Restoration Hardware's new showroom at Christel DeHaan's Indianapolis estate opens Friday
Update: The Gallery at the DeHaan Estate will open Friday at 11 a.m. After that, the store will be open Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., according to the website.
The massive estate owned by Indianapolis businesswoman and philanthropist Christel DeHaan, who died in June 2020, has recently sold for a record-breaking $14.5 million. This makes the estate, called Linden House, the highest-selling residential property in Indiana’s history, according to a news release.
Colorado-based M Development won the bid for the estate, and RH, which previously operated as Restoration Hardware, will lease the property.
RH's goal is to open the showroom, featuring RH-branded products, in summer 2023, a news release said. The newly repurposed estate also will feature a restaurant, wine bar and interior design and outdoor furniture galleries.
The proceeds from the record-breaking sale will benefit Christel House International, the nonprofit organization that DeHaan founded to support education for impoverished children globally. The organization operates schools in Indianapolis, Mexico, Indiana, Jamaica, Mexico and South Africa; and also provides five years of post-graduation support through its College and Careers Program.
Indianapolis real estate: Christel DeHaan's $14M home described as "a true sanctuary." It's on the market.
The estate at 4501 N. Michigan Road is near Butler University, Newfields and the White River. It sits on more than 150 acres that were previously the grounds of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Maur.
“Nowhere else in the city will you find an estate with such a commitment to design and aesthetics,” an Instagram post from Encore Sotheby’s International Realty said. “Each section of the home, surrounding terraces, formal gardens and lush landscape are stunning and functional based on their intended use.”
The 41,762 square foot, 7-bedroom estate was put on the market in January and listed on Encore Sotheby's International Realty for $14 million.
The palatial home boasts 10 full baths and 7 half baths, as well as a spa, outdoor and indoor pools, jet tub, steam room, tennis court, billiards room, and a 5-plus car garage, IndyStar previously reported. Additional features include cathedral ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, a catering kitchen and a butler's pantry.
Outside, the property sits on a 35-acre lake, and has outdoor terraces and courtyards.
The property was co-listed by Mike Johnson of residential real estate brokerage Encore Sotheby’s International Realty, and Stan Burton, of commercial real estate brokerage Avison Young.
In a statement, Johnson said co-listing Linden House was “an exciting opportunity and the highlight of my 25-year career.”
Indianapolis real estate: Buyer seeks to rezone Christel DeHaan estate into home furnishings showroom, restaurant
“The residents of Indianapolis will soon have the opportunity to experience the grandeur of this amazing estate and private gardens,” Johnson continued.
DeHaan was born in Germany and raised by her mother after her father was killed by American bombs in World War II. She later emigrated to Indiana.
In addition to her philanthropic work with Christel House International, DeHaan was known for co-founding the Indiana-based timeshare company Resort Condominiums International, which she sold for $825 million in 1995.
Attorney Timothy Ochs with Ice Miller's Indianapolis office, who represents M Development did not immediately respond to IndyStar’s request for comment.
IndyStar reporters Ko Lyn Cheang and Alexandria Burris contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: $14M DeHaan estate opens as Restoration Hardware showroom, restaurant
