The Preservation Dallas 50th Anniversary Home Tour is coming up on April 15. It’s one you don’t want to miss because included in the tour is this striking home designed by Frank Welch overlooking White Rock Lake.
Most of us that follow architecture in Texas are familiar with the career of architect Frank Welch. His brand of regional modernism was nurtured by the legendary O’Neill Ford, who, in the late 1950s, offered him the opportunity to work as the on-site architect of the Texas Instruments Semiconductor Building in Richardson, Texas.
He formed his own company in 1959, Frank Welch & Associates, and after 22 years in Midland, moved to Dallas, where he worked another 35 years. Welch was honored with more design awards than any other Texas architect.
So you can see what I mean about an architecturally significant home that will one day be among Dallas’ most important historic homes.
Finding Frank Welch
When Barbara and John Bradfield purchased land at 3535 West Lawther Drive they had some specific ideas in mind for their new home, so they interviewed a lot of architects.
“Every architect we talked to said, if we did not choose them to let them recommend someone else,” Barbara said. “Every single one recommended Frank Welch. I’d read an article about him, and he seemed like a nice guy, so we called him, and everyone was right, he was a great fit for us.”
The Bradfields talked with Welch for months, found a builder, and spent about a year constructing their Texas Regional Modern home.
You’ll notice some of Ford’s influence carrying through this home. A grid of redwood frames the second-story screened-in porch, reminiscent of Ford’s design of the porch of the tour home on Wendover. The balconies offer influences of Ford, David O. Williams, and a hint of Charles Dilbeck.
Welch designed the home to be secluded despite its setting — just across from a very public lake — by creating a tall white stucco wall. It serves as a shield for the home and a frame for the views. The house is set into what has become a natural woodland, offering an even greater sense of privacy.
“I knew I wanted a kitchen with views over the lake, and I wanted to see my husband at his desk from the kitchen,” Barbara said.
The breakfast area mimics a screened porch featuring the same stone at the entry.
John requested a room be designed to house his massive tracker-action pipe organ built by The Bob Sipe Organ Company. While taking piano lessons as a kid, he noticed an organ and asked if he could play it. A life-long love of the instrument ensued.
The two-story, oak-lined room conceals acoustic panels and is washed in sunlight by floor-to-ceiling windows — a minstrels gallery overlooking the room. The Bradfields have hosted many musical groups, including The Dallas Bach Society, Verdigris, The Orchestra of New Spain, and the International Organ Competition.
Of note when touring the home are the beautiful sculptures featuring all of the creatures that inhabit White Rock Lake.
“I spend a great deal of time in the living room watching sports, looking out over the lake, and knitting,” Barbara said. “It’s such a peaceful setting, and I see the most amazing sunrises and sunsets.”
Tickets to The Preservation Dallas 50th Anniversary Home Tour, sponsored by Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, can be purchased here.
