There are homes that defy time. They last generations because they’re designed with classic architectural features that don’t go out of style, and are easily updated with little more than a coat of paint and some new tile. We have a stunning example of this for you today, an architecturally timeless Highland Park custom home at 4308 Arcady. Co-listed by Meridith Hayes and Karen Fry of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate for $3.39 million, it’s 5,787 square feet of perfection.
It was built in 1999 by Hawkins-Wellwood Homes — a company that has been around for over 50 years and is one of the largest luxury home builders in Dallas, so they know a thing or two about timeless construction.
Located in one of the sweet spots of Highland Park, between Armstrong Parkway and Douglas, it has easy access to the Dallas North Tollway, meaning you can work anywhere and live in Highland Park. Win-win.
With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as two half baths and a guest quarters over the garage, a large family will be exceedingly comfortable here. This is a house that takes all of the family needs into consideration and that is largely thanks to interior designer Mary Anne Smiley. Smiley updated the home almost 10 years ago and her balance between private and public spaces is genius.
“The house is so serene,” Fry said. “It’s spa-like, you start relaxing immediately when you enter the front door.” That feeling was largely created by lifting the 1999 woodwork out of the dark ages into the light, brightening walls colors and updating lighting, all leading to a spectacularly calm atmosphere.
It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do, but of course Smiley added her intelligent touches as well. The study, for instance, is pure genius. After painting red faux-finish walls, dark wood bookcases and ceiling, she added mirrors where shelves had been, a custom chrome chandelier, and had some fun with fiber optics to create back lighting on the countertop and under the desk. “I love this room,” Hayes said. “The backlighting is spectacular and the pocket doors allow you privacy or you can open them for a party. In fact, the flow of the house is incredible. The floor plan was extremely well-thought-out.”
The family room bookcases were removed, making way for glass shelving across the top and custom doors with brushed steel inserts in front of sheer fabric below the counter level. Retaining the dark wood beams, crown molding and mantle keeps the room cozy and informal.
The downstairs is definitely adult territory, but head up the stylishly gated limestone staircase to kid’s world. What a difference! With the exception of the master suite, subtlety takes a back seat to color and creativity. This is happy land, and the bathrooms are beyond clever. From simple streamlined curved cabinetry and mirrors in one and to great color combinations in two more, the lively design has to make for a great start to the day.
The present owners are using the 544-square-foot guest quarters above the garage as a combination of work and play space. We’d opt for play over work any day in this riot of comfort and color.
Call Karen Fry and Meridith Hayes for a tour of this beautifully updated, architecturally timeless home before it’s gone!
