Timeless Transitional in Bluffview Shows The Value in Architect-Designed Custom Homes

When a highly respected architect tells you, “It’s one of my favorites,” you know a house is exceptional.  

David Stocker, principal at SHM Architects, designed this timeless transitional on Cherokee Trail in Bluffview in 2007. Hard to believe, right? But that’s what you get with architect-designed custom homes. They look as if they were finished yesterday.

“It’s a big house without being overwhelming.”

David Stocker, SHM Architects

“This was one of the first homes where we spread things out, and it’s been a foundational house for our firm and our work in Dallas,” Stocker said. “Our client understood the concept of a one-room deep house, that it’s like a charm bracelet. Each room is linked yet has something individual and wonderful. It’s a cool way to experience your backyard and tie into each room along the way. This house is the epitome of being transitional. It has traditional forms, but it comes out contemporary.”

Builder Brad Ellerman of Ellerman Homes brought Stocker’s timeless transitional design to life with 6,296 square feet, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a powder bath. “It’s a big house without being overwhelming,” Stocker said.

That’s down to the massing. Stocker designed the timeless transitional with a lot of mass near the back, so it feels like an understatement in the front, which offers a subtlety not often seen in houses of this size.

A Perfect Site

The home is set into almost an acre of serene and private landscaping created by Bill Bauer, owner of Austin-based Garden Design Studio. Bluffview is known for having an off-the-beaten-path vibe, but Bauer certainly enhanced that feeling here.  

Originally a dairy farm, Bluffiew’s cliffs, rolling hills, and creeks have long attracted celebrities and politicians, which is why you see some of America’s leading architects and builders work in this neighborhood.

Cherokee Trail is on the high end of the bluff, and Stocker said from the backyard, you can see the dip down to the creek. If you’ve never seen the actual bluffs of Bluffview, they are impressive.

Back in my days as a photo stylist, I was able to fake a Vermont mountainside (OK, it was a closeup!) with these bluffs for a ski company’s photography campaign, so that should give you an idea of the dramatic natural landscape. 

Although this timeless transitional has only been on the market for six days, Stocker told me he’s never had so many people call him for information because they love it. Stocker feels the same way. Architects care about each of their designs, but this one has always been special to him.

“I love this house, and if I could buy it, I would!” he said.

You cannot get a better stamp of approval than that.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates’ own Alex Perry has 4722 Cherokee Trail listed for $5.995 million. In our present market, I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t already have several offers.