We’ve been missing something in the housing market lately — classic architecture. While it never went away, the fact is that you just don’t see a true architectural gem come up for sale often. However, this Highland Park classic Greek Revival is a case in point. These homes work so well that families hold on to them, pass them down, and sell them to friends off the market. To find one for sale today is uncommon and very exciting.
We saw a lot of furor on social media last year as some true classic beauties were razed in Highland Park and East Dallas. It’s not just the loss of the history of a particular home. It’s the architectural loss that devastates many of us. Traditional architecture captures not just history but also culture and local context.
A Classic Greek Revival With Historic Influence
Architect Paul Turney of Turney & Associates designed this classic Greek Revival home in 2011. The architectural influence is clear. Louisiana’s A. Hays Town, one of the South’s most prolific architects, popularized this style in the region.
Town was enamored of Spanish, French, and Creole history. Those influences are seen here in the traditional elements embraced by Turney. The full-façade colonnaded front porch, commonly seen in the South, is a hallmark of this distinctive style, as is the French Colonial influence apparent in the exterior staircase leading to the second floor and the full-length shutters.
One of the important contributions Town made was to embrace the concept of incorporating salvaged materials into his homes which creates character in a new home. You can see Turney’s homage to Town in the use of salvaged brick on the front porch floors.
Traditional architecture celebrates the identity and spirit of a place.
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Turney perfectly captures the Louisiana classic Greek Revival style in this 7,745-square-foot home, both outside and inside. The timeless design continues with the traditional foyer highlighted by a floating staircase and flanked by formal living and dining rooms. The open-plan family area offers a charming feature, a keeping room just off the kitchen with a cozy fireplace.
These classic Greek Revival homes are always generously proportioned, and the principal suite is truly grand. It includes a sitting room and an adjacent wellness room. There is a great deal of flexibility with a third-floor media room that can easily become a fourth bedroom.
Today, no home is complete without private guest accommodation, and this home has a full guest house with a gym overlooking the pool and spa.
Remember, when a home serves a family this well, something is very right about it.
Christine McKenny has 3825 Potomac Ave. listed for 11.5 million.
