David Stocker Transformed a Historic Preston Hollow Charles S. Dilbeck For a New Generation

Architecturally significant historic homes are in demand, especially those designed by Charles S. Dilbeck. Finding one that retains many of the original characteristics but has been sensitively ushered into the 21st Century by one of the best architects in Dallas is rare.

No one was better suited to the challenge of updating this home than SHM Architects founding design principal, David Stocker. Stocker owns not one but two Dilbeck homes. If anyone knows how to expand and update a historic residence, he does.

A Charles S. Dilbeck Oral History

This home has had only three owners — which speaks volumes about its quality and the lifestyle it offers. It was originally designed for Herb Hartfelder, the Oak Farms Dairy general manager and former vice president of the Southland Corporation. Investor and philanthropist Wilson Schoellkopf Jr., a member of one of Dallas’ oldest families, was the second owner.

The Hartfelders told the Schoellkopfs that Dilbeck had designed the home. Unfortunately, no records exist, but with only three owners, word of mouth carries a lot of weight. The Schoellkopfs did a series of updates and added a three-car garage.

Although some details may have been lost when the Schoellkopfs renovated, plenty are still intact. Historic features such as ceiling beams, drunken brick, leaded and stained glass windows, pecky cypress, and a painted wood ceiling in a grid panel pattern with rope trim, offer up the whimsy one would expect in a Charles S. Dilbeck.

A Dilbeck For Past, Present, And Future

The present owners purchased the home in 2017 and almost immediately engaged Stocker for a substantial addition. He renovated the kitchen, created a downstairs primary suite, a secondary informal living and dining area, and a screened porch. He also added a fifth bedroom suite above the primary with an open-plan study.

Of course, when you update, you add all the technology features like Lutron lighting, electronic shades, surround sound wiring, and enhanced security.

Stocker has given us an excellent example of how to make these glorious historic homes relevant for modern family living. So when you see a home from the 1920s or ‘30s that you love but cannot imagine how you’d adapt, do the right thing. Don’t tear it down. Call an architect.

“It’s just such a magical, one-of-a-kind home and has such a good feeling when you walk in,” Allie Beth Allman & Associates listing agent Susan Baldwin said. “There is nowhere you can stand and not look out a window.”

This Charles S. Dilbeck is also on 1.7 landscaped acres with a swimming pool and a massive backyard.

“It’s like living on a farm,” Baldwin said. “The current owners have honey bees, chickens, and an extensive garden.”

Dilbeck’s whimsy and charm, combined with Stocker’s brilliant updates and expansion, have created a rare opportunity to fully enjoy a grand historic home that is move-in-ready.

Baldwin has 9300 Hathaway St. has this enchanting Preston Hollow estate from Charles S. Dilbeck listed at $6.75 million.