Dean Gardens, Estate of the Day
Today's estate is one of Georgia's most lavish. Dean Gardens in Johns Creek was created by Larry Dean, a software entrepreneur, who created this massive home with 58 acres that include elaborate gardens. Dean has been trying to determine what to do with the home and surrounding property for several years including floating ideas for turning it into a subdivision with condos. The listing says the home was recently appraised for $35 million. It includes two carriage house apartments, a caretakers cottage, wedding chapel, Asian tea garden, grass tennis courts, amphitheater, conservatory ,lake and 18 hole golf course.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently reported that the property has been on and off the market for 15 years for prices ranging from $20 million to $40 million. Compared to that the current price of $13.9 million seems like a steal.
The details here are just extraordinary, a hodgepodge of tastes and styles. The rotunda was inspired by Florence's Brunelleschi Cathedral. Art Deco and Art Nouveau flourishes abound in the bedrooms. Much of the terrace level is given over to a Moroccan theme and a game room has a 1950s diner look. A separate website devoted to the home shows off the many theme rooms including the Peacock room, the Egyptian suite and the elaborate French bedroom.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dringgoldl Jun 23rd 2009 1:30PM
This place has been for sale for so long that there must be something that turns folks off. I suspect it is the cost of renovating and maintaining such a large property. At one point, it was said that Michael Jackson was considering purchasing the place but, like all other potential buyers, decided not to purchase.
Is see no other option than turning the property into a subdivision with the main house serving as a country club. The house itself is hideous but the grounds are quite exquisite.
Nelson Jun 23rd 2009 1:51PM
OMG...I am left speechless!
nthn Jun 23rd 2009 2:15PM
Now that is an estate.
Valerie Jun 23rd 2009 2:19PM
Stunning,perfect in every way.This is my true definition of an estate.I love it.
Spectacular Bid Jun 23rd 2009 2:41PM
dringgoldl wrote ".. there must be something that turns folks off..", where to begin, come on this property has set the bar ever since it was built for bad taste. Not even 1970's Las Vegas Elvis could've ordered up something that reaches new lows for with it being an architectural and interior design monstrosity.
For years was a staple in the real estate publications of DuPont and Unique Homes with likely countless thousands pumped into marketing it for sale. People likely were crying so hard with laughter. The sad thing is that Mr. Dean actually has all along thought he built something of beauty.
Unquestionably it was his prerogative to do so but he wasted his money building it, furnishing it, upkeep and taxes. Environmentally he ruined a perfectly good parcel of land. The largest injustice is that during this whole time many magnificent estates have met the wrecking ball while this pile continues to stand.
tonashideska Jun 23rd 2009 3:03PM
Tear it down and plant peanuts!