Southern Accents has once again partnered with luxury builder Bob Thompson and renowned Dallas-based architect Robbie Fusch for their 2003 showhouse. A magnificent 12,350 square-foot French Normandy-style home built in the prestigious neighborhood of Glen Abbey in Dallas.

The architecture of this grand estate was inspired by the French Perigord region, incorporating traditional materials into the expansive design. The region, often referred to as the "Dordogne" for the river that flows through it, represents a palimpsest of human history that includes ancient châteaux occupied by the English and French during the Hundred Years' War. The Dallas house takes many of its design cues from these venerable estates, as well as from the charming villages that lie at their feet. We wanted to design a house that captured the rich architectural heritage and color of the Perigord.

In keeping with the rustic beauty of the region, a rusticated veneer of Granbury stone for the facade was used. The pale tones of the stone may have been inspired by the French countryside, but they are equally at home in Texas. Clay tiles with barrel-tile cornices cover the steeply pitched roof. In addition, the materials reflect the earthy palette of the Perigord. Red, reddish- brown and earthen-green tiles were carefully chosen to blend with the warm hues of the stone walls. The chalky French blue used on the shutters and trim is also characteristic of the region.

The garden plan complements the architects' Francophile plan. Our goal was to transform the quiet, cul-de-sac land along White Rock Creek into a cohesive site that is peaceful and parklike. Without a doubt, the focal points of the garden are the fountain cascade and the swimming pool. Flanked by mirror image pergolas, the pool lures the eye from the loggia across the backyard, which is arced with the graceful, massive cedar elms the team wisely decided to preserve. A stone path leads to an intimate overlook along the creek, where a waterfall provides soothing background sounds.

For the front of the house, plantings of various bright hues and textures where chosen, which draw the eye to the front door. Begonias, salvias, coreopsis, and pink Indian hawthorn bloom in dramatic curving beds on either side of the front flagstone walk way. As the beds sweep around and capture the facade of the house, more formal planting appears adjacent to the structure, allowing a smooth transition between the house and the informal beds.

Inside, the entry hall sets the tone of the house with black limestone tile floor bordered by antique white limestone. A spiral staircase leads to the second floor guest rooms and library. As well as the billiard and media rooms. Well proportioned the entry hall creates a grand foyer to the formal living area, the dining room and the adjoining arcade.

The ceilings throughout many rooms, including the entry hall, boast exposed antique timbers, which add patina to the new residence.

To take advantage of the incredible views of the property and the creek beyond, a large outside loggia was positioned at the rear of the house. This spacious air conditioned area blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor space. The loggia is the heart of the house with exterior arches that opens to the pool and garden areas in the back yard. Opposite the exterior arches French doors along the arcade behind the loggia offer views of the pool and landscape. An additional set of French doors opens into the keeping room and kitchen area, creating an inviting flow between all the public rooms of the first floor.

The arcade itself has groin-vaulted ceilings and antique French terra cotta-floor tiles laid in a pattern that echoes the groin vaults. The arcade is the main spine of the house.

Both the living room and the dining room feature period-style wood-paneled walls, patterned oak flooring, and imported antique limestone fireplaces.

The living room, which is accessible from the entry hall, receives dramatic rays of afternoon light through pairs of arched windows. The room is grandly proportioned and distinguished by an antique fireplace and classical moldings. With the use of formal living rooms on the decline the architecture of this room allows for flexible furniture arrangements and has the feeling of a library or multiuse room. The soft natural lighting keeps the seating areas intimate.

Further down the arcade, a keeping room connects to the French-inspired kitchen. This is where everyone gathers. The kitchen and keeping room relate to the family room and loggia through the arcade and provide a space for entertaining that is open and comfortable. This kitchen has a very natural yet expansive feel, with its wood flooring and high beamed ceilings. The custom cabinetry and marble countertops add to its elegance.

The arcade culminates with the family room. Which is intended to be the primary gathering space in the house. Large enough for entertaining with plenty of comfortable seating, timbered ceilings, a patterned oak floor and a French limestone fireplace with an overmantel add texture and authenticity to the space. Large windows provide a panoramic view of the lavishly landscaped back yard. The family room is as much an extension of the keeping room and kitchen as it is an informal gathering space.

The master suite provides for a space that combines comfort, function, privacy, and luxury. The master bedroom and bath become a retreat, a place to indulge and relax away from the rest of the house. One is first struck by the architectural details of the master bath and dressing room. Her closet is meticulously organized by design; his closet is equally well planned. Both providing specialized storage for wardrobe and accessories as well as providing intimate dressing areas.

A long second-floor hall echoes the arcade below, connecting bedrooms at one end of the house to the library, billiards and media rooms at the other. The steep gabled roof adds interesting ceiling angles in the bedrooms, reinforcing the sense of a house that evolved.

Any French manor worth its salt must possess a romantic wine cellar. This house is no exception. The basement wine cellar and wine tasting room are richly adorned with brick walls, antique terra-cotta and limestone floors, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. With a round table and leather chairs to create an intimate setting appropriate for wine tastings and casual dining. Every niche is filled with comfortable seating, inviting guests to linger during parties. Such rusticity mixes well with the “at home" style inherent in a French country residence.