Mystery Architect’s Midcentury Time Capsule Gets a New Price

When Joanna England first covered this midcentury modern gem back in September, our readers fell in love. Since then, the three-bedroom, two-bath charmer has taken quite a price cut — a steep one in fact – from $565,000 to its current list price of $495,000! Yes, you read that right. This puppy is ready to be SOLD!

Steeped in mystery with jaw-dropping post-and-beam design, our Friday Four Hundred is one of the most spectacular, untouched, midcentury moderns you can find under $500K in Dallas. Just ask listing agent Brandon Stewart of David Griffin & Company Real Estate.

“This is one of the rare time capsules that hasn’t been remodeled into a design bastard,” says Stewart. “It’s a classic midcentury modern with sought-after and rare exposed post and beam construction. We’ve unfortunately never been able to figure out who the architect was, but clearly one was involved.”

Wait just a minute. Hold the phone. You’re telling me this gorgeous masterpiece à la Don Draper, 007, and the Rat Pack has no trace of its architectural history? Oooh the intrigue. Sounds like a case for the Texas Society of Architects, or AIA.

We’re told the original owners were Morton and Sylvia Mandell, and the home was designed just for them in 1958. Morton was the president of the Pearsal Appliance Company. Whomever the architect of 11412 Valleydale Drive, boy did they have talent! Just look at the striking geometric façade with flat and pitched rooftops, met by walls of brick and glass.

As if waiting for its big reveal, the home sits back on a sizable .39-acre lot secluded by mature southern live oak trees. The generous circular driveway leads to a private entry courtyard with pond, which instantly inspires that feeling of midcentury modern coolness.

Inside, you’re welcomed by a wide-open floor plan showcasing the highly desirable post and beam design that’s all the rage with midcentury modern enthusiasts.

“There are period-specific tiles, light fixtures, appliances, and just about everything else you can think of,” adds Stewart. “I truly believe this could be one of the coolest midcentury moderns in this neighborhood (and there are many) with the right person who has the vision to restore and improve this beauty.”

Notable period highlights include original 9/16” thick redwood shiplap siding in the living room and bedrooms, original brick flooring, and original wood windows. Those impressive atomic-style sconces in the entry hall and bedroom? Yep, you guessed it — all original.

Even the Lightolier LyteCaster adjustable spotlights in the kitchen, and the Lightolier bowl uplight in the living room are original.

The kitchen cabinets, countertops, stainless steel sink, Tappan stainless steel double oven — all original. The recessed Conceal-All accessories like the spice rack and dual foil/wax paper dispenser — all original. Same goes for the spacious master bath decked out in original Venetian Pink American Standard lavatories and tub.

Clearly this property was built to last, and lovingly maintained for decades. Imagine the possibilities! A precious-yet-seductive time capsule just waiting for the right buyer to scoop it up and restore it to its former glory. Is that buyer you?

If it sounds too good to pass up, 14112 Valleydale Drive is located in the Hill Haven Heights subdivision of North Dallas, and is currently listed for $495,000 by Brandon Stewart of David Griffin & Company Real Estate.

If you or someone you know has any information on the architect, builder, or history of this home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to learn more.