As I was driving to the Mad hatters luncheon at The Dallas Arboretum last week, I passed by this house and stopped dead in my tracks on West Lawther Drive. In fact, it was the reason why I missed half of Jam Strimple’s fabulous fashion show. Entirely worth it. I was driving in front of 4646 Chapel Hill Road, one of the most beautifully situated homes in Dallas. Set on 1.03 acres, this home fronts on Chapel Hill but overlooks White Rock Lake with clear, 180-degree lake views.
Last week, the wind was blowing, sun shining, there were slight waves, and I was, while standing in front of this home, transported into a tranquility state of mind. No wonder we are drawn to beach homes!
Here’s the deal: it’s a steal. Previously listed at $2,149,000, Doris Jacobs over at Allie Beth Allman now has it for $1,950,000. Built in 1976, the home was remodelled in 1995 and is a statement of late mid-century modern design. This home is so like the homes I grew up in, get this: I have the very same black chinoiserie china hutch in my dining room. It’s by Drexel, was my mother’s.
In 1976, architects knew what they were doing. This home is built into the hillside like a brick you-know-what, has high ceilings, and was built with steel girders. The floor plan is open, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the water views. Who loves terrazzo floors? I do! We had them in our home on Melissa Lane and let me tell you, easy care, they last far better than limestone, are cool in summer, and can be warmed in winter with a rug.
Chapel Hill has 4900 square feet with three bedrooms, formals, four full and one-half baths, a spacious master with split his and her’s master bath. I spy some Sherle Wagner. I’m not going to lie – I think the home needs work. The kitchen needs to be ripped out faster than a reality show season. The home was first built by O. V. Campbell, who owned the Texas Schoolbook Depository, and a whole block of downtown Dallas. He had parties here galore — Frank Sinatra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, with dancing by the lake. The large entry is classically flanked by the formals, then enters the Great Room with those dramatic views of the lake. All three bedrooms have lake views; two are on the lower level with full baths. The closets are large, rooms well proportioned, and the square footage is not out of sight. To me, this location is such a jewel I would totally grab this house and lock in the location, then slowly start the renovation process.
And I’d walk by the lake every day!
One: Gut kitchen and redo, keeping terrazzo floors intact. Do not touch those floors! I’m thinking white Bulthaup with thick white marble counters and an island.
Two: Pluck out those chandeliers, well, some of them, replace with more contemporary lighting. Agree?
Three: Clean up the master bath, but keep the 1976-era commodes because guess what: they FLUSH!
Four: Moldings, molding everywhere. What to do? Part of me likes them, part of me wants to scrape. Maybe just leave the medallion in the master? Hmmm.
Patio: OMG, let’s get rid of the aggregate, do something with the ceiling, less scroll-y ironwork, and add a mosquito misting system (if one does not exist). Voila, a perfect entertainment area.
Fountain: Make it a pool. Infinity edge. Swim up and look out to White Rock lake.
Doris says there is more than $200,000 in landscaping. I believe it! And I think that with a little creativity and sweat, this house could be one of the most magnificent tributes to the seventies in town.
