There are few truly historical homes in Dallas, but those we do have are more than spectacular. From 10 Nonesuch Road, the 1936 international modern-style palace first designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, to the mansions of Swiss Avenue, historical homes are dotted throughout the city and become even more significant when they are lovingly preserved.
Such is 4711 Watauga Road, a collaboration of the Briggs’ long-time family home and history as well as a farmhouse of the original Bluffview Dairy Farm.
“We have always been told the original house was a farmhouse and a part of The Bluffview Dairy Farm,” says Robbie. “It is certainly one of the original homes in this area. There is much wonderful history written about Bluffview’s early development. It was established in the late 1930s.”
The neighborhood, says Briggs, was originally developed as Bluff View Estates by developer J.P. Stephenson. In 1924, he bought a 215-acre dairy farm along Bachman Branch and developed the land into 1 acre lots. The area was annexed by Dallas in March 1943.
“We wish we knew more about the area’s earliest history when the Native Americans and early settlers called this home,” says Briggs. “Just a few doors down from our property was the site of the one-room schoolhouse that is now at Dallas Heritage Village. We have found arrowheads, sharks teeth, and fossilized shells in Bachman Creek behind our home in years past.”
There is a strong, deep connection to Dallas’ most famous interior designer and architect, John Astin Perkins.
“He was one of Dallas’ most prestigious architects/decorators of his time,” says Briggs. “He bought this lot in 1945 and later bought the lot next door at 4709 Watauga, and built the home that is currently there to live in. He built our swimming pool and used this original farmhouse as a guest/pool house. Many high-profile parties were thrown there.”
The pool was built by Paddock Pools in conjunction with Lambert’s Landscape in the early 1950s and is one of Dallas’ oldest private swimming pools, says Briggs.
In 1973, Robbie’s parents, Ben and Rosemary Briggs, purchased the extraordinary property as their empty nester home, moving from Highland Park. They used Mr. Perkins’ services to make their first additions and renovations, including a master bedroom and bath, and the guest house across the yard.
“In 1984, the Briggs engaged Ed Beran of Beran and Shelmire Architects to do extensive additions, creating a new kitchen, dining room, guest bedroom and bath, utility wing, and garage with a playroom above,” says Robbie, an architect by training. “They hired Naud Burnett Landscape to design the driveway, front walk, and extensive landscape renovation.”
In 2003, the Briggs added an elevator from the garage to the first floor.
“In 2016, we purchased the house from their estate and in 2017, began a complete remodel/update with Jim Dauterman as the contractor,” says Robbie. “We installed the standing-seam metal roof, recreated the kitchen area, and reconfigured the master bath/closets and the powder room. We also created a third bedroom and bath beyond the kitchen. Most excitedly, we created a fantastic view of the creek and bluff which amazingly had never been enjoyed before from our backyard. We are one of four houses in Bluffview that sit atop the actual bluff.”
Part of the wonder of living on Watauga in Bluffview is the abundance of natural wildlife and the extensive symphony of landscape perennials as the seasons progress, says Robbie.
“We have many sightings of owls, hawks, wood ducks, and birds of countless varieties,” he says.
“This home not only has a wonderful history, but it has been a significant gathering place for family and friends of all ages. It is truly most memorable and a very special place to call home.”
Joan Eleazer of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has listed 4711 Watauga Road for $5.75 million.
