We’re lucky to live in a city that offers great residential architecture, from brand-new construction by hip young architects, to treasured historic properties like this iconic Lakewood estate designed by Charles Dilbeck.
These historic homes are not often available. When they do hit the market it’s a rare opportunity to own a real piece of history. Our Monday Morning Millionaire at 6726 Lakewood Boulevard is not only a one-of-a-kind estate, it’s also been completely restored, renovated, and updated.
The house was built by Dilbeck in 1933 and is commonly known as one of the “Three Lakewood Houses,” as they were built in close proximity to one another. The other two are located at 6738 and 6748 Lakewood Boulevard. Dilbeck was pretty prolific, building over 6,000 homes in Dallas. He also designed the Belmont Hotel in Oak Cliff.
Preservation Dallas describes his look beautifully:
“Dilbeck’s style cannot be summed up in one genre, as his work reflects varied styles that include French farmhouses, as well as Tudor, Spanish and Colonial Revival characteristics. What was popular about Dilbeck’s projects was his ability to blend and adapt historical styles to create a form of Eclecticism giving his houses a Dilbeck style uniqueness.”
When the original owner, Ben Maudlin, passed away, Jeff and Jessica Burrows purchased the home. They immediately set about building a team to breathe new life into the grande dame. That team included architect Greg Lorie, of Architectura, builder Marcus Taylor, president of English Heritage Homes of Texas, and interior designer, Laura Elia, of Artful Interiors.
“A project like this starts with the owners, who have the vision,” Lorie said. “They also had needs that the house did not currently provide, so that’s where I came in — to help them expand the home while still keeping the feel that the original house had. With today’s lifestyle, the rooms are more open to one another so a balance had to be achieved to get this and still be true to the style.”
In 51 weeks, the project was complete. That’s amazing considering the house was basically taken down to the studs.
I had the pleasure of seeing the transformation when it was close to being finished. A huge family room and open plan kitchen were added. A second-floor master suite was added above this area. In the former master, the team created a bedroom and sitting room. New bathrooms were added for each of the three original bedrooms. Taylor also added a back staircase, laundry room, mud room, and an extra bedroom downstairs.
Lorie took some of the original elements of the house and used them on the addition to keep the charm of the original and ensure a smooth transition. The house was also extended toward to the east to better balance the lot. You really can’t tell where the original house ends and the addition begins. The transition is seamless. Elia was instrumental in that process, ensuring light fixtures, tile, color palette and finish out were appropriate for a 1930’s home.
An original 1,000-square-foot log cabin on the property had been used for meetings and local dances back in the day. It was also where the original homeowner was born. It was fully restored and now serves as a cabana for the pool that was constructed for the Burrows.
Fast forward. Listing agent Nancy Wilson with Coldwell Banker sold the Lakewood estate 18 months ago in a hip pocket transaction and now the present owners are relocating. However, they managed to put their own stamp on the property in a very short time, adding incredible outdoor lighting, more updates to the kitchen, and a fourth garage space. They also called on English Heritage Homes to take that log cabin to a new level, rebuilding it with stacked stone.
After all the renovations and updates the house is now 5,959-square-feet with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and two half baths. And, that great cabana with a huge fireplace, full kitchen and bath.
“It’s a warm, inviting, classic, iconic estate,” Wilson said. “It’s a perfect family home and ideal for entertaining and it will never go out of style.”
The home is listed for $3.865 million and sits on almost an acre of land. There are not many opportunities to snap up a Lakewood estate of this size with this pedigree, that has been fully remodeled and is truly move-in ready. Now’s your chance!
