UPDATE: Woodlands 30,000 sq ft estate, DanMar Manor, auctioned off

UPDATE:

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - DanMar Manor, the 30,000-square-foot mansion located on a 4.2-acre estate in the Carlton Woods neighborhood of The Woodlands, Texas, finally has a buyer.

Originally listed for 19 million, the estate was up for auction for $6 million. A New Jersey entrepreneur, whose identity has not disclosed, is under contract for the massive estate. Purportedly, the buyer is not in the oil and gas industry, nor the medical field.

The starting bid price of $6 million was a steep 68 percent discount from the $19 million list price when the property was first put on the market in 2010. Over 100 prospective buyers are said to have inquired about the estate, but the immense size would require a staff akin to that of Downton Abbey to maintain.

No word yet on when the moving vans will arrive, or the sequel to Downton Abbey will be aired.



ORIGINAL ARTICLE

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Platinum Luxury Auctions, a luxury real estate auction firm specializing in the non-distressed sale of multimillion-dollar properties, has announced the upcoming auction of "DanMar Manor," a 30,000-square-foot estate located north of Houston in The Woodlands, Texas. On February 20th, the property is scheduled for a live auction sale, wherein the highest bidder who meets or exceeds the auction's reserve price of $6 million becomes its new owner.

As per the property's current owners – who hired Platinum for the sale after interviewing several real estate auction firms – the estate costs nearly $20 million to construct and furnish, which does not account for the cost of its 4.2-acre parcel. It is located in Carlton Woods, a private and gated community that is considered the most posh residential enclave within The Woodlands. Platinum is managing the sale in cooperation with listing agent Deborah Coleman Ratcliff of Coleman Realty Services in Conroe, Texas.

"This property isn't just another big Texas mansion," stated Trayor Lesnock, Platinum's president. "At the risk of sounding cliché, it really is the byproduct of a great American success story: built buy a husband and wife – high school sweethearts celebrating 53 years of marriage – who both came from very humble beginnings, worked hard to find success in business, and then decided to use the fruits of their labor to create a special home inspired by their life experiences and dreams."

With a tasteful, French Renaissance-inspired design, 30,000 interior square feet of living space and 7,000 square feet of terraces and balconies, the estate is truly fit for today's "king and queen." There are three living levels, 8 bedrooms, 13 full and 5 half bathrooms in the main estate, in addition to two, one-bedroom guest apartments that each offer a private kitchen and bath. There is also a pool house that features a full kitchen, bathroom, and living area, with glass doors that open to the pool deck.

Two custom, wrought iron gates, a four-tier stone fountain and 20,000 square feet of driveway pavers provide a sense of grandeur to the property's exterior and grounds. That grandeur continues inside the estate, with an impressive foyer that could easily be mistaken for that of a five-star resort. Extensive use of marble, architectural columns, crystal chandeliers (28 of them, to be exact) and rich woods throughout the estate augment its sense of timeless elegance.

The nearly 3,000-square-foot master suite boasts a large sitting lounge with fireplace, his-and-hers luggage closets and a fitness room with a private shampoo salon. Seven additional bedrooms in the main estate are spacious suites, each specifically designed and decorated in a unique theme. Examples include the Harlow Suite (inspired by actress Jean Harlow) and the Casablanca Suite (inspired by both the Moroccan city and the famous 1940's American film of the same name).

The estate's third level is where its elegance is balanced with a sense of fun and whimsy. A spectacular home theater with a custom, "Hollywood marquee" entry is located next to a 1950's-style diner and concession area, which was recreated with impressive accuracy and detail. There is also a handsome gentleman's parlor with a full bar, gaming area and lounge. One of the eight suites – the sumptuous VIP Suite – is also located on the third level.

Other prominent features of the mansion include five full kitchens and four kitchenettes, a wine room, formal dining, and a handsome gentleman's library with private elevator service. There is also a vast, executive office wing that would rival that of most Wall Street CEO's, with features such as a separate associate/assistant's office, wet bar, and even a designated "negotiation room." Additional highlights include a custom pool and spa, outdoor summer loggia, two, 3-car garages, and ample storage rooms.

"It's quite literally impossible to come even close to reproducing this property at anywhere near the significantly discounted pricing presented by this month's auction," noted David Ashcroft, Platinum's corporate liaison and the project manager for the sale. "The opportunity to obtain a $20 million estate for less than $7 million is an incredible deal no matter how you slice it."

Often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Texas," Carlton Woods is the premier gated enclave in The Woodlands, a massive, master-planned community occupying 28,000 acres just north of Houston. In addition to a collection of residential communities and subdivisions, The Woodlands is home to various corporate parks, more than 150 restaurants, a long roster of retail and entertainment centers, seven golf courses, 128 parks, and two college-level educational institutions.

Property previews are available daily and by private appointment, between the hours of 12:00 and 5:00pm (CST). Interested parties may contact Platinum Luxury Auctions at 800.974.9661 or visit WoodlandsLuxuryAuction.com for additional details.