Help This Loyal Real Estate Reader & Charles Dilbeck Fan: He Wants MORE!
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A Reader writes:
Hey Candy, i was just wanting to know if you knew of any websites or books that are about Charles Dilbeck or have a list of the homes he designed. He is my favorite architect and i know he built a ton of houses in Dallas but i have also found homes in more random towns like Sherman, and Waxahachie. I would really appreciate the feedback because i have loved every single house that i have found that he built, because i want to see more of his amazing work. Thanks again.
The very best Dilbeck property, one of my tip-top faves in all of the world, is Paigebrook in Westlake. It is funny this house never seems to make the “most beautiful” lists of local shelter pubs because it is hidden in Westlake. PaigeBrooke is minutes from D/FW Airport and a brief jog from Westlake Academy. The rambling, half-timbered structure was designed by Charles Dilbeck in 1938, and is chock full of artisian handiwork and delightful surprises in almost every room — VERY Dilbeck, who said each room in a home should have a surprise element. There are surprises, and Dallas history everywhere. The home was built originally for Ted Dealey, a publisher of the Dallas Morning News and member of a Dallas publishing family dynasty.
Dilbeck, of course, is the architect known for romantic Tudors and French country homes sprinkled in the Park Cities and a few in North Dallas: Harry Potter style before Harry was a Potter. His homes have a signature English farmhouse feel to them, and are built rambling, as if they have been added onto. Dilbeck, for example, always said that in authentic cottages you could always find the original log cabin that the home started from. (PaigeBrooke has one.) He also designed homes without hallways, so you have to go into one room to get to another, as if the house had been added on to randomly. It creates a very organic, cottage-y feel.
PaigeBrooke is classic Dilbeck, built with rustic brick, stone, tile and wood. There are those signature Dilbeck features such as rounded chimneys, overhanging balconies, cupolas and turrets — even a bell tower. Dilbeck was an eco-friendly architect before green was vogue. He favored salvaged and recycled materials. Hence, the pinkish stone throughout this house came from an old slaughterhouse in Fort Worth, and the handhewn beams were made from original Union Terminal timbers in Fort Worth.
You are correct: Dilbeck designed several country estates. PaigeBrooke’s owners, Scott and Kelly Bradley, remain close friends with his widow, Pat Dilbeck. She and her daughter Elaine Dilbeck MacIntire say Paigebrook is their favorite of Dilbeck’s houses, and it was his favorite, too. Let me get in touch with Kelly and Pat… Kelly Bradley tells me there is a Dilbeck class at SMU on Charles Dilbeck design. But alas, it has a wait-list.
Love Dilbeck. Glad to hear about the Sample House book. That's news to me, since I have heard that Dilbeck's house plans (which contained the addresses of each building site) were destroyed at the time of his death. I'm told this is why many Realtors refer to listings as "Dilbeck-inspired." Preservation Dallas has an inventory list of Dilbeck homes.
Love Dilbeck. Glad to hear about the Sample House book. That's news to me, since I have heard that Dilbeck's house plans (which contained the addresses of each building site) were destroyed at the time of his death. I'm told this is why many Realtors refer to listings as "Dilbeck-inspired." Preservation Dallas has an inventory list of Dilbeck homes.
The new Dilbeck book is available at Sample House. Gave it to Dad for Christmas. Annie Snider Reece
The new Dilbeck book is available at Sample House. Gave it to Dad for Christmas. Annie Snider Reece
I would recommend a trip to Preservation Dallas as they have information available and you may want to check out the book about Dilbeck which I believe was released this past year as there was a book signing party at one of the shops on Henderson Avenue.
The second home I bought and lived in was a Dilbeck and that was 24 years ago. I have lived in 3 different Dilbeck's since then. Obviously I am passionate about Dilbecks, have owned 4 and live in one currently. I just sold one of my favorite Dilbeck's to an Architect a few weeks ago which has been a rental of mine for 15 years. It was the rare "International" style with 4 levels, a fabulous balcony and the round porthole windows which always reminded me of ship portholes. I am a Certified Historical Specialist thru the Preservation Dallas program and have been a Realtor for nearly 30 years in Dallas and specialize in Dilbecks and am happy to assist in your search for more information. Sadly, many of the Dilbeck treasures are being torn down to build non-descript North Dallas McMansions. All I can say is they don't build them like they used to.
I would recommend a trip to Preservation Dallas as they have information available and you may want to check out the book about Dilbeck which I believe was released this past year as there was a book signing party at one of the shops on Henderson Avenue.
The second home I bought and lived in was a Dilbeck and that was 24 years ago. I have lived in 3 different Dilbeck's since then. Obviously I am passionate about Dilbecks, have owned 4 and live in one currently. I just sold one of my favorite Dilbeck's to an Architect a few weeks ago which has been a rental of mine for 15 years. It was the rare "International" style with 4 levels, a fabulous balcony and the round porthole windows which always reminded me of ship portholes. I am a Certified Historical Specialist thru the Preservation Dallas program and have been a Realtor for nearly 30 years in Dallas and specialize in Dilbecks and am happy to assist in your search for more information. Sadly, many of the Dilbeck treasures are being torn down to build non-descript North Dallas McMansions. All I can say is they don't build them like they used to.
There is a Dilbeck home on W Marvin in a waxahachie, it was recently on the market, but it did not sell I think/ Historical, vintage property is my " thing"
There is a Dilbeck home on W Marvin in a waxahachie, it was recently on the market, but it did not sell I think/ Historical, vintage property is my " thing"
I represented a buyer on a Dilbeck on Pershing in Dallas. The listing agent was Mitch Deshotels with Allie Beth. He has a wonderful book that list all the Dilbeck homes! Give him a call!
I represented a buyer on a Dilbeck on Pershing in Dallas. The listing agent was Mitch Deshotels with Allie Beth. He has a wonderful book that list all the Dilbeck homes! Give him a call!
5500 Chatham Hill Road is on the market.
5500 Chatham Hill Road is on the market.
what is the name of the new Dilbeck book?
Dilbeck fans. I am listing a Dilbeck located at 4205 Stanhope for $1.2MM. February 13, 2015.
This architectural treasure by the renowned Charles Dilbeck is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dallas architectural history. Tasteful updating retains the charm of the home and complements the original details like millwork, arched doors, and leaded windows. Large windows fill the home with light. Ready for move in or expansion. Excellent University Park location close to HP Village, Germany Park, and Bradfield Elem.
For more information, please contact Tom Hughes 214-649-3323.