Imagine driving down one of the most prestigious streets in Dallas, where every home is a mansion, and stumbling upon an estate that looks like it belongs in a fairytale book—or perhaps a Disney resort. This is the reality of the Richard Malouf house.
The sheer scale of the property is hard to comprehend without seeing the numbers. We are talking about a residence that spans roughly 37,000 square feet of living space. To put that in perspective, the average American home is about 2,500 square feet. You could fit nearly 15 normal houses inside this one structure.
Exterior Oasis: A Resort in the Backyard
If the house is the body, the backyard is the heart of the Richard Malouf house. This is the section that usually makes jaws drop. When we say “exterior oasis,” we aren’t talking about a nice patio set and a barbecue grill. We are talking about a setup that rivals some of the best hotels in the Caribbean.
The Private Waterpark
The crown jewel of the estate is, without a doubt, the waterpark. It is massive. It features a complex system of interconnected swimming pools and waterways that look more like a commercially operated facility than a backyard pool.
- The Slides: Multiple towering water slides spiral down into the main pools. These aren’t the small plastic slides you buy at a hardware store; they are fiberglass, theme-park-quality constructions.
- The Lazy River: Perhaps the most luxurious feature is the lazy river. You can grab an inner tube and float along a current that winds through the property, passing under bridges and through lush landscaping.
- The Caves: To add to the adventure, the waterpark includes artificial caves and grottos. You can swim into a cavern, hidden behind a waterfall, finding a cool retreat from the Texas sun.
A Sports Lover’s Paradise
But water isn’t the only way to stay active at the Richard Malouf house. The grounds are designed for almost every sport imaginable.
- Basketball: There is a professional-quality outdoor basketball court.
- Tennis: A full-sized tennis court sits adjacent to the gardens, perfect for evening matches.
- Trampoline: For the kids (and the young at heart), a built-in trampoline is sunk into the ground for safety and aesthetics.
Privacy and Landscaping
Despite all these amenities, the property feels incredibly private. The estate is surrounded by mature trees, including lush palms that give it a tropical vibe, which is quite a feat in North Texas. The gated privacy ensures that what happens at the waterpark stays at the waterpark.
There is even a secondary pool located directly behind the main house, separate from the waterpark area. This allows for a more traditional, quiet swimming experience if the waterpark feels too energetic. Essentially, the backyard makes the Richard Malouf house a self-contained paradise. You truly never have to leave. [[neighborhoods]]
Interior Grandeur: Stepping Inside the Palace
As we move from the sun-drenched exterior to the Richard Malouf house’s interior, the vibe shifts from “resort fun” to “regal elegance.” The interior design is heavily influenced by classical French architecture, utilizing some of the finest materials available.
The First Impression
The experience begins in the 2-story foyer. It is designed to intimidate and impress—a grand staircase curves upwards, framed by intricate ironwork and polished marble floors. Above, a chandelier that likely costs more than a luxury car illuminates the space. This entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house: big, bold, and expensive.
Living Spaces
The formal living and dining rooms are cavernous. They feature wood-paneled details, intricate molding, and massive fireplaces that serve as focal points. The stonework throughout the house adds a sense of permanence and history, even though the structure is relatively modern.
The gourmet kitchen is another highlight. It is designed for volume. Whether it is a family breakfast or a catered event for 200 people, this kitchen can handle it. It features dual islands, commercial-grade appliances, and a layout that allows for multiple chefs to work simultaneously.
The Bedroom Count
One of the most staggering stats about the Richard Malouf house is the number of rooms. Depending on how you categorize the rooms (some can be converted into gyms or offices), the estate boasts between 10 and 11 bedrooms.
But the bathroom count is even more shocking. There are 21 to 22 bathrooms scattered throughout the property. That is practically a 2:1 ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms. Why so many? When you host parties for hundreds of people at your waterpark, you need facilities.
