north or south bound on Interstate 35 near the town of Sanger outside of Denton, chances are you have spotted this unfinished, uncompleted, and vacant mansion. The mansion has stirred controversy and talk among north Texas residents for years; everyone wants to know about "that big house on I35".
The mansion, along with a horse barn, was built in the early 1980's by Joe and Jill Powell. Mr. Powell sold horses for a living and decided to construct his estate with appeal to his horse buyers. When his clients arrived to purchase horses, they would be able to stay and rest, much like a hotel or inn. The home was designed for two parts: a single residence for the Powells and a guest serving hotel. Powell intended for the home to include several bedrooms and hotel like features including an elevator and a third level ballroom for entertaining purposes.
The surrounding grounds, approximately 72 acres, were also purchased by the Powells for horse barns and other equestrian purposes. After construction, the Powells had planned for the mansion to include nearly 30,000 sq. feet of living space.
From the mid 1980's, the story becomes a little unclear. It is rumored that the Powells suffered from a nasty divorce. After the divorce, it was unclear which individual would receive the mansion, so they just...left it. Many rumors have circled north Texas, including ones saying the mansion is haunted, but no one has confirmed the validity of the matter.
Recently, the grounds including the mansion were bought by a Denton catering company, Fremaux's Metropolitan Catering. The company caters events all over north Texas from birthdays to weddings. On Fremaux's Metropolitan Catering's website, the company details plans of the huge mansion to be turned into a wedding chateau. The surrounding grounds would be included in the wedding chateau for outdoor activities and ceremonies. Fremaux's Metropolitan Catering is still in the process of buying and turning the once vacant mansion into a place of celebration.
As a north Texas resident with family all over north Texas, I frequently, as many of you, drive along I35 and wonder about "that big house on I35." I am so glad to see some closure on this mansion as I have sometimes wondered what would become of it. I can't wait to see the completed project!
Rendering of the Final Plan:
For more on Chateau Fremaux's construction process and final vision, visit
Thanks for reading,
