The residents of East Kessler long ago decided against becoming a conservation district. How could they? The neighborhood’s architectural style is impossible to categorize other than eclectic. Styles range from the historic 1850s Rock Lodge and the 1936 Art Moderne house to some unique modern homes. However, finding new construction like this dramatic contemporary is rare.
Sitting majestically on a raised site surrounded by old-growth Oak trees, this 4,277-square-foot East Kessler contemporary with four bedrooms and five bathrooms was built by Marcer Construction, a thriving family company with a vested interest in their neighborhood.
One of the goals of this home was to build a house of the highest quality that you might easily see in Highland Park. It has pier and beam construction, and all the exterior walls are of Austin stone. The walls have a museum finish, the floors are wide plank oak, and the bathrooms have beautiful tile, marble, and high-end hardware. I’d say goal accomplished!
I was lucky enough to see this East Kessler contemporary as it was being finished. It’s even more impressive than the photos show. What immediately captures your attention is how the double-height entry acts like a picture frame inviting you into the main living area. This dramatic two-story space opens to a large covered verandah. A second living area to the left of the entry can be used for sitting or formal dining. It includes a wet bar with refrigerated wine storage. It’s perfect for an intimate gathering.
The other thing that struck me about this house is the generous proportions of the ensuite bedrooms. You seldom see this in new builds today. The principal suite might be significant, but you seldom see substantial secondary bedrooms. I was hard-pressed to figure out which one was the principal bedroom. It’s on the first floor, but the second-floor bedrooms are among the largest you will find in Dallas.
Marcer not only builds a high-quality product, but they also know how to showcase it. Mercer brought in George Bass Stage and Design to add the finishing touches.
“Buyers always need a vision, especially in a contemporary home,” Bass said. ” It’s important they see how warm and inviting a house can be and that you can have a maximalist attitude in a modern-day structure to create that vision of comfort and lifestyle.”
East Kessler Park offers the best of all worlds. If you are a nature lover, the Coombs Creek Trail winds along the neighborhood’s northern boundary and will take you to Stevens Park Golf Course. Kessler Parkway Park is at the end of Cedar Hill Avenue, and Greenbriar Pocket Park is a block away. Methodist Hospital is four minutes away, and you can be in the Dallas Arts District in 12 minutes. You can’t do better in Dallas as far as location goes.
David Griffin of David Griffin Realtors and Co. has 1519 Cedar Hill Ave listed for $2.495 million.
Open House: Sunday, Nov. 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
