My Heart’s on Fire For this Texas Modern Masterpiece

How would you like to live in the heart of Highland Park and yet be so completely concealed from sight, your privacy is absolute? Take a peek behind the tall hedges of 3212 Dartmouth Avenue for a glimpse of a Texas Modern masterpiece with a rare provenance.

The legendary architect Frank Welch originally designed this home in 1978. As if that’s not enough to turn your head and make your heart flutter, this Texas Modern masterpiece was reinvented about ten years ago, by another famous Texan — AIA award-winning architect Max Levy.

In the 1970s, architects were pushing the envelope all over America. We saw the construction of innovative styles like Shed and A-Frame homes. It was an exciting time in architecture, and there were plenty of clients eager to be on the cutting edge. We’re lucky in Dallas that not only do some of these homes still stand, but owners maintain and improve the designs. One of the boldest moves made with this property was capturing the lot next door. Rather than expanding the home, the owner added to the privacy and sanctuary-like feel with stunning gardens.

That privacy was thoughtfully constructed by internationally-recognized landscape architect David Hocker, principal of Hocker Design Group (HDG). Hocker is noted for indigenous gardens. If you have been in Dallas for any length of time and value landscape design, you’ll know Hocker for his award-winning work on the 1926 Dallas Power & Light electrical substation which became an indoor and outdoor art exhibition space, guest artist’s residence, and not-for-profit organization.

There are so many things I love about this Texas Modern masterpiece, and the backstory is one of them. Listing agent David Griffin told me the current owner was looking at high-rises and could not find anything that suited him.

Then he saw this Texas Modern masterpiece.

“It’s like a high-rise, but on terra firma,” Griffin said. “It has all the privacy that a high-rise would afford, but you can interact with nature. The thread that runs from the original house to the house today is that both architects work in a modern Texas vernacular.”

With 4,787 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder bath, this Texas Modern masterpiece is the perfect home for someone wanting not only the highest standards in terms of design with no compromise in materials or craftsmanship, but also privacy and low maintenance living.

“If one uses the best architects and designers, homes have a timeless quality that isn’t available if you are simply following current trends,” Griffin said. “Many of us chase those trends and try to keep up. A good counterbalance is to think about what is enduring. When I sell homes designed by leading architects from Hal Thompson to Frank Welch, those homes desirability and perspective speaks to people long after the era in which they were built.”

This Texas Modern masterpiece is a gem of a home, set on a private double lot, in a world of its own, and yet minutes from all the fun on Knox Street. Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano restaurant is practically at the back door, which would seal the deal for me! This home is exactly what we all want. A timeless design, in a superb location, with fantastic privacy, and low maintenance!

Griffin has this sophisticated architectural beauty listed for 4.25 million.

---

Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes, and any house designed by Clifford Hutsell knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com