Jul 12, 2002 2 min read

DALLAS (AP) – A $44.9 million French chateau-style mansion that may have been the most expensive home in Dallas was destroyed in a fire early Thursday just weeks before its completion. It took 300 firefighters eight hours to put out the blaze at the grandly named Chateau Du Triomphe, situated along Dallas’ Billionaire Row down the road from Ross Perot’s house.

“It’s more like the size of a Wal-Mart than a house,” fire Lt. Doug Dickerson said.

The house in the exclusive Preston Hollow neighborhood had been under construction since 1995 and had never been occupied.

At the time of the fire, it was listed for sale with Christie’s auction house.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation. Arson investigators were at the scene.

The main house, a 43,000-square-foot, three-story structure, had an Olympic-size swimming pool, two master baths with custom marble tubs carved in Italy from a single block of Carrera marble, a wine cellar with a tasting room, and a 16-car garage with its own carwash.

Most of the slate-roof building was reduced to a smoldering pile of rubble. In some areas, nothing stood but the stone walls.

According to state records, the property was owned by Texas Treasure Fields Inc. But the identity of its owners was not immediately clear.

“That is the most expensive property in Dallas that we are aware of,” said Ginny Harrison of the Greater Dallas Association of Realtors. “There are a lot of multimillion-dollar homes, but not at that level.”

The rich and famous in the neighborhood include former Dallas Stars owner Norm Green, who lives next door.

“This is a part of Dallas that still has large lots, trees, creeks. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Dallas,” said Faye Reynolds, a 25-year resident of the neighborhood. “I think it’s the best area in Dallas.”

The fire appeared to have started in the attic and flames erupted through the roof at about 1 a.m., authorities said. Authorities said they learned of the fire from a security guard.

Four firefighters suffered minor injuries.

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On the Net:

Christie’s: http://www.christiesgreatestates.com/properties/view-676

Greater Dallas Association of Realtors: http://www.dallasrealtor.com