We love every single home Clifford D. Hutsell created. In fact, Candysdirt.com may have the most extensive archive of information on Hutsell-designed homes in America because Dallas is blessed with so many of them. Lakewood alone has a collection of 50 Hutsell homes. So, when one comes up for sale, like this stunning 1931 Lakewood Spanish Eclectic at 7203 Lakewood Boulevard, we guarantee we’ll let you know all the details.
In the 1920s Hutsell gained success after a large construction phase in South Dallas. He built a significant number of modest Prairie-style homes, Craftsman bungalows, and Tudor cottages on Park Row. Hutsell then moved on to Oak Lawn and East Dallas. After working in the M Streets, he began the transformation from builder to architect-builder. This is when we see a radical style change, primarily influenced by a trip to California where Hutsell fell in love with Spanish Eclecticism. Lucky for Lakewood, this is about the time he implemented his own creative and fanciful take on Spanish Eclectic architecture.
From 1926 to 1931 he created some of the most architecturally significant homes of his career in Lakewood. This is in no small part due to the fact he was also skilled at finding, and keeping together, a talented team of artisans and craftsmen. So, when you see this gorgeous Lakewood Spanish Eclectic home with the multi-colored tile roof, stained glass, and enclosed courtyard you can appreciate the artistry of all of these fine craftsmen working together over the years.
The craftsmanship, of course, extended into the interiors with signature features like arched doorways and barrel vaulted ceilings. Hutsell was also known for embellishing these arched doorways with wrought iron gates. He used both Rookwood and Batchelder tiles when designing fireplaces. This Lakewood Spanish Eclectic home has a rarity, a Batchelder fireplace with engraved scenes of White Rock Lake.
“This home has a colorful history of wonderful caretakers,” Allie Beth Allman listing agent Susan Baldwin said. “Everybody loves it. Just recently someone stopped by whose grandmother had lived in the neighborhood years ago. He remembered as a kid that the Hutsell homes had bells in the archways, and parents would ring them when it was time to come in for dinner. We think this one probably had a bell as well, so you could install one and be right in keeping with the history of the home. Lakewood is very much a front yard community, so those bells come in handy!”
The house has been updated without marginalizing the original charm. It is 2,260 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master is downstairs, a rarity in historic homes.
You can feel the love and the care of generations of owners in this Lakewood Spanish Eclectic, and at only $799,000 it’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.
Open House: Sunday, Oct. 28, 2-4 p.m.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. She teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. She loves dogs, international travel, history, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and homes with personality. Her father was a spy, and she keeps secrets very well. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com