A Breakdown of Key Rooms
To help visualize the scale, here is a quick breakdown of the interior highlights:
FeatureDescriptionUnique Appeal
Foyer 2-story with dramatic stairs. A grand welcome that sets a regal tone
Kitchen Gourmet setup with dual islands, a Chef’s hub perfect for massive entertaining
Bedrooms 10-11 luxe suites Unmatched family retreat scale
Baths 21-22 total bathrooms, Spa-like excess ensuring zero wait times
Family Room Open concept with a wet bar, the central hub for casual indoor gathering
The interior also features dedicated entertainment areas, such as a wine cellar and a billiards room, which we will discuss later. The bottom line is that the Richard Malouf house interior is designed to ensure that no desire goes unmet. homesoftherich priceypads
Waterpark Deep Dive: A $10 Million Backyard
We touched on the waterpark earlier, but it deserves its own section. It is estimated that the backyard improvements alone cost between $1 million and $10 million, depending on who you ask and how you factor in the land value. It is the defining feature of the Richard Malouf house.
A Caribbean Replica
The design philosophy behind the waterpark was clearly to replicate a high-end Caribbean resort. It’s not just blue concrete. The pool deck is lined with stone, and the landscaping is meticulously curated to block views of Dallas suburbia.
- The Spray Park: In addition to the deep pools, there is a “spray park” area designed for younger children. It features water jets shooting up from the ground, dumping buckets, and smaller slides. It is a safe zone for toddlers while the teenagers hit the big slides.
- The Cabanas: Scattered around the pool deck are luxury cabanas. These provide shade and a place to lounge with a drink. They are equipped with fans, electricity, and comfortable furniture.
Engineering and Maintenance
Maintaining a facility like this is a business operation in itself. The Richard Malouf house likely requires a full-time staff to manage the pool chemistry and landscaping. The volume of water required to fill the lazy river and pools is astronomical.
There are massive pumps hidden away from sight that drive the current of the lazy river and power the waterfalls. The engineering required to ensure the slides are safe and the water flow is consistent is on par with municipal water parks.
The Value Proposition
From a real estate perspective, a feature like this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes the Richard Malouf house the most unique property on the market. For a buyer with a large family who values privacy and entertainment, it is priceless.
On the other hand, it limits the buyer pool. Not everyone wants the liability or the maintenance cost of a commercial waterpark in their backyard. However, for the right buyer—perhaps a professional athlete or a tech mogul—these amenities boost the luxury resale value by offering a lifestyle that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. priceypads
Entertainment Zones: The Fun Never Stops
If it rains in Dallas (which it often does), the fun at the Richard Malouf house moves indoors. The estate is equipped with entertainment wings that rival a downtown fun center.
The Connector Garage
As mentioned earlier, the two main structures are connected by a massive garage. But the real magic is what is above the garage. This area was converted into a massive entertainment hall.
Here, you will find a 2-lane bowling alley. This isn’t a toy version; it’s regulation length with automatic pinsetters and ball returns. It’s the perfect spot for a Friday night league without ever leaving the house.
The Sports Complex
Adjacent to the bowling alley is a padded gym. This space is versatile. It can be used for gymnastics, indoor soccer, or simply as a safe place for rough-housing.
Furthermore, there is an indoor basketball half-court. This allows for hoops practice regardless of the weather. For fitness buffs, there is a separate, fully equipped weight room and cardio center that rivals a Gold’s Gym.
The Party Vibe
Scattered throughout the house are other entertainment staples:
- DJ Booth: A dedicated area for a DJ to set up, perfect for house parties.
- Game Rooms: Multiple rooms set up with arcade cabinets, ping pong tables, and video game stations.
- Cinema: A dedicated home theater with tiered seating for movie marathons.
This “sports house” aspect creates a dynamic where the home feels like a community center. It is ideal for high-net-worth individuals who want to keep their families close. With this much to do, the kids never have a reason to go out. neighborhoods
Design and Controversy: Beauty and the Beast
No story about a house this size is complete without a little drama. The construction of the Richard Malouf house was not without its critics.
The “Monster Mansion” Backlash
When Malouf began his massive expansion, merging the two lots and building the connector structures, the neighbors on Strait Lane were not entirely thrilled. Strait Lane is known for its elegant, understated estates. Some viewed the Malouf project as “over the top” or a “monstrosity.”
