In the heart of Dallas’s prestigious Kessler Park, where history and modern luxury converge, stands an architectural marvel that has been meticulously restored and thoughtfully updated. This exquisite Spanish Eclectic home at 1116 N. Canterbury Court is not merely a residence; it is a testament to the art of preservation, a quality recognized and celebrated by Preservation Dallas. Last year, this property received one of their highly coveted Preservation Achievement Awards, a true honor that underscores the flawless execution of its recent transformation.
A Glimpse into the Past: Original Grandeur of 1116 N. Canterbury Court
Built in 1925 for Alex A. Greer, a skilled plastering contractor, and his wife Clara, this Kessler Park Spanish Eclectic residence embodies the rich architectural heritage of its era. Greer’s profession left an indelible mark on the home’s interior, with its distinctive coved ceilings and intricate plaster details showcasing his masterful handiwork. The house was constructed with a true masonry structure, a rare and robust building method that eschews wood stud exterior walls for solid, enduring craftsmanship. This construction not only speaks to the home’s exceptional durability but also contributes to its authentic period charm.
The roof, a magnificent expanse of Ludowici clay tile, remains an original feature, known for its longevity and timeless aesthetic appeal. Inside, history continues to unfold with original elements such as the striking Calco tile fireplace, famously adorned with their signature peacock tiles. These details, from the solid construction to the unique tile work, transport you back to a time of meticulous artistry and enduring quality, setting the stage for a home that was built to last for generations.
Generational Stewardship and Early Renovations
As is often the case with cherished historic homes, ownership changes hands infrequently. For an impressive fifty years, the Pierce family lovingly resided at 1116 N. Canterbury Court, diligently preserving its original character and architectural integrity. Their commitment ensured the home remained a cornerstone of the Kessler Park community for half a century. Over these years, the property underwent a few thoughtful remodeling projects, most notably in the 1980s, which saw updates to the kitchen and the main bathroom. Additionally, the original breakfast room was cleverly transformed into a functional downstairs bathroom, and a rear porch was added, adapting the home to the evolving needs of its residents while still respecting its historical foundation.
A New Chapter: Chris Hickman’s Vision for Modern Preservation
In 2014, the baton of stewardship passed to Chris Hickman, a respected local Realtor, and his partner, David Moxley. Their approach to renovating this historic gem was profoundly intelligent and respectful. Rather than rushing into design changes, they chose to live in the house for a period, allowing the home to “speak to them” and understanding how daily life unfolded within its walls. This deliberate decision proved crucial, informing every step of the meticulous remodel that took place between 2016 and 2017. Their efforts were eloquently summarized in their application to Preservation Dallas, outlining a vision that would honor the past while embracing modern living.
The goal of the remodel in 2016-17 was to preserve the exterior and main spaces: living, dining, entry hall, and the three bedrooms, while adding on a large entertaining kitchen open to a family room, a dining porch, and a master bath and closet. Circulation through the main floor and a connection to the addition was a challenge due to the location of the existing small kitchen. The solution was to remove the porch addition and to replace the original kitchen location with a wide hallway that opens up the circulation from the entry hall to the addition, connecting all the major rooms, old and new.
All of the original finishes were restored in the main rooms. New oak flooring was milled in a narrow width for the addition to match the original. Door and window casings were reproduced in poplar with the same profile as the originals. The thick plaster texture was patched and also copied throughout the addition. The “miracle” style interior doors were re-used and refinished where necessary to match the original stain. A six-month search culminated in locating enough Ludowici roof tiles in a similar color blend to cover the addition. All of the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems were replaced – a challenge with solid masonry exterior walls while trying to retain the original plaster. New archways in the style of the originals were added to connect spaces.
More design freedom was taken in the areas previously remodeled in the 1980s. The breakfast room/bathroom became a laundry and butler’s pantry. The main bath was tiled in Calacatta Gold marble. Its hex floor tiles are a nod to the damaged original tiles found during demolition, and the ceiling was coved to match the other older areas of the home. The guest bath tucked under the stairs was slightly enlarged and features a new stone mosaic floor.
The resulting home is a blend of 1920’s character with the conveniences of the newer construction of this century.
Hickman and Moxley’s renovation was a masterclass in blending historical integrity with contemporary functionality. Their primary objective was to safeguard the home’s exterior and its gracious main living areas – the living room, dining room, entry hall, and original bedrooms. Simultaneously, they envisioned a seamless addition that would introduce a spacious, entertaining kitchen, a comfortable family room, an inviting dining porch, and a luxurious master bath with a walk-in closet. A significant design challenge arose from the constrained location of the existing small kitchen, which hampered effective circulation between the main floor and the proposed addition. Their ingenious solution involved removing the previous rear porch addition and reconfiguring the original kitchen space into a broad, flowing hallway. This elegant architectural intervention seamlessly connects the entry hall to the new addition, fostering an effortless flow between the home’s historic core and its modern expansion.
