Walking through the front door and past an elegant aquarium filled with exotic tropical fish and coral, you’ll be reminded of Miami. Continue through the sweeping dining room, past the kitchen decked out in Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and granite-slab counters, and into the dramatic great room floating above the trees, and you’ll get a sense of New York City design coupled with an upstate New York countryside view. A board conference room and library overlook the pool and forest beyond, perfect for those who prefer to work from home. In fact, with a movie theater, gym, and saltwater infinity “floating” pool just steps away, you never really have to leave the grounds.

Quality infuses every detail of this home: the silent, automated window coverings; the exquisite wood cabinets; the wood-lined elevator complete with a state-of-the-art phone system. In the master suite, which along with an adjacent patio is suspended above the trees, the blinds move with the touch of a finger, and the artfully rendered light fixtures provide peaceful illumination.

But for all its ethereal beauty, Oak Mount Place has rock-solid vitals: built in 2009, the home has 6026 square feet, four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, and three decks overlooking the woods and that gorgeous pool and spa. Walls of glass surround the kitchen, family and living areas, but the area is so secluded, those automatic window coverings might not even be necessary.

This house—designed by Mark Domiteaux, built by Ron Smith of Quorum Design + Construct, and expertly decorated by Ron’s wife, interior designer Abby Smith—would be right at home in Malibu. Lucky for you its owners chose North Dallas, where it’s available for a mere $2,750,000 (in Preston Hollow it could easily fetch $5 million). Before you sneeze at the price, go see it. Very motivated sellers who have put their heart and soul into this home are ready to say goodbye, and I have to tell you, the interior rivals that of a certain famous white house on Northaven Road.

Listed with Suzy Hotchkiss of Ebby Halliday.

But hurry: post goes up tomorrow!

I have written about almost all these homes, especially 6520 Northaven.  The Tudor stone manse is situated on two acres and offers nature views from every window.  Wrap-around verandas overlook a gracefully designed pool, an entertainment pavilion with story-book charm, and the lake.  A split lower level offers multiple rooms and opens to a patio with an enormous stone fireplace. This was once the home of Darryl and Diane Johnston, but they sold it about three years ago and moved over to a gorgeous Shariff-Munir home in Bluffview. Deal of a lifetime, this baby’s in foreclosure.

6506 Northaven elicits the “O” word from me. This is a must-see home, typical of what I call the new Dallas contemporary — kind of an Austin-style with Dallas elegance. Must see the kitchen and back yard. If I could steal a house, this is the one I’d get sticky fingers over. Well, this one or…

I’ve written about 6424 Belmead previously here, too. Gorgeous home, Bently Tibbs, splendid design and location, and the neighbors aren’t too shabby, either.

Tell you what: I’ll lay out on a longue chair in my front yard with a few brewskis, a light reflector and the radio blaring from the double-wide while we clean out the septic system.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

You’ve heard me rattle and rave about 1112 S. Canterbury Court previously. Well hold onto your britches, because 808 North Bishop, pictured, is just amazing for $482,000. The Pride of Bishop — a one-of-a-kind Craftsman. Built in 1942 but fully restored in 2007, keeping P.C. — that’s period correctness –  in mind. Bright, open spaces, pine floors, 10′ ceilings, restored original windows, grand balconies with full on views of downtown Dallas. Updates include total rewiring, new HVAC, new roof in ’07, water heaters, gorgeous kitchen(s) with stainless everything, glass tile back splash, walk-in car wash shower, huge walk-in closet in 3276 gorgeously cared-for square feet. Bishop is a must-see even if you aren’t interested in buying a house.

But do scurry on over to sleek 909 Knott Place – a 3/2 with formals, contemporary kitchen featuring custom cabs, quartz counters, stainless appliances, glass and marble back splash, walnut stained island overlooking great room,  42 x 21 master suite retreat upstairs with sitting area and spa bath could be the setting for a whole season of “Desperate D’s” . And Oh. My. God. Just look at  Nob Hill Place.

