Historic Highland Park Tudor Shows The True Meaning of ‘Extraordinary Luxury’

Increasingly, character and history are what separate ordinary luxury from extraordinary luxury. This historic Highland Park Tudor offers the example we need today. You see, we have actually become accustomed to luxury in the Dallas real estate market. 

It was only a few years ago that our heads were turned by $3 million new builds that were essentially a box with no detail and one giant living area inside. While, there is still a place for that sort of construction, it’s become what I call “ordinary luxury.” We are used to it. It’s not that much of a head-turner any longer.

We want extraordinary luxury now.

Highland Park Tudor Becomes Extraordinary Luxury

What is getting our attention, and deservedly so, are the homes that defined Dallas when it began.

I have noticed lately that we are finally seeing a slowing of demolition and a new consideration for our architectural heritage. That may be because we had so many losses of significant historic architecture in the past few years that the entire look of neighborhoods began to change. People are beginning to take stock, look around, and realize they want to live in a home with character. 

This 1926 Highland Park Tudor has long been admired by the community for its architectural beauty and historical significance. In recognition of its unique place in Dallas history, the property was landmarked by Preservation Park Cities. Look for the plaque near the front door celebrating its historic status. 

It represents one of the finest examples of a historic home that was improved without removing character or detail. Builder Price Pritchett, who owns Pritchett-IV, rejuvenated this home for his parents and added more architectural detail to it.

What is Architectural Rejuvenation?

So what exactly is an architectural rejuvenation? It’s not simply gutting a house and opening it up. And it’s certainly not taking the easy or the cheap way out. It’s a meticulous process of repairing, improving, and often creating even more character while respecting and preserving the original architectural features that give the home its unique charm.

Pritchett engaged architect Paul Turney of Turney & Associates to help him rejuvenate the home.

“Paul was instrumental to the success of this project,” Pritchett said. “He worked with us on the architectural elements, adding nuanced exterior additions, coming up with period-correct trim pieces throughout, and selecting wallpaper that was representative of the 1920s. We wanted to keep the original scale of the rooms to preserve that warm feeling. It’s part of what is beautiful about the home. We did not push out any exterior walls.”

There are imperceptible changes and additions you would never spot unless you knew this house well. The arch at the front entrance was changed to make it even more appealing, and the walkway in the back of the house looks as if it’s always been there.

Pritchett’s parents loved the existing bones and the story of the house.

While it’s unclear how much of the story they actually knew, one of the fun historic tales I learned was about Mrs. L.R. Dixon, one of the earliest owners. She received a telegram in this house, informing her that her sister was marrying a prince! These Texas girls certainly got around back in the day and had a fascination with royalty. It was common for mothers to live in Europe for a time to get their girls married off, and the allure of royalty was undeniable.

After the Dixons moved, this Highland Park Tudor was purchased by Melvin Miller, a rancher and partner in M.M. Miller & Son Oil Co., who appears to have lived here for over three decades. We all know that speaks to the livability of a home, and all these years later, that is what Pritchett echoed.

“We wanted a relaxed elegance and livability,” Pritchett said. “Of all the homes our family has owned over the years, this one is the favorite. There was a space for everyone, it’s a nice scale, beautifully finished out, and has all of the modern technology.”  

Pritchett offers an excellent lesson to us. “My favorite part about this project was being able to extend the life of a historic home and do it right, allowing it to be modern yet still pay homage to the original time frame and construction.”

Ryan Streiff and Karen Fry of The Perry-Miller Streiff Group at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate have this extraordinary Highland Park Tudor at 3824 Shenandoah St. available for $6.995 million.