There are several truly iconic homes in Dallas. The “Round House” at 7507 Baxtershire Drive, the “Underground House” at 2001 North Buckner, and the one architect Clifford D. Hustell built for himself in 1930 at 7035 Lakewood Boulevard. It’s magnificent and it’s one of the most carefully preserved iconic Hutsell homes in the city. The 4,777-square-foot home with three bedrooms, three full and two half bathrooms was just listed with David Bush Real Estate and it can be yours for only $1.64 million.
Hutsell was a dreamer, a creative genius, and an accomplished architect. On a trip to California in 1929, he saw the home of Tom Mix. Mix was “the” star of Western films between 1909 and 1935 — so yes, a very big deal who could afford a very cool house. Hutsell fell in love with it and the result is a one-of-a-kind collection of 50 homes built in Lakewood, now known simply as “Hutsells.” These architecturally whimsical homes are all variations on a distinctly flamboyant theme. They’re defined by multi-color Spanish tile roofs, arched stained glass windows, exterior balconies with wood railings, walled courtyards at the front entrance, and cream-colored brick to simulate stucco. Stucco wasn’t allowed at the time due to deed restrictions, so this was his clever way around the problem.
It’s evident from the exterior that Hutsell pulled out all the stops on his own home. How often do you find a house with a mammoth stained glass window featuring a Spanish galleon and exterior curtains? Never. That’s why this is such an amazing opportunity. We’ve watched this house over the years and, fortunately, intelligent people who understand and appreciate the history and of the home have done their utmost to restore and preserve it.
Carol Gantt of Gantt Design is a construction consultant, designer, and our local authority on all things Hutsell. She’s known for her amazing work restoring these homes and guiding others so they get it right.
“Hutsell used his own home as sort of a sales office, and he would bring prospective clients there to show them what he could do,” Gantt said. “This is why you’ll see every possible style element in the house. Gorgeous fake painted plaster logs surround the living room. He even had little bugs painted on the logs! There’s original multi-colored cork flooring in the entry in an ashlar pattern. He painted a tent on the ceiling of the turret bathroom, used beautiful and unusual tile combinations and strange colored toilets, sinks and tubs.”
Living in a historic home is not hard, especially when it’s been beautifully updated for modern family use. The kitchen, family room, and master bathrooms were all cleverly updated to blend functionality with a sense of history.
The original pool was replaced, but the checkerboard stained cement patio has been beautifully restored. “So many people get Hutsell homes wrong and try to do some sort of Southwest take or “modernize” them in some way that is a disconnect, but the restoration on this is very true to what Hutsell intended,” Gantt said.
This is an amazing property in the heart of one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Dallas. What more could you ask for? How about a 698-square-foot guest quarters? This is a home your friends will flock to and you know they’ll stay for a long time, so that guest quarters is essential. If you’re a bit of a dreamer, have a yen for a perfectly preserved and beautifully updated iconic home, you may never get another chance like this to own a little slice of architectural whimsy and Dallas history.
