What’s the correct recipe for creating a modern midcentury-style home that feels like a magical treehouse? Take a 1955 ranch home in a perfect natural setting down to the studs, add a second story, pay attention to the details, and voila!
Of course, it’s essential to have the right person to perform that transformation.
This home was taken up to magical standards by Wes Dowdle, founder, and managing partner of Caruth Custom Homes. Dowdle’s firm specializes in design, building, and renovating, but he has a soft spot for remodeling.
His family had a home renovation company, so it’s not surprising he ended up in the business. Before he delved back into the industry, he got a CPA, which is the best thing a builder can do, in my opinion.
When Dowdle spotted a ranch-style house in Mockingbird Park, he knew he’d struck gold.
“I’ve lived in the Lakewood area for the past 25 years, and I’m always on the lookout,” Dowdle said. “I enjoy finding these unique homes and giving them new life. This one was in a great spot on an amazing lot, next to the creek. It fits the lot perfectly, and there is so much green space in the backyard. It also had a walk-out basement, and you don’t often see those in Dallas.”
Dowdle got to work with the help of his former Texas A&M roommate and pal, Kevin Parma of Parma Designs. They collaborated with Denise Lowry on the finish-out.
“My favorite thing about this house is that we were able to keep the original footprint,” said NEED ATTRIBUTION. “We added a second story, created great flow, and added a lot of midcentury flair with light fixtures.”
Of course, what you don’t see is as important as what you do see.
“There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work,” Dowdle said. “I make sure the house’s inner workings, like the electrical and plumbing, are correctly executed. It’s one thing to have a pretty house, but it has to function effectively and efficiently.”
This modern midcentury-style home is now 4,616 square feet with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a powder bath. The walk-out basement is indeed a perk.
Seller Lindsay Becker used it as a home office space and loved the fact she could take calls in complete silence or walk outside and work. With the advent of the pandemic, it’s now become a homeschool classroom.
“We created a pod with our two children and two others, and this area has come in so handy. There’s plenty of room, natural light, a refrigerator, and a sink, and of course, the kids can run outside and play.”
What really sealed the deal for the Beckers were the views from this modern midcentury-style home.
“We’d been living in Chicago, and a building was going up across from us, so our views were daily becoming less sky and more brick wall,” Lindsay said. “We missed Dallas. I read Daltxrealestate.com every day! I’d just had a baby, and when this house popped up, we purchased it without ever seeing it in person because of the natural light and the views.”
Of course, it helped that the Beckers are friends with the listing agent, Yvette Grove of Paragon Realtors, so there was an enormous level of trust there.
While the Beckers are wistful about moving, they are on to some exciting projects that we’re going to be writing about soon, so stay tuned. One of the things they’ll miss most is the neighborhood.
“People will be surprised to find this street has a lot of original midcentury homes with the original owners,” Lindsay said. “It’s a wonderful little environment. You can walk to everything. People just love this neighborhood.”
“It’s a perfect home for anyone that loves nature,” Grove said. It really is a magical treehouse!”
Paragon’s Yvette Grove has 6744 Patrick Drive listed for $1.525 million.
Open House: Saturday, September 19, 1 to 3 p.m.
