New York City, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, London, Paris, Milan… Indy. The Circle City is joining the list of places Restoration Hardware has major plans for.
The luxury home furnishings company is looking to take over the $14 million Linden House — the large estate of Christel DeHaan, who died in 2020.
What is the Linden House?
Complete with 61 rooms, five fireplaces, and indoor + outdoor pools among acres of gardens, the estate served as a residence for Christel, as well as an event space. Did we mention it has its own private lake? And apparently, it keeps itself clean with a hospital-grade filtration system and one button turns on every light in the house.
The estate has been on the market since January + proceeds from the estate’s sale will go to Christel’s education nonprofit, Christel House International.
How will it be used?
An interior design gallery, restaurant + showroom have been proposed for the property by Restoration Hardware — a concept it’s taken to other cities. The showroom will be refurnished several times a year and the restaurant will offer seasonal terrace dining and a high-end menu.
The buyers do not intend on removing any trees — which is a relief, considering Christel imported them from all around the world, including its namesake Linden tree. No new structures are planned — the only big project is a small parking lot.
The transformation is pending approval from the Department of Metropolitan Development, which could occur during a meeting on Thurs., May 12.
Who was Christel DeHaan?
Christel was born in Germany + co-founded Indiana-based timeshare company Resort Condominiums International.
Known for her philanthropy, she gave over $250 million to charity — largely through Christel House, which has served 4,600+ students in the US, India, Mexico, Jamaica + South Africa. Even Oprah looked to Christel as a model before she opened her own Leadership Academy for Girls.