There were complaints about the sheer scale of the construction, the noise, and the disruption. The waterpark, in particular, raised eyebrows regarding water usage and noise levels. However, Malouf proceeded, driven by his vision of the ultimate family home.
Intricate Craftsmanship
Despite the controversy over its size, you cannot deny the quality of the work. The intricate craftsmanship inside the home is undeniable. The wood paneling is hand-carved. Master masons lay the stonework.
When Mehrdad Moayedi bought the house in 2019, he brought a developer’s eye to the property. Known for his work on the Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas, Moayedi understands how to update massive, historic structures. While the “dentist office” themes (Malouf reportedly had some quirky decor choices) may have been toned down, the bones of the house remain a marvel of engineering.
For those searching for a “Richard Malouf house tour” online, the visual appeal often lies in this contrast: the clash between classical French elegance and wild, amusement-park fun. prestonhollow.advocatemag
Lifestyle and Market Fit: Who Lives Here?
So, who is the target audience for the Richard Malouf house? It takes a specific type of person to run a 37,000-square-foot estate.
The Dallas Elite
The property is situated in Preston Hollow, a neighborhood home to former presidents (George W. Bush lived nearby) and billionaires like Mark Cuban. The buyer of this home values privacy above all else. The gated entrance and the sheer depth of the lot mean that you are insulated from the outside world.
It is also for someone who loves to host. With the ability to accommodate 20+ overnight guests comfortably and hundreds of party guests, this is a social hub.
The Wellness and Sports Focus
The lifestyle here is active. It attracts someone who prioritizes wellness and sports. Between the gym, the tennis courts, the lap pools, and the basketball courts, an athlete would be in heaven here.
The Business of High-End Real Estate
From a business perspective, the Richard Malouf house is a fascinating case study. The fact that the price dropped from over $30 million to the mid-$20s suggests that there is a ceiling, even for the most amenities-rich homes. It serves as a lesson for our entrepreneurial readers: customization costs. When you build something highly specific to your own tastes (like a waterpark), you narrow your resale market. However, for the right buyer, that customization is exactly what opens the wallet. [[homecomfortexperts.co]]
Real Estate Insights: Investing in the Unique
For those of you interested in the mechanics of luxury real estate, the saga of the Richard Malouf house offers some valuable takeaways.
The Strait Lane Factor
Strait Lane is often called the “Park Avenue of Dallas.” Buying here is about land value as much as it is about the house. The 4.3 acres alone are worth a fortune. Even if the house were bulldozed, the dirt would still be gold.
Value Benchmarks
The $28 million price peak set a benchmark for the area. While it sold for less, the property’s existence pulls up the value of surrounding homes by establishing a high “comparable” for appraisers.
- Look for Off-Market Gems: High-end deals often happen quietly to avoid “looky-loos.”
- Understand “Function vs. Flash”: The waterpark is flashy, but the 10-car garage is functional. Both add value, but in different ways.
- The Texas Boom: With the influx of wealth into Texas, mega-homes like the Richard Malouf house are seeing renewed interest from out-of-state buyers (California and New York) who see $25M for 37,000 sq ft as a “bargain” compared to coastal prices. [[prestonhollow.advocatemag]]
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Richard Malouf house located? The Richard Malouf house is located at 1071 Strait Lane in the prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Texas.
How big is the Richard Malouf house? The estate spans approximately 37,000 square feet and sits on 4.3 acres, including a main house and a connected guest house.
Does the house really have a waterpark? Yes, the backyard features a massive private waterpark complete with multiple slides, a lazy river, caves, and a spray park.
Who owns the Richard Malouf house now? The home was sold in 2019 to developer Mehrdad Moayedi, known for his work restoring and developing historic Dallas properties.
Where Does Richard Malouf Currently Live?
Richard Malouf, the Texas dentist known for his extravagant real estate, no longer lives in his famous 37,000 sq ft Strait Lane mega-mansion in Dallas, which he built and sold around 2019.
Richard Malouf house photo
