Fabulous Lakewood Home Tour This Weekend Revives Dallas TV Series: Bobby Ewing Was Shot Here

Bobby Ewing was shot in this driveway!

The Lakewood Home Festival has been satisfying the cravings of home tour junkies for 35 years. The Lakewood Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA) corrals 500 volunteers and about 25 committee members each year to engineer a weekend of fun that includes not only great homes but also a Holiday Market and Home Tour Auction Party.  Every year I think to myself, “Ok they cannot possibly top this next year,” and then, of course they do.

This year you fans of the Dallas TV series will  want to beat a path to 6735 Westlake for a close up and personal view of the circle drive where Bobby Ewing was run over! Of course the Westlake home holds a lot more appeal than just the driveway. This 1927 Tudor was originally owned by Neiman Marcus founder Herbert Marcus and also features a tree that Johnny Weissmuller  (aka the original Tarzan, yes I‘m taking you back) swung out of during a party Herbert threw. I digress. The house has been beautifully restored by the present owners, who ripped off the tacky Colonial façade (shuffers) that had been added back in the ‘60’s. Stained glass windows, a walnut-encased fireplace, and all the wonderful things we love about a good Tudor are magnificently preserved in this splendid estate. Then there’s the landscape, created by the owner who just happens to be a pretty fabulous gardener. I’m talking over two acres including a vegetable garden!

History buffs and lovers of Art Deco will be talking about 6843 Lorna Lane long after the tour weekend has passed. This house is one of seven homes built for the 1936 Centennial Exposition for the express purpose of introducing the Modern Movement in architecture to Dallas. Owners Ann and Dan Noble are both architects and that is crystal clear when you see how seamlessly they’ve renovated and expanded the property. “Lorna is historical but modern,” said Kelly Healy, home tour committee member. “ It’s a must see for anyone  into 1930’s architecture. It‘s 1936 down to the last detail yet it accommodates a modern lifestyle.”

Don’t worry, this home tour has something for everyone. There’s a fabulous energy- efficient soft contemporary that wraps around a pool and courtyard, a  massive Dines and Kraft three — yes three — story home  and of course do not miss the “eclectic” farmhouse. This one will make even the most steadfast preservationist love a new build.  “You won’t believe it was built in 2008,” said publicity committee member Kimberly Sinnott. “You have to see the kitchen with wonderful farmhouse details, a wood burning oven and an amazing swivel island.” Swivel island? I know I’m making a beeline to see that.

The Lakewood Home Festival packs a little more punch than your average home tour. “I think the number one way I would distinguish our home tour is that the proceeds of the event raise funds four our community schools,” Sinnott said. “The money raised goes to help fund things from the International Baccalaureate program at Woodrow Wilson High School, to computers and enrichment programs at J.L. Long Middle School and Lakewood Elementary School. Something is working very well here because more than a  million dollars has been raised since  the tours inception in 1976. Like I said, not your average home tour!

The Lakewood Home Tour begins with a candlelight Tour on Friday, November 11 from 5:00-7:00 pm in the evening (like tonight) with a party and auction following at the Lakewood Country Club.

Tour hours for the six homes are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available right now at www.lakewoodhomefestival.com.  or can be purchased at the individual tour homes. I’ll be there, Candy will be there, you be there!