Cinemark founder Lee Roy Mitchell spared no expense to build his beloved wife, Tandy, the secluded estate of her dreams.
Three decades later, the 14,000-square-foot home and the 3.4 acres it sits on in Preston Hollow are for sale. At an asking price of $22 million, it was the most expensive home listed in the state of Texas in September, according to the Houston Association of Realtors.
Ann Shaw with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is handling the listing for 9769 Audubon Place.
Built by former Dallas Cowboy turned luxury home builder Randy Hughes, the home embraces French elements. Despite its size, the home doesn’t feel inaccessibly large.
The home was designed with comfort in mind. Tandy credits architect Robbie Fusch, who took her on tours of homes throughout North Texas to figure out what she wanted.
“It was like he was in my head,” Tandy said.
There are six en suite bedrooms, including attached quarters with a living area. The home has eight full bathrooms and four half baths.
Large arched windows let light pour into the home’s great room — a perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee and stare out at the canopy of trees that dot the property.
The home was built with entertaining in mind as well. During his heyday with Cinemark, Lee Roy would have developers over for steaks. They often wanted the movie man to put one of his theaters in their shopping center.
When the meals were through, they’d retire to the home’s 20-seat soundproof theater. The Mitchells were known to host politicians as well.
Well-known guests include Ted Cruz, who spent the night at the home. The couple joked they hoped he had won the 2016 presidential election so they could say the president had been at their home in his pajamas.
Other noteworthy features include a 1,000-bottle, temperature-controlled wine room and a 2,500-square-foot pavilion with a catering kitchen that is perfect for dinners or celebrations under the stars.
“It felt like a home and not like a mausoleum,” Tandy said. “Everybody that walked in said even though it was a big house — it felt like a home.”
The ideal buyer is a large family or someone starting a business who is looking to entertain a larger number of guests. The couple thought this would be their forever home, but it’s too much house for them as they get older.
“I still love the house,” Tandy said. “I don’t think you can find a better property in the city of Dallas.”
