Bush buys home in nice Dallas neighborhood

Dallas Morning News:

The White House confirmed Thursday that the Bushes have purchased a house in Dallas’ Preston Hollow neighborhood for the couple to live in after his presidency ends in January.

First lady Laura Bush’s office declined to specify where the house is, but it appears likely the couple will live on Daria Place, a cul-de-sac in the upscale neighborhood.

“The president and Mrs. Bush do not have occupancy of the home, and therefore, no additional details will be provided,” spokeswoman Sally McDonough said in a written statement.

The president's accountant in Midland, Robert McCleskey, purchased the house at 10141 Daria Place as a trustee on Oct. 3, according to records on file with the Dallas Central Appraisal District, which values the home at $2,078,660.

Mr. McCleskey, who has handled Mr. Bush’s personal finances for years, declined to say Thursday for whom he purchased the property. The seller, Dallas developer Dan Boeckman, also declined to discuss the transaction when reached by telephone Thursday.

Built in 1959, the home sits on 1.13 acres, has four bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, a wet bar, a fireplace and 8,501 square feet of living space, including 896 square feet of servant quarters.

D magazine's real estate blog reported Wednesday night that the house next door went under contract last week but that the buyer remains a mystery. The deal is scheduled to close next Wednesday.

That house had been listed for sale at $1.6 million – unlike the house Mr. McCleskey bought, which was never formally on the market.

The next-door house is about half the size, on a slightly larger parcel and would be well-suited for Secret Service or even guest quarters.

Both properties, as D noted, back to estates of 14 and 24 acres, the latter owned by investor Tom Hicks – making it a site the Secret Service could approve. Mr. Hicks could not be reached Thursday morning for comment.

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I think Tom Hicks was Bush's partner in the ownership of the Texas Rangers before he became governor. That could explain how he was able to find these houses. It is a very nice neighborhood relatively close in to downtown. I think he will find he has friendly neighbors.

The NY Times also has a story on the home with a photo.