Mark Shekter Lake Highlands Contemporary is Most Interesting House on the Block

This cool Lake Highlands contemporary was built in 1977 by famed Dallas architect Mark Shekter, whose influence is seen and felt in pockets all around Dallas, especially Lake Highlands and Oak Lawn. We’ve fallen in love with his homes before, and this one is no exception, and you’ll see why it is this week’s Highlight Home of the Week sponsored by Senior Loan Officer Lisa Peters of First Horizon.

“Everybody loves a Midcentury Modern, but not that many people think of this era as a period of design that they love,” said listing agent Steve Atkinson of Dave Perry Miller Park Cities. “But there was some really wonderful contemporary architecture at this time, and I really have an affinity for it.”

This is a house of clean lines, beautiful angles, high ceilings, and gigantic windows: we think you’re going to love it.

The Wow Factor

I’m obsessed with front doors, and this Lake Highlands contemporary has a showstopper. How can you not love a giant front door? Atkinson says the owners, who have lived and loved this Shektor home for 28 years, replaced the door and entryway, extending the entrance out and up to create a foyer and to allow for the high ceiling. They knew Shektor personally so we think he would have approved. The owners also replaced the original staircase with this beautiful open one with the custom iron balustrade that creates such an artful centerpiece in the home (the original stairs were closed off).

Soaring vaulted ceilings create a museum-like space perfect for displaying art and curating your own furniture style, all set to two walls of almost floor to ceiling windows– one with doors leading out to the thirty-foot deck and pool.

A Floorplan That Flows

“So many people are obsessed with the open floorplan,” Atkinson said. “Personally, I like my rooms to be rooms, but while this is not technically an open plan, it flows so nicely to be perfect for entertaining. I’ve attended events here, and the way they utilize the space from the living area to the wet bar between the dining and kitchen areas, it just works beautifully.

Atkinson told me another aspect he liked about the floorplan was this cozy den. The owners had the larger living space to use for entertaining, but reserved this smaller nook just for themselves. The door leads to a side patio that can be used for a small garden sitting area perfect for morning coffee. This is such a great room, and an example of Shekter’s design: the beautifully angled ceiling, the inset window, and the built-in shelving.

The expansive dining room has space for a large table and more, and overlooks the lush backyard

This convenient wet bar connects the kitchen and dining rooms and is adjacent to the living room. It featured a wine fridge and ice maker along with sleek countertops and fixtures.

The cool, modern kitchen is fully equipped with every convenience, and an extraordinary amount of storage space. It’s thoughtfully designed, with plenty of counter space, an eat-in bar, island, breakfast nook, and pass through.

The primary suite is on the first floor, as well as another bedroom, which could easily function as an office. Two additional bedrooms and a bath are upstairs.

An Outdoor Oasis To Live For

This stunning backyard oasis awaits outside, with the aforementioned thirty-foot deck and pergola, lush landscaping, and sparkling pool. Surrounded by mature trees, you’d have ultimate privacy in this beautiful space, and you can see Shekter’s design makes the most of the big windows to bring the outdoors in.

This Lake Highlands contemporary is a uniquely stylish opportunity in one of Dallas’ best neighborhoods, with Harry S. Moss Park just down the street, and zoned for Richardson ISD schools.

Dave Perry Miller Real Estate agent Steve Atkinson has 9418 Hilldale listed for $949,500.