Douglas Friedman, a renowned photographer known for capturing the interiors of America's most luxurious homes, is selling his custom-built Texas estate for $2.99 million after reducing the price from its original $3.7 million listing. The New York City-born photographer, who has photographed superstar Cher's Malibu mansion and built relationships with celebrities like Tommy Hilfiger and Martha Stewart over two decades, constructed this modern retreat in the tiny West Texas hamlet of Marfa in 2016.
Friedman was drawn to the remote location, trading the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of New York City for 10 acres of pristine land with stunning views of Haystack Mountain and the Davis Mountains. "I have to take two flights and then drive three hours to get there, but the journey culminates at the end of a dirt road, with no visible neighbors and endless views of this incredibly beautiful, soulful terrain," Friedman told Architectural Digest in 2020. The property first hit the market in February 2024 but has now returned with a significant price reduction, with Jeff Burke of Douglas Elliman holding the listing.
The striking modern residence showcases Friedman's impeccable aesthetic sense through its elegant blend of timber, steel, and glass construction. Two-foot clerestory windows wrap around the perimeter, creating a dramatic floating effect for the roof, while expansive glass walls flood the interior with natural light and frame the breathtaking mountain views. The 2,304-square-foot home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with stylish interiors that reflect the photographer's refined taste developed through years of working in high-end residential spaces.
At the heart of the home lies a cozy living room furnished with black hide Pierre Jeannerett armchairs, brown leather pillows, and a wooden bookshelf that creates an inviting atmosphere. The adjacent kitchen showcases high-end European design with a steel system by Danish company Vipp, premium Gaggenau appliances, and a Liebherr refrigerator. The dining area accommodates six or more guests around a large table and features sliding doors that open directly onto a covered wraparound patio, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The primary bedroom is positioned for maximum privacy and includes an en suite bathroom featuring gleaming brass fittings and eye-catching patterned tiles that add visual interest. The two additional bedrooms make bold design statements with exotic floral wallpapers and both open directly onto the patio, providing easy access to outdoor spaces. Each room demonstrates Friedman's ability to balance comfort with sophisticated design elements throughout the residence.
The outdoor amenities are equally impressive, featuring a shipping-container lap pool with an integrated spa that offers panoramic vistas of the Davis and Haystack mountains. Additional recreational facilities include a fire pit for evening gatherings, a screened palapa for shade, and a Donald Judd-inspired pavilion that pays homage to the American artist who moved from New York to Marfa in 1971 and transformed the town into a minimalism mecca through his building transformations and art installations.
The property embraces sustainable, off-grid living through thoughtful infrastructure and natural landscaping. Among the native grasses and desert plants, the estate features a collection of Kohler solar panels and a deep private well, enabling the kind of self-sufficient lifestyle that originally attracted Friedman to this remote location nine years ago. These features allow owners to live independently while maintaining modern comforts in one of Texas's most unique artistic communities.
