Preservation Park Cities Home Tour Returns with 3 Historic Highlights
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If you love home tour season as much as we do, don’t miss the annual Preservation Park Cities Historic Home tour, Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m
This is a one-day-only event featuring three of the most spectacular homes in Highland Park. In addition to the tour, there will be a collection of Dallas-based vendors at 3801 Beverly for the Market of Dallas event.
4308 Overhill Dr.
This architectural masterpiece by Hal Thomson stands as a testament to preservation. Built in 1927 for Dallas oilman Robert Penn, this classic Mediterranean home has remained in the family for three generations. The gracious, wide entry features an encaustic tile floor, popular since the 13th century and seeing a resurgence in the 1920s, particularly in Spanish Mediterranean homes. Woodwork throughout is by Swiss woodcarver Peter Mansbendel, renowned for his work on the Spanish Governor’s Palace and Mission San José in San Antonio. Leading architects sought his talent only for their most significant residential projects. There is much more to appreciate, such as the book motifs in the stained glass and a whimsical nod to the family sons depicted as gargoyles.
The Penns’ intentional and careful restorations are an inspiration and serve as an excellent example of how a historic home can continue to serve its owners beautifully today.
3530 Princeton Ave.
Architect John Allen Boyle designed this residence in 1926. Boyle is best known for designing the Sheppard King mansion in 1916, which we know today as The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. He only did a handful of homes in Highland Park and drew inspiration from Italianate and Beaux Arts styles for this one.
The current owners, Alan and Carie Heckler, undertook an extensive renovation that protected the significant exterior elements and much of the interior, including the original spiral columns with Corinthian capitals and Acanthus leaves. Working with architect Thea Van Loggerenberg, they created unique indoor and outdoor kitchens intentionally located near the new pool and an original fireplace. This renovation shows how a historic home can be beautifully updated to remain livable through careful and sympathetic changes.
3801 Beverly Dr.
This 1916 Colonial Revival is yet another preservation success story. Kase Abusharkh purchased the home in 2021, keen to renovate with a focus on honoring the home’s history, preserving the original floor plan wherever possible, and retaining historic details.
Abushark chose traditional fabrics, rich textures, and classic patterns to enhance the home. For example, the hand-painted de Gournay wallcovering extends up the staircase and across the upper landing, selected for its period influence and its artistic value. The updated kitchen features classic materials and a palette inspired by the interiors of the Villa d’Este luxury resort in Cernobbio. Abushark has reimagined this Colonial Revival with an inspired aesthetic that honors the home’s historic character.