Now here’s the best part about this Sunday open house: it ends with brewskis. Turns out the owners of  808 N. Bishop Ave., Corinna & Ron Wills, also own The Beckley Brewhouse.  The Brewhouse is usually closed on Sundays; however, they are going to open their doors immediately following the Oak Cliff Tour of Homes on Sunday, July 18, 2010, from 4pm to 10pm with the kind of hospitality I love — no food, just drinks! Even better, cheap drinks!  Happy Hour will be 4pm to 6pm with $1 off wells and beers.

Sunday is going to be a fabulous day in the O.C: 99 degrees for the high, clear sun, the Oak Cliff Tour of homes, and $1 Brewskis.

Designed by E.G. Hamilton, there are four homes with a landscaped main motor court that is beautifully landscaped, crisp exterior white walls and black lacquered front door. Four levels of home: basement media room or office (coooool), storage room, and three floors above ground. The architect and builder used their heads: all levels are accessed by a staircase (rich walnut steps) or elevator.

Are you sitting down for this one? New listing, 3,120 square foot mid century modern home built in 1958 nestled on a deep 2/3 acre lot overlooking a peaceful lake. The large backyard is private (no neighbors spying from across the lake) with new Brazilian hardwood (Ipe) deck and resurfaced swimming pool. Towering oaks  shade the front yard and home. Inside, the updated gourmet kitchen has granite counters, Sub-Zero, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid appliances, opens to breakfast area and large garden room. Four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, vaulted ceilings, gas-burning fireplace to the garden room with large glass panes that boast spectacular views of the lake. There are 4 large bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths each with some updates, but remain true to their mid-century roots with original tile. The master bedroom has a dressing area, direct access to a bath, large window to lake view. There is an abundance of closet space including a walk-in cedar closet. The formal Dining Room is currently used as a media room — totally cool, who eats anymore? $625,000 and that is not a misprint. Open Sunday 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. go feast your eyes, but bring your checkbook or i Pad to write a contract. 6503 Lange Circle. Hickman + Weber Group today, 214-355-3122.

As described by the architect it is Texas Modern with a little “wabi sabi”. “ Wabi”, the humble alongside “sabi”, the beauty of the natural progression of time. The materials and forms are Texan – limestone and brick are our local colors. The plan of the house, the use of natural light and detailing reflect the basic idea of Modernist Architects. From the courtyard at the front of the house you see all the way through to the lake at the back of the house.

Enter the double glass steel cased doors to entry and formals beyond. Immediately the open living/dining area makes you want to stay. The large block stone fireplace on one wall is flanked with a glass wall opposite opening to a large covered patio, outdoor fireplace and lake view beyond.

The kitchen also offers lake view and has a 5 foot by 12 foot center island topped in stainless – perfect for gathering around. Mahogany stained cabinets are topped in white marble with a matte blue subway tile backsplash. The kitchen features an AGA stove, Northland double refrigerator, wine cooler and ice maker. The living space or den at the end of the kitchen also has a banquet seating area and access to the surrounding deck. Four glorious bedrooms, 4.5 baths, formals, den, pool, quarters, lake. The master is on the first level and includes a sitting area, stone fireplace and lake views. The spa-like master bath has a 14 foot frosted glass wall that provides ambient light, a separate tub and walk-in shower. The dual vanities are floating cabinets with dark stone tops and stainless sinks.

Three bedrooms up, including three built-in double beds with storage above in one and triple sink bathroom. Vast outdoor spaces include a 16 x 19 covered patio with large stone fireplace, an infinity edge pool with spa and water wall.

(Wonder why the owners are leaving paradise?)

While you’re in the ‘hood, check out Becky’s other great listing at 6424 Belmead, also open Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This one has come down to $3.2 million, which is a great price.

Rhett and Scarlett await you.