Fishing for a Great House? This Reimagined Midcentury Modern Is on a Private Lake
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If you think you need to leave town to go fishing every day, think again. This completely updated 1950s Midcentury Modern classic sits on a fully stocked lake with a boathouse about a block north of Preston Hollow in the bucolic North Lake Estates neighborhood. If you know, you know.
Originally built for commercial real estate investor Edward A. Telkamp, you can just imagine how well it was put together. Real estate professionals know the best engineers and builders, of course. Telkamp turned to O.R. McElya as his structural engineer. McElya was an incredibly well-respected engineer who worked on many of our city buildings. Improvements were made over the years, with architect Charles D. Bobo assisting on the first remodel. The home stayed in the Telkamp family for decades, and it appears to have had only a handful of owners since then, all of whom have honored the architecture.
Some time after the current owner purchased the 3,608-square-foot home, nature threw him a curveball. A tree limb fell and damaged the kitchen side of the house. As a Midcentury Modern enthusiast, he wanted to preserve the integrity of the house. He turned to friend and interior designer Debra Stewart, who graciously provided us with incredible details about the project.
“What began as a conversation about repairing and updating the kitchen gradually unfolded into a thoughtful and far-reaching renovation that honored the home’s midcentury roots while bringing new life to every corner,” Stewart said.
The original footprint of the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home was retained. But as many of us know, one thing often leads to another. Naturally, the house ended up being fully reimagined. The original framing was structurally sound, a tribute to McElya. Sheetrock was removed, and new foam insulation was added to improve energy efficiency and acoustics. System updates were also made. Stewart opened up the main living area and had structural ceiling beams added to support the new span.
In addition to being a Midcentury Modern enthusiast, the current owner has a keen interest in natural materials.
“White oak was chosen for the cabinetry, offering warmth and timeless character,” Stewart said. “For the kitchen countertops, the owner selected a remarkable and rarely seen granite with striking turquoise tones — an extraordinary material that anchors the kitchen with natural color and movement.”
A new fireplace of Old Chicago brick, which was frequently used in homes of this era, was added in the former den. One of the most dramatic new architectural elements is the custom slat oak wall near the entry. It provides a nod to the era as well as a subtle separation between the entry and living spaces.
The original former housekeeper’s quarters, used as a workshop by the present owner, was also transformed. It’s now a flexible suite with an updated bathroom. It could easily function as a home office, studio, exercise space, or playroom.
But you really want to know about the fishing! You can cast a line directly into the lake, fully stocked with bass, from the deck or from the quirky original fishing hut. Think of the money you’ll save by not needing to buy a lake house.
“Westmere Circle is not simply a renovated house,” Stewart said. “It’s a home that has lived many lives, carefully shaped over time, yet always faithful to the architectural intention with which it began.”
Grab your fishing pole and go check it out!
