Dells District Delight Offers Historic Feel, Exceptional Updates

Oak Cliff is just lousy with beautiful historic homes, but it can be somewhat of a crapshoot buying a flip that is older than a certain age. And some neighborhoods have a diverse array of homes from different periods, none quite so striking as the Dells District. This neighborhood, according to Heritage Oak Cliff, features brick and stone cottages from the ’20s and ’30s originally developed by a Mr. Irwin — hence the name of one of the major streets, Irwindell. More houses were built after World War II in the ranch vernacular.

The Dells District is also home to this adorable, exceptionally renovated listing from Phillip Murrell of Compass, which is also our High Caliber Home of the Week presented by Lisa Peters of Caliber Home Loans. 

“One sure-fire way to recognize a solid remodel is when the builder thoughtfully reconfigures and modernizes a historic home, but restores as much of the distinct, original features as possible,” Murrell said. “The next lucky owner will enjoy a ‘like-new’ home without sacrificing the soul and story that makes it extraordinary.” 

The beautiful hardwood floors and historic fireplace remains intact at 3401 Gibsondell in the Dells District.

The district actually has quite an interesting history, according to Heritage Oak Cliff:

Originally, rock arches marked the street corners at the entry. These, along with a row of houses, were lost with the widening of Westmoreland Road. Development slowed until after World War II, when a number of small, traditional ranch-style houses were constructed on the remaining lots. These homes, with exteriors of pale brick, limestone, or a combination of the two, blend well with the older cottages, keeping the same scale as their Tudor counterparts. The plat of Richland Hills addition completes the Dell District as we know it today.

Nestled in a wooded area off a busy street, the neighborhood backs up to the riverbed of Coombs’ Creek. This same creek meanders up through Stevens Park Golf Course and several Oak Cliff developments to the east and north. The Dell District remains a charming enclave of cottages with well- established trees and an excellent potential for first-time homebuyers.

And this cute red brick bungalow at 3401 Gibsondell, as Murrell mentioned, retains a fair amount of historic charm in its 1,419 square feet. It totals three bedrooms and two baths, all splendid and clean. Murrell is offering this gorgeous 1927 build for $349,500.

According to Murrell, the renovation took this home down to the studs, which included new energy-efficient, dual-paned windows throughout. Buyers will also benefit from a new privacy fence with keyless locks surrounding a backyard ready for your pups. Additional features include pastel gray walls and beautiful hardwoods throughout, soft-close cabinetry in kitchen and baths, glass shower enclosure in master, and a rough-plank accent wall in the dining room. There’s an open flow from the kitchen to the den flooding the space with natural light. This property ins move-in ready!

It’s a gorgeous renovation and a stellar opportunity to buy in a neighborhood with plenty of character! 

Open House: Sunday, Aug. 19, 1 to 3 p.m.