Architect John Barthel’s Iconic Midcentury Modern in Sylvania Dells is For Sale

When a 1959 Dallas Midcentury Modern home appears in the New York Times and wins an American Institute of Architects award, you know it’s something truly special.

It is one of those “Honey, stop the car!” homes. You simply can’t drive by it without pulling over and taking photos because it’s a Midcentury Modern marvel with the most intriguing, almost origami-like angular roof.

Architect John Barthel designed it as his personal home in his 20s and lived here until 2011. When Realtor Ed Murchison listed it shortly after Barthel’s death at the age of 88, it was a time capsule.

In my opinion, it’s one of the most iconic Midcentury Modern homes in Dallas. It’s an experience set in its own little park. His lime green 240 Z and Oldsmobile convertible were in the carport, and the house was full of his artwork. Every year, he would hand draw and color Christmas cards for family and friends. He framed one from each year and hung them in the hall by the spiral staircase, ordered by date. After his family members selected the items they wanted to keep, they allowed me to purchase a few pieces, including a Paul McCobb credenza and an original oil painting that hung in the living room. The AIA auctioned the rest of his belongings, and I’d love to know what happened to the rest of the holiday cards. He was a fascinating person.

Ed Murchison

From the drone photo, you can see that the home is laid out into two large spaces covered with magnificent sloping folded roofs and connected by a wide corridor that houses the entry, dining room, and kitchen.

The main living area makes up almost 600 square feet of the 2,510-square-foot home and features a central fireplace with dramatic wraparound windows.

The second part of the home has three downstairs bedrooms, and one, now being used as an office, is up the spiral staircase.

We have written about this home before and it’s lovely to see how it’s unfolded over the years with such care.

There have only been two owners since Barthel’s death, including The Iron Giant’s production designer, Mark Whiting, who lived here for 10 years. Both Whiting and the current owner have done well in honoring the architect’s original design.

One of the most striking things that has been beautifully maintained is the mural painted on the closet doors at the entry. The kitchen has also been sensitively handled. The layout remains the same, and the cabinet’s wood tones beautifully matched to the original.

Not only is this a Midcentury Modern wonder, but it’s also located in a neighborhood filled with many architecturally significant homes. Sylvania Dells is a subsection of Highland Meadows, and the entire area is dotted with midcentury homes.

“Mediterranean Gardens / Sylvania Dells portion was developed by John Preston Travis and planned by the Hungarian Planners and climatologists Aladar and Viktor Olgyay. They were all very enthusiastic about modern architecture. In fact plans for homes were subject to approval of a panel of architects and a committee of owners. Mediterranean Gardens / Sylvania Dells has homes by several significant mid-century architects. Homes in the 1955 Lakeland Hills addition were also designed by an important mid century architect… so much history right here!

Michael Thomas — Homeowners Association President

Compass agent Ali Noori listed this Midcentury Modern at 8931 Capri Court on March 14 for $1.015 million. There have been 20 showings in two days, so this one is going to move fast!