The dedication to historical accuracy extended to every material and detail. Throughout the original rooms, all existing finishes were meticulously restored. For the new additions, new oak flooring was custom-milled to a narrow width, perfectly replicating the appearance of the original hardwoods. Door and window casings were faithfully reproduced in poplar, matching the precise profiles of the 1920s originals. Even the distinctive thick plaster texture was carefully patched in the older sections and flawlessly replicated throughout the new construction, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. The unique “miracle” style interior doors were salvaged, lovingly refinished, and reused where possible, maintaining their original stained appearance.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable examples of their commitment was the exhaustive, six-month search to locate enough Ludowici roof tiles. These tiles, chosen for their exact color blend and authentic style, were essential to cover the new addition, ensuring the roofline remained historically accurate and visually harmonious. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation addressed crucial infrastructure, with all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems being completely replaced. This monumental task was particularly challenging given the home’s solid masonry exterior walls and the imperative to preserve the delicate original plaster. New archways, designed to mirror the grace and style of the existing ones, were strategically incorporated to connect spaces, further enhancing the home’s natural flow.
The areas that had undergone remodeling in the 1980s offered more scope for creative reimagining. The former breakfast room and bathroom space was brilliantly converted into a highly functional laundry room and butler’s pantry, a nod to modern convenience with a touch of classic elegance. The main bathroom received a lavish upgrade, adorned with Calacatta Gold marble tiling. Its hexagonal floor tiles serve as a subtle yet respectful homage to the damaged original tiles discovered during demolition. The ceiling was expertly coved, echoing the architectural language of the home’s older areas. Even the guest bath, discreetly tucked beneath the stairs, was slightly enlarged and now features an exquisite new stone mosaic floor, adding a touch of luxury to every corner.
A Masterpiece of Blended Eras: The Drop-Dead Gorgeous Result
The culmination of Chris Hickman and David Moxley’s efforts is, in every sense, breathtakingly gorgeous. Hickman credits Moxley with the profound vision that guided the entire renovation, ensuring that the substantial family room and kitchen addition integrated flawlessly with the existing 1920s architecture. Their commitment to authenticity was unwavering; every new detail, from the selection of materials to the architectural lines, was carefully chosen to relate harmoniously to the home’s original design. They even sourced period-appropriate tiles for the new fireplace, featuring embossed images that faithfully replicate those found in homes of the 1920s.
“We wanted the addition to feel as if it has always been here,” Hickman remarked, articulating the core philosophy of their project. They achieved this goal beyond all expectations. Guests frequently express surprise, commenting on how remarkable it is to discover a house from this era with such a generously sized and functional family room, a testament to the seamless integration of modern living spaces into a historic shell. This Spanish Eclectic home in Kessler Park now boasts a spacious 3,385 square feet, featuring three well-appointed bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a convenient powder bath. Adding to its unique charm, the backyard still hosts a charming glass greenhouse, a legacy from former owners who cultivated orchids, standing proudly next to the discreet guest quarters.
“We wanted the addition to feel as if it has always been here.”
Chris Hickman
The Heart of the Home: Entertaining and Community
For Chris Hickman, the kitchen stands out as the absolute favorite area of the house, and it’s easy to see why. “It’s a great place to entertain,” he shares. This central hub is designed for both culinary creativity and vibrant social gatherings. A truly ingenious design element is the laundry room, which has been thoughtfully set up to function as a sophisticated bar for parties, offering both practicality and an elevated entertaining experience. The fluid transition from the kitchen and family room onto the spacious back porch creates a magnificent, expansive entertaining area that feels like one grand room, perfect for hosting friends and family.
Beyond the architectural brilliance, Hickman cherishes the profound sense of community that the home fosters. “Our house is a revolving door. Everyone is here for potluck and happy hour on Friday nights,” he recounts, highlighting the home’s role as a beloved gathering spot. “It’s such an easy place to gather, and I’ll miss that a lot.” This sentiment speaks volumes, painting a picture of a home that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also a warm, inviting haven where memories are made and cherished friendships flourish.
Chris Hickman and Donald Moxley did an incredible job with the renovation of their 1925 home in Kessler Park. They were able to preserve the exterior and main spaces while updating the work done to the house in the 1980s remodel.
David Preziosi, Executive Director of Preservation Dallas
An Enduring Legacy in Kessler Park
The accolades from David Preziosi, Executive Director of Preservation Dallas, perfectly encapsulate the profound success of this project. “Chris Hickman and Donald Moxley did an incredible job with the renovation of their 1925 home in Kessler Park. They were able to preserve the exterior and main spaces while updating the work done to the house in the 1980s remodel.” This statement is not just praise; it is a recognition of the meticulous effort, thoughtful design, and unwavering commitment to historical integrity that transformed 1116 N. Canterbury Court into a benchmark for preservation. The home stands as a proud example within the highly desirable Kessler Park neighborhood, renowned for its mature trees, rolling hills, and a rich collection of architecturally significant residences. Owning a home like this means not just acquiring a piece of real estate, but becoming a custodian of history, a part of a vibrant community that values its past while embracing a luxurious and modern lifestyle.
This completely transformed Kessler Park Spanish Eclectic home at 1116 N. Canterbury Court is currently available. For those seeking an unparalleled blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and award-winning preservation, this residence offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dallas history, reimagined for the 21st century. Susan Schweidel with The Chris Hickman Group at Ebby Halliday has this exceptional property listed for $1.395 million.