This Midcentury Preston Hollow Home Has Seen Everything From a Judo Outlaw to a Tornado

A home’s living history. That’s what I’m always rambling about in my weekly Highlight Home of the Week, sponsored by Dallas mortgage banker Lisa Peters of Cardinal Financial. This week’s Highlight Home in Preston Hollow has two interesting storytelling threads to follow, but only one that’s truly relevant — teen hijinx or natural disaster?

“32 trees.” That’s the headline a 1964 Realtor used to describe the Ranch style rambler at 4441 Walnut Hill Lane. The agent, named only in the Dallas Morning News classified ad as Mr. McElveen because my dear, we haven’t been properly introduced, counted every tree on this nearly half-acre lot home located in the “fairway between Midway and Inwood,” as listing agent Bill Griffin of David Griffin and Company Realtors describes it today.

Does it still have 32 trees? No, and I’ll tell you why that’s okay. Because when an EF-3 tornado came hopping along Walnut Hill Lane one Sunday night four years ago almost to the day, the house and everyone in it survived.

Yes, the North Dallas tornado of 2019 claimed several massive trees that used to cover Walnut Hill Lane in vibrant Maple leaves and shade the huge backyard. And I’m sure arbor illnesses or aggressive tree trimmers led to the demise of several more of those 32 original trees that once stood here in lush Preston Hollow. But the 2,491-square-foot house and at least half a dozen trees — including the mighty 70-year-old Oak that anchors the front courtyard — all survived one of Dallas’s worst natural disasters.

Now, the other storytelling thread — I wrote and deleted. It was about a 1960s college kid with a semi-prominent last name who was shot in the back by Dallas Police while resisting arrest at a Gaston Ave. house party. He had sprayed the apartment manager’s 19-year-old wife with shaving cream while chasing another girl around the pool. Well, he thought he was a big deal in martial arts and “began Judo chopping the officer” with his one free hand, the newspaper reported. He sued the city for officer negligence and irreparable harm. A few years later, he was arrested for growing marijuana on a patch of land in the 7400 block of Royal Lane near Boedeker. His gardening skills were later lauded when his showy organic gardens were often featured in prominent North Texas garden tours.

The point? Some people have journeys that come full circle and some don’t. Some homes have history that you can feel, and some don’t. This four-bedroom, three-bath home feels like a perfect purposeful gem in the middle of an oasis of estate-sized homes as neighbors. A small, original home can sometimes seem out of place in a changing neighborhood, but this one seems right at home.

Featuring a split bedroom arrangement, this home is perfect for comfortable living, offering both ample space and serenity. Actually, it has two primary bedrooms, both with gorgeous hardwoods and remodeled bathrooms. A thoughtful remodel in 2016 included a significant floor plan transformation and modern upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms.

Step into the backyard oasis, complete with a detached auxiliary room that currently serves as a workshop. This versatile space opens the door to various possibilities, whether you need a home office, a studio, or a creative retreat. Additionally, there’s an attached carport providing ample parking space.

Bill Griffin of David Griffin and Company Realtors has listed 4441 Walnut Hill Lane for $985,000.