Bud Oglesby built this custom-designed classic modernist home in 1985. It’s a beautiful example of how less really is more.
We generally don’t regard the 1980s in Dallas as a decade of architectural inspiration. Oglesby was one of the stellar exceptions. He embraced simplicity of form and materials. His thoughtful consideration of how light enters buildings and how it’s treated on surfaces are hallmarks of his work and evident in his designs, from the smallest condos to the largest estates. This home is as refreshing today as it was in the 1980s because good architecture is timeless.
A few nights ago, Preservation Dallas partnered with daltxrealestate.com for a sneak preview party at this classic Modernist home on Inwood Road. It was a rare opportunity to see the updates, hear from Oglesby-Green architect Joe McCall, and see firsthand how this house lives and functions for a crowd!
Oglesby’s designs were the polar opposite of flashy. He believed good architecture did not call attention to itself. If Oglesby had been in fashion, his residential designs would equate to the perfect little black dress, enhancing but never overwhelming.
Oglesby’s mastery of functionality and practicality eased this classic modernist into a post-pandemic era with grace. He was light years ahead in his understanding of how homes should work for family life. Recently, some sensitive updates and an expansion were made to the home.
The most significant of the updates was enclosing the two-level loggias between the main home and the office. Originally, the first-level loggia overlooked the swimming pool, and its columns were wrapped in ivy.
The first-floor enclosure allowed for seamless access to the office. The pool was also moved over from its location next to the loggia and office.
This was an enormous undertaking but, frankly, a very smart decision. Who wants to hear the kids splashing around just outside your office?
When the upper loggia area was enclosed, it opened up the opportunity to create a game room with a full bar overlooking the pool on one side and the canyon below on the other.
George Bass Stage and Design turned this classic modernist house into a home, showcasing it beautifully while respecting the architecture. That’s not an easy task with an architecturally significant home, but Bass has a keen understanding of not only the prospective buyer but also the story the home is already telling.
When we toured the house at the Preservation Dallas event, the showstopper was the principal bathroom. Featuring Oglesby’s signature rolled barrel vault ceiling, the word enormous barely suffices. This may be the largest shower I’ve seen in any home in Dallas.
Every architect I interview emphasizes that the site is everything when designing a home. It creates both challenges and inspiration. Nothing could be more inspiring than an almost two-acre property backing up to Bachman Creek, offering endless views. These views were the overarching factor in the design, and Oglesby ensured a feeling of being embraced by nature in this home.
This classic modernist at 10573 Inwood Road is listed by Charles Gregory and Ryan Streiff of the Perry-Miller Streiff Group of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate for $8.395 million.
