Unique Oak Cliff Cottage Designed by Charles Dilbeck For His Engineer

In 1949, architect Charles Dilbeck built a weekend lodge at the top of a hill for his engineer, Mr. Pykas and his Boy Scout troop, says Amie Parsons, the listing agent for this unique North Oak Cliff home. The seller of this property actually met Dilbeck’s wife, who told them all about how the boys would fish at the Crows Creek tributary, which was Bridal Wreath Creek.

“The downstairs bedroom used to be a cave that became a bedroom,” Parsons said. “The workshop at the end of the drive at the bottom of the hill was where the boys would earn their badges with woodworking projects.”

What was then was a cabin in the woods practically is now a fantastic historic home with tons of luxurious touches in the Highland Wood Acres area of Brettonwood. After this home was built, the neighborhood cropped up around it during the 1950s and 60s, with tons of great post-war and mid-century modern designs.

The lot is fantastic, with a tons of trees and boulders, the home almost feels carved out of the lot. There’s a concrete stairway that leads to the deck just off the front. The home itself hosts hallmarks of Dilbeck’s style, with exposed beams in the formal living area and unique door shapes. There’s a lot of carved wood throughout, too. The brick fireplace and hearth are amazing, with cool details. Of course, there are plenty of picture windows from which you can take in the wooded lot.

 

Parsons is marketing this four-bedroom, three-bath home at 3909 Pyka (named for the engineer, natch!) with 2,700 square feet for $400,000. Considering the location and the architect, that’s a fantastic deal. Of course, you’re getting excellent craftsmanship in this historic home, too, with hardwood floors and built-ins all over the place.

“The titles in the kitchen on the back splash are Picasso tiles original from 1949,” Parsons said. “The original house stops at the kitchen, the den and up stairs bedroom were added in the 60s.”

The master suite was recently re-done, and the master bath features a brand new shower with a skylight. The tile in the shower is all custom, and there’s a frameless glass shower door. The vessel sink is an interesting fixture for the home, but I do have to say that I love the eclectic mix of antiques and modern shapes.

Parsons says this home shows very well, and that most people are taken by how private-feeling the location is. Besides a garden with a fountain, there’s also a lovely spot with a hot tub just down the hill. Doesn’t it sound relaxing? What do you think of this modest Dilbeck cottage in Oak Cliff?