Rarely do we see such a beautifully intact original Winnetka Heights Prairie bungalow — a neighborhood so popular as a front porch community where something fun is always happening.
This particular Prairie bungalow was built in 1912 for Dallas County Judge Cecil Lane Simpson and his wife, Daisy.
Dallas’ Ideal Suburb
At the time, Winnetka Heights was advertised as “Dallas’ Ideal Suburb.” So, it’s not surprising to find many politicians and movers and shakers of the city lived here. Texas oilman and Winnetka Heights developer J. P. Blake and Ellis Cockrell, a prominent cattle rancher, are but two of the well-known residents of the 1920s.
“Winnetka Heights was a planned development, designed to take advantage of the interurban, an electric train that ran on a track down Jefferson Avenue,” Dave Perry-Miller listing agent Diane Sherman said. “The Interurban bisected the district, and you could easily get to downtown or Fort Worth.”
Because it was an affluent suburb, homes were built to last, which is why it is now one of the most intact early 20th century neighborhoods in Oak Cliff. It’s remained that way due to the enduring efforts of local preservationists who persevered in making Winnetka Heights the city’s sixth historic district in 1981. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places and has a state designation from the Texas Historical Commission.
A Place For The Long Term
People move here because they love historic homes, so they seldom leave. To have a lovely 1,936-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom Winnetka Heights Prairie bungalow become available is beyond exciting.
So many original features remain intact, like the original 110-year-old wavy glass divided light windows and the box-beamed ceiling in the dining room.
Judge Simpson’s study has a custom window seat framed by built-in glass front bookcases. You find many homes from this era had two front doors, but Judge Simpson wanted people to be welcomed into his gracious home through the front door.
Upon entering the living room, you are whisked into the study through a set of sliding pocket doors. That’s pretty clever when you think about it, treating your clients with the same grace you treat your friends.
“We have very few houses like this one, with 11-foot tall ceilings,” Sherman said. “And you seldom find pairs of pocket doors and untouched, rich wood. It’s extraordinary to find one in this great shape.”
This Winnetka Heights Prairie bungalow is four houses down from the future 1.6 million Kevin Sloan Park, breaking ground in August. We all know that asset means this beauty’s value will only continue to increase.
Diane Sherman of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate has 421 S. Winnetka Avenue listed for only $475,000.
