If you’ve lived in Dallas for some time, then you know that there are a handful of homes you will immediately recognize. This Preston Hollow Bud Oglesby estate is one of them.
Oglesby was one of our most noted Dallas architects. While his townhomes often come up for sale, we seldom see an opportunity to purchase one of the estates he designed.
Our editor Shelby Skrhak wrote a post about him and nailed it when she said, “Dallas Modernist architect Bud Oglesby knew how to do light right.”
That love and understanding of light has never been demonstrated more beautifully than in this 7,850-square-foot luxury home with five bedrooms and six bathrooms. This 1.31-acre Preston Hollow estate was designed in a U-shape, like arms offering an embrace to the gorgeous courtyard pool.
It’s not often that a seller takes the time to answer our burning questions, but owner Jodi Shelton graciously honored our request, so you are truly getting the dirt on this iconic Bud Oglesby estate.
What drew you to purchase this particular house?
Jodi Shelton: I knew from the first time I visited that I wanted to make this our home. I loved the U-shaped configuration of this midcentury home as it allows light and views of the pools and gardens from every angle of the downstairs. When I toured the house, the entrance was entirely different, so you had no idea what you were walking into. However, once you did, it was an aesthetically beautiful surprise where the outside blended naturally with the interior. Even today, it takes my breath away.
What is your favorite spot in the home?
Shelton: I have been working from home like so many others for the last couple of years, and I moved my desk into my bedroom so when I wake up in the mornings, I can open all the curtains to let in the light and fling open doors to the fresh air and the sound of the waterfall and get to work! I literally have the best office in the world! Whether you are working or lounging in bed, waking up in this bedroom is a wonderful start to the day!
Did you make updates to the house?
Shelton: We did make updates but tried not to disturb the spirit of the exquisite Bud Oglesby architecture.
I believe what Bud Oglesby created, our architect preserved and enhanced. Our key updates included the front entrance, which added the wow factor that the house deserved. Although it’s a glass front, you only get a small glimpse into the house, retaining the privacy and surprise factor.
Additionally, we changed the kitchen’s configuration as it was closed off from the rest of the house. By opening it up, we created additional symmetry to the flow. In fact, most people believe this update was part of the original design. Lastly, we modernized the primary bathroom but kept much of the original cabinetry that is beautiful and utilitarian.
What will you miss?
Shelton: Honestly, everything! I have lived in six homes over the last 22 years in Highland Park and Preston Hollow. I never had any second thoughts about moving on to the next house, but this time I will. I truly love the originality and feel of this home. The house offers such refuge, and I am lighter and happier when I walk in. It is the ideal setting for home life and the perfect home for entertaining. We raised our teenage boys here and saw them off to university. Honestly, it will be difficult to leave, but I know another family will love this home as much as I do.
Is there a favorite memory in this house for you?
Shelton: This house was our family home, and the memories of our life here together are endless. During COVID, I had three kids here, and although I am sure it was difficult for them in some respects, we had a great time filling our long days together — binge-watching some series, cooking and eating, lounging by the pool, reading, working on projects together. I can’t imagine anywhere I would have rather spent our COVID days than in this home together.
This must be a terrific house for parties!
Shelton: Yes, we had many great parties, including my son’s 16th birthday and graduation party. And for five years, I hosted an annual chef’s dinner to raise money for nine schools in Haiti that my children and their classmates from Dallas International School built through BuildON. The dinners had great purpose and were so much fun. Each donor sponsored a table, and they were responsible for decorating the table, providing the wine, place settings, and coming up with a theme. One of the most extraordinary tables had live fish! It was a 125-person, seated, five-course dinner hosted by a variety of the best restaurants and chefs, including Main Street Bakery’s Fabien Goury and Yasmine Bohsali Goury, Georgie, and Le Bilboquet Stephan Courseau, and Chef John Tesar. They did this all for free, so all the funds went directly to our Haiti project. The dinners were all served by the Dallas International School students, including all setup, serving, and clean-up. They took place in early April, so the wisteria was in bloom, and the weather was perfect. We had the doors open and music playing. It is the perfect party house!
Compass Real Estate’s Amy Detwiler has this rare Preston Hollow Bud Oglesby estate at 4524 Park Lane listed for $6.99 million.
