Dilbeck Spanish Colonial Revival in Greenway Parks
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We have a soft spot for architect Charles Dilbeck, and we have a special affinity for the Greenway Parks neighborhood, so we’re excited to bring you our Inwood House of the Week at 5522 Waneta Drive today. The neighborhood is built in a traditional English manner, with houses surrounding a parkway, which the Brits refer to as a “commons.” One of the best aspects of this is that it affords an architect the opportunity to create two facades, one facing the greenbelt and the other facing the street. This home is a Charles Dilbeck Spanish Colonial Revival, and an excellent example of a double facade house.
“It looks good coming and going,” listing agent Pete Livingston with Allie Beth Allman said. “It’s a beautiful house, and it’s one of that speaks to you when you walk in. Charles Dilbeck was so well known locally, and his styles were unique.”
That unique quality can make you do a double take because even though this charming cottage distills the essence of what we like to consider the Dilbeck look, Dilbeck didn’t really have a look. He was a prolific and eclectic architect.
Preservation Dallas has a perfect description of Dilbeck on their website:
Dilbeck’s style cannot be summed up in one genre, as his work reflects varied styles that include French farmhouses, as well as Tudor, Spanish and Colonial Revival characteristics. What was popular about Dilbeck’s projects was his ability to blend and adapt historical styles to create a form of Eclecticism giving his houses a Dilbeck style uniqueness.
Famous for his rough-hewn architecture, Dilbeck widely employed the use of plaster, wood, and stone that are reminiscent of Old Europe. His designs often include details such as turrets, balconies, multiple chimneys and decorative brickwork that create an appealing Romantic design. His trademark details include asymmetrical massing, soaring windows, prominent chimneys, dovecotes and brick corbelling over primary windows.
Dilbeck designed more than 600 homes all over Dallas and Fort Worth as well as the Belmont Hotel. He worked with builders Dines & Kraft on this Spanish Colonial Revival, and we think it’s one of the best examples of his work to be found in Dallas.
Street view of Dilbeck’s Spanish Colonial Revival
Any historic property that has been created by a significant architect requires an owner that understands and appreciates that updates must be done with a sensitivity to the period and — back to what the Brits say — not mucked up. Every square inch of this 3,351-square-foot home has been cared for with taste and skill. If you’re looking for an example of how to properly update a kitchen or bathroom in a 1936 home, look no further.
You’ll be at a gawking standstill from the moment you cross the threshold. With the beauty of a triple-arched entryway, it’s hard to decide which room to look at first! The living room has all of the characteristics we love about Dilbeck, from the repeat of the window design on the fireplace to the pecky cypress beamed ceiling with vintage rope molding. This room has the added advantage of overlooking both front and back yards, so light pours through it all day long.
Another feature we love that you often find in Dilbeck’s Spanish Colonial Revival homes is a porch off of the second-floor master. This one overlooks the parkway. Just imagine having your coffee out there. Pure bliss.
There are two more bedrooms, three bathrooms, and two powder baths in the home. The yard is large enough for a pool but why would you want one? You have that fabulous greenbelt!
This Spanish Colonial Revival is one of Dilbeck’s finest. Listed at only $1.649 million, and move-in ready, it’s an absolute steal. Of course, we’d be negotiating for the furniture as well!
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager for more than 25 years and a professional writer for 20 years. Karen is the mother of a son who’s studying music at The University of Miami. An ardent animal lover, she doesn’t mind one bit if your fur baby jumps right into her lap. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com
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Having studied the works of Charles S. Dilbeck for years and chairing tours of his homes for Preservation Dallas, if he designed this Spanish Colonial, it would be one of his few. He consciously did not want to do what his contemporaries such as Fooshe and Cheek were doing with that popular style. His collaboration with Dines and Kraft here suggests that they brought with them much of the Spanish Colonial know how that they were known for in Lakewood. This is a rare house to have this style and this collaboration with a Dilbeck pedigree.
Karen, thanks for this excellent writeup, you spoke well of how this special home feels! As a long time historic preservationist it is always an extreme pleasure for me to be a part of such an offering .