Timeless Elegance: A Historic Spanish Mediterranean Masterpiece in Highland Park, Dallas
Nestled within the prestigious confines of Highland Park, Dallas, stands an architectural marvel that transcends time: the exquisite Spanish Mediterranean residence at 4509 Westway Avenue. This historic home, originally constructed in 1933 as a duplex, owes its unique inception to the 1929 zoning regulations of Highland Park, which initially designated the neighborhood for apartments and duplexes. Today, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dallas history, meticulously preserved and thoughtfully updated. It’s more than just a house; it’s a living testament to an era of grandeur and a vibrant canvas for modern, sophisticated living.
The Enduring Legacy of Fooshee and Cheek: Architectural Visionaries
The distinctive charm and intricate details of 4509 Westway Avenue bear the unmistakable signature of Marion Fooshee and James Cheek, two of Dallas’s most celebrated architects. Renowned for shaping the aesthetic landscape of the Park Cities, their portfolio includes not only some of the area’s most beautiful private residences but also the iconic Highland Park Village shopping center – a testament to their enduring influence. This particular residence stands as one of their most captivating Spanish Mediterranean creations, showcasing their most beloved eclectic elements with a whimsical flair that sets it apart. Their designs are characterized by a harmonious blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influences, incorporating stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, arched doorways, intricate ironwork, and lush courtyards, all contributing to an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
A Glimpse into History: Literary Acclaim for 4509 Westway
The historical significance and unique appeal of this Highland Park gem are beautifully encapsulated in the esteemed publication, Great Suburbs of America Homes of the Park Cities, Dallas. This essential book, a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike, features a passage that perfectly summarizes the home’s distinctive character:
Completed in 1933, it was perhaps the most captivating of the firm’s Spanish-Mediterranean residences, far more whimsical than the two Spanish houses on Westway designed by each architect for his own personal use: the Marion Fooshee duplex of 1930, at 4441-43 Westway, and the James Cheek duplex completed the following year, at 4417-19 Westway.
This excerpt highlights the home’s exceptional artistic expression, suggesting that Fooshee and Cheek poured a unique level of creativity into this project, surpassing even their own personal dwellings in its whimsical charm. Penned by legendary preservationist Virginia Savage McAlester, Willis Cecil Winters, and Prudence Mackintosh, with stunning photography by Steve Clicque, this book is indispensable for anyone seeking to delve into the fascinating facts and rich history of the Park Cities. It’s not merely a collection of photographs but a deep dive into the architectural and social tapestry that defines this iconic Dallas neighborhood, making it a must-have on any discerning homeowner’s bookshelf.
A Rare Find: Owning a Piece of Highland Park Heritage
The appearance of a Fooshee and Cheek-designed home on the market is always a cause for celebration within Dallas’s luxury real estate circles. These properties rarely change hands, often remaining within families for generations, cherished as irreplaceable pieces of history. When they do become available, it’s typically due to significant life changes, such as an expanding family needing more space or an out-of-state relocation. The deep emotional connection and timeless appeal these homes evoke mean that owners seldom part with them easily, underscoring the exceptional nature of this listing. This exclusivity contributes to their high demand and makes them truly coveted assets in the Park Cities’ prestigious landscape, appealing to buyers who value unparalleled architectural integrity and historical provenance.
Brittany Cobb: Blending Entrepreneurship with Historic Preservation
The current steward of this architectural gem is Brittany Cobb, a name synonymous with innovation and style in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. As the brilliant mind behind the hugely successful Flea Style and the delightful Heirloom Haul, Cobb has cultivated a reputation for celebrating all things vintage, unique, and artistically curated. It’s no surprise that her discerning eye and passion for history led her to this Spanish Mediterranean masterpiece, whose authentic character provides the perfect backdrop for her chic Bohemian decor style, creating a home that is both historic and refreshingly contemporary.
