Help us Unlock The Secrets of Villa Vista, an East Kessler Park Estate With The Best Views in Dallas

Rarely am I unable to uncover almost every detail of a home, but this East Kessler estate has been a test for me and all of my preservation resources and contacts. Maybe you can help us!

What we do know is this estate has records dating back to 1940. Although there were reports of a 1923 build date, no aerial photos indicate that to be accurate. Considering East Kessler Park was established in 1937, that lends even more credibility to the 1940 build date.

The Tudor Revival home sits perched on an acre at the highest point in the neighborhood with 360-degree views. If I had to hazard a guess — and I often do — I’d say it most resembles a home that Dines and Kraft would have constructed. Known primarily for their work in Lakewood, they did build several homes outside of that neighborhood.

With 5,272 square feet, this is a large home, which is not unusual considering prominent families such as the Stemmons and Guggenheims lived in East Kessler Park when it was being developed.

Realtor Jason Saucedo of the Hewitt + Saucedo Realty Group with Dave Perry-Miller In-Town has just listed this exciting historic home and has some intriguing details about it.

“We know the man who had this home built was Charles R. Moore, founder of Austin Industries,” Saucedo said. “The original property was 40 acres, which is essentially all of what we now call Kessler Oaks. Moore named the estate Villa Vista because of the views. As you walk up to it, you are struck by how stately it is. When you look at the view from the front door, you can see downtown through a picture-perfect opening in the trees.”

By all accounts, Moore was a very successful gentleman, and the company he built is thriving to this day.

Founded in 1918 by Charles R. Moore as Austin Bridge Company, Austin Industries is today one of the nation’s largest, most diversified construction companies. With more than 7,000 employee-owners, Austin provides civil, commercial, and industrial construction services through its three operating companies: Austin Bridge & Road, Austin Commercial, and Austin Industrial.

Forbes

There have been only three other owners in the 84-year history of this magnificent East Kessler Park estate.

It has been updated and meticulously maintained from the Widow’s Walk (which we now refer to as a roof deck!) with the unparalleled 360-degree panorama of the Dallas skyline to the finished basement with a poker room and wine cellar.

The English garden Mrs. Moore installed drew garden club enthusiasts from the moment it was unveiled and is just as beautiful today as it was in the 1940s.

Not only will you have fabulous views and room to roam on this East Kessler Park estate, but the location cannot be beaten. You are minutes from the fun at Trinity Groves, Methodist Hospital is within walking or biking distance, and the kids can attend the coveted Rosemont Elementary and Greiner Middle Schools.

Finding an acre with a perfectly maintained historic home today is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, so don’t wait around. Get a jump on the crowd by having your agent attend the broker open from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, with wine and pizza from Cenzo’s.

And if you can solve the mystery of who the architect and builder were, please let us know in the comments!

Saucedo has this rare East Kessler Park estate at 1707 Rio Vista Dr. listed for $3.65 million.