Now marked down: Dallas mansions

Now marked down: Dallas mansions
By Steve Brown / The Dallas Morning News

The French-style Highland Park house has limestone floors, a three-car garage, a swimming pool and guest quarters out back. But what's likely to catch a buyer's eye is the sign out front: "New Price."Now offered at $4.45 million, the 6,788-square-foot mansion has been marked down by close to $1 million since it came on the market last spring.

"It's one of those listings you are scratching your head," said agent Joan Eleazer. "You know that the market is bad, but why hasn't this great house sold?"

With the latest price cut, Eleazer, who works for Briggs Freeman, is finally getting some nibbles from potential buyers.

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A look inside Dallas designer James McInroe's home

James McInroe opens the door of his apartment wearing a T-shirt that declares, "Black is the new black." His trademark rectangular frames are accented with gold, his belt is vintage Gucci, and his sneakers, yes sneakers, are Puma, trimmed in black patent and yellow.

Get ready to rumble.

The designer's wardrobe echoes his envied portfolio of Dallas interiors. A McInroe room is an amalgam of disparate furnishings that would quietly sing on their own, but shout at top decibel under his orchestration.

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French Renaissance Architectural Design | Park Cities Architecture

The French Renaissance Chateau is modeled after the renaissance castles in France which were modeled after castles in Italy. Recognized for its castle-like dormers, towers and shell keeps, homes with French Renaissance archtecture often create the illusion of a protected castle with a psuedo draw-bridge effect. Grand gated entries give the illusion of a fortified fortress.

Aspects of French Renaissance Architectural Design

Dormers
Shell Keeps
Towers
Turrets
Natural Stone
Carved Stone
Gardens
Grand Entries
Ballrooms
Spiral Staircase
Engraving
Itallianate Style

An example of French Renaissance includes The Lourve Museum in Paris, France.