This week’s High Caliber Home, sponsored by Lisa Peters of Caliber Home Loans, takes us to an amazing pocket of Midcentury Modern homes in Lake Highlands. Located near Northwest Highway and Plano Road, this Lakeland Hills subdivision of Midcentury Modern homes was a showcase of custom contemporary design in Dallas in the 1950s.
“Homes for the discriminating, all of contemporary design” the Longhorn Construction Company advertised for its Lakeland Hills addition of 1,000-plus homes in northeast Dallas.
“Each design is an expression of forward-thinking, utilizing line, form, texture, color, and space.”
Indeed, this block of Rolling Rock Lane features a row of space-aged MCMs that truly defines high design. Long sloping rooflines, low-slung covered patios, and walls of windows aesthetically tie together this Lakeland Hills lane of homes that have been often featured on the White Rock Home Tour.
Some 70 years later, listing agent Brandon Stewart of David Griffin and Company Realtors says this MCM home has stood the test of time — and design.
“Good architecture is about a series of experiences defined by space, not nostalgic finishes. This home nails that,” Stewart says. “For instance, the entry sequence is dramatic, yet slowly revealing. As you approach the front door you’re presented with a wonderful exterior gathering space beneath a live oak and shielded from the street by a custom-built screening partition.”
Stewart says the home has been updated over the last twelve years by its designer owners, Robert and Debra Milam. Robert is the founder of ModestWorks, a boutique design studio on Cedar Springs.
“It is an exceptional example of how to update a Midcentury Modern home,” he says of the 1,733-square-foot home with three bedrooms and two baths on nearly a quarter-acre lot.
Stewart, who has a background in architecture, says this home strikes a perfect balance of original MCM soul and updated, modern finishes: “I know many purists think that’s design blasphemy, but I respectfully disagree. I love an all-original MCM as much as the next guy, but not everyone wants to live in a time capsule.”
The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, but the owners kept a subtle nod to the past with the original cooktop and hood, Stewart says.
The home features custom lighting by George Nelson, David Trubridge, and Moooi, as well as a stunning custom-designed gas fireplace.
True to Midcentury Modern form, banks of windows help bring the outside in.
“The interior public spaces are well defined with both natural light and framed views to the exterior,” Stewart says. “The finished palette is subtle and neutral while still having a sense of control and refinement.”
The park-like backyard sits beneath a mature live oak tree and makes the perfect space for entertaining around the fire pit. Is that not the most beautiful oak you’ve seen?
“Homes of this caliber are tough to come by,” Stewart says.
And while we should tell you it’s under active option contract, it’s not yet pending, and if you don’t nab this one, at least we’ve introduced you to your new favorite Lake Highlands neighborhood.
