REDEFINING MODEL…

High-end home builders usually don’t have model homes available to the public. Not when they build 7,000-square-foot-plus homes at upwards of $350 a square foot. But drive by 5506 Walnut Hill Ln. and the home you see under construction–the mansion on the corner–is a model home for Sharif-Munir Builders. Scheduled completion: December 2007.

The home is exquisitely crafted, like all of Sharif-Munir’s work. I am a very picky person when it comes to homebuilders, and I’ve heard of many of the nightmares homeowners have experienced with shoddy homebuilders. (In fact, I have thought of starting a blog where homeowners can share beefs!) Sharif-Munir is one of the best, a company that has been around for a long time in Dallas. They build solid, quality homes at all price levels while their focus is on the higher end home. They offer a top quality finish out and this home will be subtly loaded with all the various styles of woods, moldings, finishes, surfaces even countertop edges available in a Sharif-Munir home. Yet you will never know it, Mickey Munir says; the flow of various materials through the house is seamless. Architectural plans by the very capable Don Caperton of Caperton Johnson. Interior design by Nancy Ross. Five bedrooms, five full, and three half baths, formals, great room, study, bar/butlers, media room, game room, wine closet. Cool features: Mickey says every home he builds south of LBJ has two things that are givens–huge his and her master baths, and a Ritz-Carlton style guest bath with separate tub and walk-in shower. In addition, this home has a computer nook with pocket doors off the study to hide the computers, wires, and bills that we all scramble to hide before a party. In this house, you just shut the door. Another brilliant touch: secret panel door to the “bird’s nest balcony” over the front main entrance 22 feet up. I’ve always wondered, how do you clean way up there?