By Donovan Westover
Labor Day has come and gone, and it is time to pack away your white clothing. The time has also come for the annual Heritage Oak Cliff Fall Home Tour, which we are super excited to bring back after a pandemic hiatus.
This vital event, which has been on hold since 2019, raises funds for the organization that in turn disperses it back into Oak Cliff neighborhoods. Distributed via grants, neighborhoods can fund projects such as community events, improvements, beautification, and infrastructure. While the Fall Home Tour has been on hold, Heritage Oak Cliff has continued distributing grants to improve our unique and vibrant community. For that, I am proud to chair the comeback tour for Heritage Oak Cliff and promise an incredible show.
The tour is Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29, from noon to 5 p.m. each day. There are seven amazing historic houses featured this year and we look forward to opening the doors for all to see. Each home is remarkable in its own right and guests will walk away from each one inspired. The distinct architecture is only the beginning, and this year’s houses check many additional boxes including design, landscape, artistry, preservation, gardening, craftsmanship and so much more.
There is something for everybody and we cannot wait to show it off to you and your friends!
Heritage Oak Cliff Fall Home Tour Stops
This year we are highlighting a 1920s rock cottage in Beckley Club Estates, a very Dilbeckesque ranch in Ravinia Heights, a transitional ranch in the Guggenheim Acres Addition, a commanding two-story Prairie style in Winnetka Heights, a welcoming renovation in Sunset Hill, a clean line midcentury in Glen Oaks, and a lushly appointed traditional in Kiestwood Estates.
Tickets for the tour may be purchased online in advance and picked up at the beautiful Turner House (ticket central) on the days of the tour. The tour is self-guided (maps are provided) and tickets are available here or may be purchased during the tour at the Turner House.
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
I always enjoy getting to know the tour homes and their homeowners during the tour scouting process, especially in historic neighborhoods. There is a passion and connectivity with both pieces, and I walk away with great memories.
My favorite memory from this year’s process was Robo, the dog, diving in and swimming to the bottom of the pool to fetch rocks. He was so happy. Come on our tour and you will be as happy. Although I cannot promise Robo will be doing his trademark trick on the tour, I am trying to bribe the Beckley Club Estates peacocks to hang out for photo ops with tourgoers. Given that it is Halloween-ish weekend, it seems an appropriate treat.
Visit Clyde Barrow, Too
If you are looking to continue your exploration in the beautiful fall weather on Saturday, Western Heights Cemetery will be open for a Fort Worth Avenue Development Group fundraiser to support the cemetery at 5 p.m. Come hang out with Clyde. In a cemetery. At Halloween-ish.