The Visionary Behind Flea Style and Heirloom Haul
For those new to the vibrant DFW Metroplex, Brittany Cobb is a former lifestyle editor whose profound love for vintage aesthetics and unique finds blossomed into a thriving entrepreneurial empire. Approximately 11 years ago, she launched the Dallas Flea, initially conceived as a one-time holiday shopping event. Its immediate and overwhelming success quickly transformed it into a beloved fixture in the local community. In 2015, the venture evolved into Flea Style, expanding its reach and offerings significantly. This dynamo now oversees a bustling retail store in Deep Ellum, another popular location in Frisco at The Star complex, and her charming restaurant, Heirloom Haul. Cobb remains actively engaged with her community, hosting dynamic pop-up events every Friday at her Frisco locations and periodically announcing special events in Deep Ellum. To ensure you don’t miss out on her latest ventures and curated collections, signing up for her email updates is highly recommended.
A Personal Connection: Why 4509 Westway Avenue Felt Like Home
Given Brittany Cobb’s deep-rooted passion for vintage style and historical authenticity, her attraction to this magnificent Spanish Mediterranean house was entirely natural. Reflecting on her decision, Cobb shares, “I’m from Southern California, so it was natural for me to be attracted to a historic home. It hit all the right notes and looked like home to me.” This innate connection to historic architecture, reminiscent of her Californian upbringing, made the Westway Avenue property resonate deeply. While she and her husband initially explored homes in Lakewood, where her husband grew up, the unexpected appearance of this unique Spanish Mediterranean in Highland Park captivated them instantly. “There was nothing else like it in Dallas,” she states, expressing profound gratitude for the rare opportunity to acquire such a distinctive and cherished residence.
Transforming History: Bohemian Chic Meets Modern Functionality
Upon Cobb’s acquisition, the home had already undergone a thoughtful conversion from its original duplex configuration into a sprawling single-family residence, boasting 4,146 square feet with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. However, with her visionary aesthetic, Brittany Cobb elevated the property to new levels of sophistication and functionality. Collaborating with the esteemed More Design Build, she masterfully blended her signature Bohemian style with modern amenities, ensuring that the home honored its historical integrity while embracing contemporary living. Every detail was meticulously considered, from preserving original architectural features to integrating chic, comfortable furnishings and artisanal touches. This delicate balance creates an interior that feels both effortlessly stylish and deeply inviting, a true reflection of Cobb’s personal brand and design philosophy.
The Sunroom: A Jewel Box of Tranquility
Among the many exquisitely designed spaces, Cobb’s favorite spot is the enchanting sunroom, located just off the main living room. She describes it affectionately as “a little jewel box,” a testament to its intimate charm and carefully curated ambiance. This serene sanctuary is painted a deep, rich green, a hue thoughtfully selected to mirror the original exterior trim color, thereby seamlessly connecting the interior to the home’s historic facade. From this idyllic vantage point, one can gaze upon the most picturesque sections of the front and side yards, providing a lush, verdant backdrop for relaxation. Complete with a stylish wet bar, it’s the perfect setting for crafting evening cocktails or enjoying a quiet moment. “I start and end my days there,” Cobb reveals, underscoring the sunroom’s role as a personal haven and a focal point for daily tranquility and inspiration within her magnificent Highland Park abode.
A Dallas Oasis: The Allure of 4509 Westway Avenue
“This house doesn’t feel like any other home in Dallas,” affirms Compass listing agent Amy Messer, perfectly capturing the essence of 4509 Westway Avenue. She describes it as “a true oasis,” a sentiment easily understood once one steps onto the meticulously landscaped grounds or through its charming arched doorways. While it’s undoubtedly difficult for Brittany Cobb to part with a home so deeply personal and historically significant, a growing family and expanding needs are calling her toward a new adventure and home transformation. This presents an unparalleled opportunity for a discerning buyer: to acquire a move-in ready historic Spanish Mediterranean residence, an authentic and vibrant piece of Highland Park history, complete with the stylistic imprint of one of Dallas’s most admired tastemakers.
An Unmissable Opportunity in Luxury Real Estate
Amy Messer currently holds the listing for this rare Fooshee and Cheek original Spanish Mediterranean at 4509 Westway Avenue, priced at $1.9 million. Properties of this caliber, blending profound historical significance with modern luxury and an enviable address in one of Dallas’s most sought-after neighborhoods, are exceptionally rare and highly coveted. Given its unique heritage, stunning renovation, and prime Highland Park location, it’s anticipated that this home will not remain on the market for long. Messer herself notes a considerable list of eager potential buyers, underscoring the strong interest and limited window of opportunity. This truly is an unmissable chance to acquire a piece of Dallas’s architectural soul, perfectly poised for its next chapter.