The Lone Star State has long been celebrated for its vast landscapes and rich culture. For New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and supermodel Chanel Iman, it became the backdrop for their dream family retreat. Nestled about 90 minutes west of Dallas, this ranch has become a testament to their shared vision and love for design.
The couple’s journey began with a late-night visit that left them enchanted. Despite initial reservations about the location’s remoteness, Godchaux was immediately smitten. “We got there at about 10 o’clock and flicked on all the lights,” he recalls. “I called my wife and said, ‘This is it.'” Iman, initially skeptical, soon shared his enthusiasm, and the rest is history.
The Vision Behind the Design
Though the ranch was newly built, Godchaux and Iman enlisted the help of AD PRO Directory firm 2id Interiors to bring their vision to life. Rafaela Simoes, a principal at the firm, understood the couple’s lifestyle and aesthetic, having previously worked with them on their luxe Floridian family retreat. The goal was to create a space that was both comfortable and durable, blending the inside with the outside seamlessly.
The couple’s love for decorating and art played a significant role in the design process. “Davon is really into decorating, and he loves art and fashion. It’s kind of our love language,” says Iman. The result is a home that feels personal and collected, rather than overly designed. The design scheme is layered with rich colors, comfortable furnishings, and glints of glamour, making it a cowboy’s dream home.
A Palette of Warmth and Western Charm
Color played a crucial role in the ranch’s design. Godchaux and Iman wanted a home that was far from minimalist. “I’m not into a lot of big white walls—we wanted to see color in this house,” says Godchaux. The dining room, immediately visible from the entryway, features Arte’s “Oblong” wall covering in orange spice, setting the tone for the rest of the home. The couple aimed to create a welcoming and warm atmosphere the moment you walk in.
The dining room’s glossy dark wood beam ceilings are paired with patterned russet-tone wallpaper and onyx trim. Large photographs echo the rural Western scenery outside, while a pair of sconces call longhorns to mind. The couple also owns acreage with about 50 head of cattle nearby, adding to the authentic Western experience. A vintage saddle, sourced by Godchaux, sits on a stand near the doorway, further enhancing the ranch’s charm.
Creating a Family Haven
The ranch is more than just a beautiful home; it’s a place where the Godchaux-Iman family can create lasting memories. “Our goal was to create a place our children would always remember, and a home that evolves with our family,” says Iman. This includes a breakfast table that can accommodate their blended family of seven. The banquette features Woven Elegance fabric by Aphostery, paired with chairs by 2id Home.
The kitchen and common spaces reflect the couple’s love for luxury and comfort. Overhead lighting in the dining room and above the kitchen island look almost like an Hermès horse bridle, constructed with caramel leather strapping and elegant brass finishes. A breakfast nook nods to luxury fashion as well, with a banquette upholstered in Chanel-inspired wool tweed high-performance fabric. Other common spaces, like the living and family rooms, lean into relaxed style, with cozy blankets from Iman’s Chasa home collection.
Iman, an avid cook, ensures the house is filled with the aroma of soul food when they’re in Texas. A Momeni rug adds rustic color and softness underfoot, completing the warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Therapeutic Power of Nature
One of the most significant additions to the ranch is the four-horse barn built by the couple. Waking up and watching the animals through the windows, and going out to ride, has become a cherished family activity. “Being around horses is very therapeutic and peaceful. It just helps you get your mind right,” says Godchaux. The barn has become a central part of their Texas experience, offering a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
The couple’s bedrooms and their daughter’s room are painted in shades of green, a departure from their Florida home where their daughter’s room is fully pink. “Green can be a little girl’s room color,” says Godchaux. “I thought this was perfect.” The wainscotting, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Norway Spruce, was paired with Rifle Paper Co.’s Tapestry wallpaper, creating a whimsical backdrop for everyday play.
Ultimately, the Texas ranch has given Godchaux and Iman the freedom to dream bigger. “Texas gave us the freedom to dream bigger,” says Iman. “We love the land, the openness, being surrounded by nature. That’s really what brought us here, and it’s a dream come true.”
