This Preston Hollow Classical Revival Will Surprise You

This Preston Hollow classical revival is one of the loveliest, and most surprising homes I’ve seen in ages.

You’ll understand once you cross the threshold of this elegant, ivy-covered home. The surprise is that the owners have not only updated beautifully but also used color in a clever way. Check out the ceiling in the foyer. That’s Benjamin Moore Peacock Green and it’s a tip-off to a home filled with delicious and unexpected hues.

It takes confidence to paint ceilings anything but white, and you rarely see this in a traditional setting like this classical revival.

Look And Learn

That foyer has a fresh new character, because of a simple coat of paint.

“When you walk into that foyer, you get that wonderful welcoming feeling that old homes have,” Compass listing agent Gretchen Brasch said. “People who have never thought about incorporating color come into this home and their design thought process is completely transformed.”

The same is true for the living room color. It’s feminine but not in an over-the-top way. Using soft color gives this formal space a comforting and relaxed feel.

All credit to owners Kerri and James Davis for having the foresight to update a classical revival with style and a dash of panache — well most likely to Kerri, but you have to give credit to any guy that will embrace pink walls and ceilings.

Kerri is a partner in Ellis Hill, the to-die-for store on West Lovers that has everything from stationery and linens to party supplies and gifts. Once you see the style sensibility of Ellis Hill, you’ll gain some insight into how this classical revival home got its groove on.

This house has been around since at least 1950 according to DCAD, but you can find some wonderful stories about events here prior to that, so I’d say that construction date might be a bit fluid. At any rate, it’s been the scene of many social events over the years, no doubt because it flows beautifully and has always been a gorgeous home. It appears to have been built for attorney Guy L. Mann who was gracious enough to let his wife have it when they divorced. When she remarried and put it up for sale in 1954 the Dallas Morning News ran the following ad:

Georgian Colonial at It’s Attractive Best!

Open 2-5

Gleaming white against red brick, this BEAUTIFULLY AND RECENTLY ” UPDATED” two-story is lavish with good taste and well-done improvements. CENTRAL HEAT AND AIR-CONDITIONING, an ALL ELECTRIC KITCHEN: COPPER PLUMBING, NEW WIRING are some of the basic things! All wool off WHITE CARPETING, custom draperies, CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS, “FLOCKED” paper in the lovely dining room—ARE SOME OF THE AESTHETIC THINGS! There are four bedrooms (one down) three 1/2 baths and the smartest den or cardroom! Do see today!

I’m sure no one could resist flocked wallpaper in 1954.

It’s refreshing to see a home that’s been well cared for over the years. There have been a couple of additions, done the right way, by the legendary architect Bill Booziotis. A great room with a marvelous vaulted ceiling was added as well as a master bedroom suite and a sunroom. This classical revival is now 6,527 square feet with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a powder bath.

In 2017 architect Jerry Coleman and builder Rick Harrelson gave this classic revival a complete refresh touching almost every surface as well as updating the important things you don’t see, like plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

“That renovation opened up walls to enhance the orientation of the living spaces and changed transitions between rooms and sightlines,” Brasch said. “Symmetry and sightlines were very important.”

Another interesting thing that was created is a two-sided master bathroom connected by what I like to call a talking wall. The top portion of the sink wall is left open on purpose so you can remind your significant other to get their honey-do list done!

It’s hard to believe with multiple seamless additions and expansions that there is still a sizable backyard. Extensive landscaping was a part of that 2017 renovation. In addition to the pool and pergola, there is also a sports court.

This house has been refreshed and expanded to include everything we want in a home today, but it also has that character you don’t get in new construction. There is nothing like the comfort of a traditional classical revival layout to makes you feel you’re finally home.

Brasch and Elly Holder have 5845 Lupton Drive listed for $2.65 million. It’s only been on the market a few days so I suggest you get a move on if you are interested. I don’t expect it to linger.