Inside Arkansas' Most Expensive Home: A $10.9M Fort Smith Estate

The most expensive home listed in Arkansas is an 18,367-square-foot Mediterranean-style estate in Fort Smith, priced at $10.9 million. Situated on 20 acres, the property distinguishes itself with unique features like an indoor California redwood treehouse, an 86,000-gallon infinity-edge pool, and meticulous craftsmanship seen in its twin circular staircases and imported Italian marble fireplaces. Based on our experience assessment, this property's value is anchored in its custom, one-of-a-kind amenities and scale, which are unparalleled in the local market.

What are the standout features of this Arkansas mansion? Beyond its sheer size, the home is defined by its extraordinary custom elements. The owner, Kenny King, had a mature California redwood tree imported to create an indoor play structure for his grandchildren. The estate also boasts a 106-foot-long sports bar room, a main living room with 24-foot ceilings, and a master bedroom with a 14-foot ceiling. The outdoor area is centered around a massive 86,000-gallon swimming pool, which is approximately three times the size of an average outdoor pool. This pool features two infinity edges and a beach-like walk-in area, providing a resort-style ambiance. A curved, two-story reflective glass window offers a dramatic backdrop to the pool area, a feature the owners first saw in Florida.

How does the construction reflect high-end craftsmanship? The construction, which took nearly three years to complete, involved significant artisan work. For example, two workers spent seven months building the twin circular staircases in the front entryway. The primary fireplace was constructed using tens of thousands of pounds of marble imported directly from Italy. This same high-quality marble was used to craft the range hood in the kitchen. The listing agent, Marshall Yantis, emphasized the quality, noting, "The woodwork, the molding, the details; there were some real craftsmen that performed excellent work."

What is the context of this property in the Arkansas real estate market? Listed at $10.9 million, this property holds the title of the highest-priced listing in Arkansas. The agent suggests that a comparable home in a major metropolitan area would command a price millions of dollars higher. The owner chose to build in the Fort Smith area in 2005, opting for a Mediterranean style inspired by homes he and his wife admired in Florida. The eight-bedroom home was designed for both grand-scale entertainment and family living, a balance that the agent describes as "truly magnificent" and "very livable."

Why is the owner selling this unique property? After nearly two decades in the home, Kenny King has decided to downsize. The estate has been a local landmark, especially during the holidays when King displays an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 Christmas lights, offering helicopter tours for the community. King, who made his fortune in the restaurant business, stated, "We do it for the kids in the area. The Fort Smith area has been very good to us." The sale represents an opportunity for a new owner to acquire a property with a unique legacy.

For potential buyers considering a property of this caliber, the key takeaways are the irreplaceable nature of the custom craftsmanship and the estate's dual function as both a private family home and an entertainment venue. The decision to build such a distinctive property in Fort Smith, rather than a major city, underscores a commitment to community, a factor that may appeal to a buyer seeking a similar lifestyle.