This Midcentury on Moss Point is a Glen Oaks Home That is Oh So Oak Cliff

By Donovan Westover

Coming forward from our previous tour home previews (1916, 1920, 1928, and 1950), we move further into midcentury and land in 1954 in the Glen Oaks neighborhood.  The neighborhood was developed 1952 to 1967 on the historic Holland Farm. 

For homeowners looking for trees, hills, and greenery, this was your place.  And, with historic deed restrictions ensuring all homes were built with masonry veneer exteriors as well as setback requirements to create ample lawns and picturesque sites, the developer ensured that all homes in the area were unique with no two homes being alike.  So Oak Cliff.

The “unusual” house was designed, built, and decorated by Pab Enterprises, which was a company on the leading edge of building technology that boasted progressive, modern homes as a new concept for living in the Texas climate. 

“Climate kings,” as they marketed them, with full air conditioning and maximum indoor-outdoor living.  This very clean-lined house with a back wall of windows creates the illusion of grand space within its modest footprint.  To maintain those clean lines, utilitarian articles are incorporated into the rooms, most notably the tremendous amount of built-in storage disguised within wooden walls. 

Oddly enough, I discovered that my former boss, Dwayne Jones, sold this house to the current homeowners.  Small world and so Oak Cliff.

The original greenery selling point of the neighborhood has been maintained by the current owners, one being an avid gardener and the other a horticulturalist.  The property variegates from a west-facing waterwise landscape out front, to a rich backyard that reminds me of a garden store.  This is wisely planned because we know what a piece of crap the Texas sun can be.  So many plants in every direction make it lush while it remains sustainable.  So Oak Cliff.

Our tour program text writer for Moss Point Drive, architect Kely Mitchell, says:

“One may even have thoughts of Palm Springs upon arrival.  The addition of a low planter wall in front creates a private courtyard which is a very nice surprise as you approach.  The backyard is a wonder, as well, with a greenhouse to store the many plants in the winter.  Apparently, there was nothing but grass and a few trees in the yard when the house was purchased.  It is amazing that the beautiful landscape was developed in only four years.”

The low-slung house with its minimal carport is a clean canvas and approaching the house reveals the details we appreciate the midcentury for, such as wood screens, exposed rafters with angled tails, and exterior storage closets, all nestled under deep eaves which shade the many windows. 

The midcentury aesthetic also shines brightly at Moss Point Drive on the interior, where the homeowners have underlined the scheme with their selection of patterns and terrazzo flooring in addition to period furniture and accessories.  Very atomic ranch and while this home is also So Oak Cliff, I could easily see it on the Disney streets.

Replacing the original carpeting with terrazzo flooring in the living and dining rooms was brilliant and the space is better for it.  The back wall of the house is glass and the natural light is perceived as sparkle on the marble, quartz, granite, and glass ingredients in the floors. 

This is definitely a sparkly house and the colorful palette plays nicely with the abundance of greenery, which continues into the house and throughout every room.  It makes me think of living inside a terrarium set inside a botanic garden.  So Oak Cliff.

The homeowners have done a great job updating their distinct residence with sensitivity and their personal touches add fun layers to an already fun house.  Dwayne would be proud.  Heritage Oak Cliff is proud to feature Moss Point Drive along with six other tour houses on October 28 and 29.  More information and tickets available here.  So Oak Cliff.

Our Moss Point Drive tour home is sponsored by:

Barbara Macleod of Paragon Realtors

Dick Eastin of Brazos Bank