Kessler Park or Hollywood Hills? Enjoy Treetops and Terraces in This Refined Ranch-Style Home

To know this sprawling white farmhouse-style ranch at 1419 Yakimo Dr. is to know the unique East Kessler Park neighborhood it sits in. 

The Guggenheim Acres enclave is an ultra-hilly, wooded landscape of eclectic homes that have been purpose-built since its founding in 1937. What does that mean — “purpose-built”? Here, homes were developed organically as half-acre (and larger) lots were carved out of the former 20-acre Dr. V.C. Guggenheim estate. The result is a neighborhood where you’ll find every manner of architectural style, built on varying elevations, with irregular setbacks and entrances that can feel almost hidden.

Over the years, Guggenheim Acres has seen its share of architectural one-offs: the city’s first all-electric residence in 1956, a midcentury house shaped like the state of Texas, and a millionaire’s cliffside estate with “dancing decks” overlooking Oak Cliff and downtown Dallas. That last one belonged to John Yakimo, an Austrian stone-crusher contractor and founder of Yakimo Construction. His 11-acre spread was described by The Dallas Morning News in 1941 as “one of the most elaborate homes built in Oak Cliff to date.” Ten years later, when Yakimo passed, auctioneer J.T. Wheat described the grandly furnished home as “the best furniture money can buy.”

Coincidentally, Christie’s Lone Star agent Piper Young Rivera’s Yakimo listing — a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home with 3,371 square feet — also comes fully furnished with designer pieces and a mile-long list of updates. Taken to the studs in 2010 and meticulously reimagined since, the interiors showcase museum-finish walls, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and all-new doors, windows, and shutters. Architects David Braden and Harold Prinz designed the home to maximize flow and natural light, opening interior walls to enhance circulation and sightlines. The result is a residence that feels both expansive and livable, polished yet warm.

“The home is magnificent yet perfectly understated,” Rivera says. “With the step-ups and downs throughout the home, it feels like a one-and-a-half-story home with Midcentury Modern undertones. It has a very Hollywood Hills vibe.”

Step inside and you’ll notice fresh paint, LED lighting throughout, and those energy-efficient windows that keep the home bright while minimizing maintenance. Designer furnishings, statement lighting, and signature finishes remain with the property, giving buyers the rare chance to move in without sourcing high-end pieces themselves. Notable inclusions: Ralph Lauren lighting in the formal living room, a Rove Concept sofa, custom leather chairs, and rugs from Crate & Barrel. The formal dining area is outfitted with Cantoni dining chairs and an HD buttercup walnut Japanese credenza — all included. Even the mounted TVs and floating cabinets in the secondary primary suite stay with the home.

The kitchen received over $75,000 in upgrades: custom cabinetry, semi-precious stone countertops, premium appliances, and a large island. Undercabinet and toe-kick lighting add a subtle glow, highlighting contrasting wood tones against the honey-colored floors. The combination of functional design and aesthetic details supports both casual family life and more formal gatherings. Translation? You can actually live here.

Two primary suites offer private retreats, each with spa-inspired bathrooms, Euroto smart toilets, and custom closets. A third ensuite bedroom provides flexibility for guests. Throughout the home, updates include new doors, baseboards, and trim, as well as refinished electrical and plumbing systems. Even the powder bath received the designer treatment, with wallpaper, lighting, and finishes that elevate a small space.

Outdoors, the home’s backyard really shines. A resort-style pool anchors the terraced yard, framed by lush landscaping, fully furnished lounge areas, and graded Austin stone retaining walls. The covered patio and multiple seating nooks make outdoor living effortless — and every Homary furnishing stays with the home. Other exterior highlights include new pool equipment and heater, repaired fencing, fresh exterior stain, luxury gutters, and a refinished garage with built-in storage. Don’t miss the hammock on the upper deck, which swings you into the treetop views.

Located minutes from Bishop Arts, Stevens Park Golf Course, and downtown Dallas, Yakimo combines the privacy and character of Kessler Park with convenient access to city amenities. That is, if you can find your way out of the neighborhood. With its winding streets and steep inclines, you’re bound to take a wrong turn — but in East Kessler, getting lost is part of the charm.

Piper Young Rivera of Christie’s Lone Star has listed 1419 Yakimo Dr. for $1.175 million.

Piper’s hosting a “Burgers and Balls” pre-game party on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. The famed Hamburger Man will be grilling out in the backyard for this open house with food, drinks, and music.