A Midcentury Modern Treasure by Architect Neal Lacey Continues to Inspire

This week I have the distinct honor of writing about a legacy home that we’ve actually covered before at CandysDirt.com — way back in 2012. Back then, the new owner, Pete Peabody, knew he’d found an architectural gem, but no one seemed to know the history, so Peabody did his own digging.

Dallas Homeowner Researches His Home’s Design Past, and Finds Architect Neal Lacey

In doing so he found a treasure trove of information. Not only was the home indeed built by an architect, but by AIA architect Neal Lacey, of the firm Pierce-Lacey, noted for having designed the Braniff Stewardess College located at Wycliff and the N. Dallas Tollway. Not only did Peabody find out the name of the architect, he found the man himself, and was able to walk through the home with him and hear his thoughts on his own design some 45 years later. Lacey appreciated how untouched the home remained, how well-cared-for over the years, stating that “he had never seen one of his projects that had not been altered or demolished. ‘Timeless’ was a word used frequently over during his two hour visit.”

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Timeless is definitely a word I would use to describe this impeccably designed home, that will certainly find a new owner to adore it in record time. Listing agent Brian Davis with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty says he has been inundated with inquiries since listing, so if you’re interested, make that call now.

Lacey isn’t the only name of note attached to the design of this 1967 home. John Watson of John Watson Landscape Illumination designed the outdoor lighting for this incredible outdoor oasis. Watson, dubbed “Mr. Moonlight,” by TIME Magazine founded his company in 1952. “He’s the Father of American landscape lighting, giving people like Lambert’s their business model,” said Davis.

In November 2023, the home was again offered for sale, again in wonderful, timeless condition, again finding its next steward, which brings us to today. Let’s explore this masterpiece a little, shall we?

The great room absolutely soars, with its high, A-frame, beamed ceilings, opening to the fabulous pool and deck with walls of glass on three sides. Centered around the floor-to-ceiling brick gas fireplace, the room is cozy, yet open and airy.

The dining room has glass doors opening to the deck for ease of indoor-outdoor entertaining. It’s just one example of what Davis refers to as the almost magical “blurring of indoor and outdoor space” at 13958 Hughes Lane. Also of note here are the unique pass-through panels (on the right) for serving on the buffet.

Step up from the living room to the stone tile entryway with impressive double doors surrounded by glass and that same brick. “Doesn’t that brick evoke the brick from Northpark Mall?” said Davis.

The family room has a second gas fireplace and wrap-around glass with sliding doors opening to the deck and pool. This room is perfect to be used as is — relaxing with the family by the fire catching up on shows and maybe a casual meal. Or I could easily picture furnishing this space with more water-friendly furniture and games, for relaxing and playing after a day spent poolside.

The kitchen is pure perfection with abundant space and impeccable design. The sliding glass doors open to a private courtyard with brise-soleil, where a small kitchen garden could enhance a chef’s tinkerings, or a cafe table for morning coffee would be a lovely way to greet the day.

Working from home in this office feels like a vacation with this view, and you can always step outside for a breath of fresh air, or a dip in the pool.

The primary suite is grand, with its own deck, sitting area, and unique wall of brick. Very much in the style of MCM, yet timeless, this retreat is luxe in any century.

Close in on a portion of the deck (this is outside the family room, dining room, and living room), you can see the impeccable paint job (if I’m not mistaken that’s my favorite Iron Ore, or something close), and the beautiful woodwork, next to the brick, and a built-in grill, as well as how lovely the lights are from outside the home.

In Pete Peabody’s piece about this home, he said that “[Neal Lacey’s] word was ‘timeless’; mine is ‘continuity.’ There is truly a connection between the past and present here in our home. Our home is not a replication of the past but an interpretation of that spirit and style.”

I think “continuity” is definitely the word for this home that has been blessed by such faithful stewards over many years. Such an incredible piece of work must bring inspired energy to those who live in it. It has certainly inspired us at CandysDirt.com over the years.

Brian Davis at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has 13958 Hughes Lane listed for $1.475 million.