In 1930, H.L., née Haroldson Lafayette, Hunt took a gamble. For $1.335 million, he purchased the East Texas Oil Field and, nearly overnight, became one of the wealthiest men on the planet. Among the first investments Hunt made with his newfound fortune: A 9-bedroom, 5-bath mansion, which recently hit the market for $19 million.
With a bowling alley, gym, and 10,000-bottle wine cellar, the property certainly doesn't skimp on the extravagance. The main building alone clocks in at 10,511-square-feet, and features elaborate carvings of a bygone era.
The rest of the grounds, however, are a bit more modern. The carriage house - which itself has 4 beds and 5 baths - has a full-blown media room, while the pool house, larger than most apartments, has a designated game center. There are also several putting greens on the property, and lighted tennis courts.
This historical tinge is fitting, given that the house is modeled after George Washington's famed Mount Vernon estate -- only, the Hunt family home, like everything else in Texas, is much, much bigger. It's also where Lamar Hunt, creator of the American Football League and the Super Bowl, grew up.
Since the house has such storied inspiration, Texas has granted it historical landmark status. And perhaps, nearly a century later, it's time for someone new to take a gamble.
Take a tour of the property below.
