7023 Lakewood Boulevard: A Timeless Dallas Treasure by Clifford Dorris Hutsell
Defining a true “Dallas home” can be a challenging endeavor in an urban landscape increasingly dotted with contemporary structures. Many recent builds, from towering modern wood-shingled residences to sprawling McMansions and Mediterranean-inspired behemoths, often overshadow the architectural gems that truly capture the city’s unique spirit. While the classic Dallas ranch home holds a foundational place in our identity, much like a Cape Cod defines its namesake region, there’s one address that stands apart, embodying a rich heritage and distinctive character: 7023 Lakewood Boulevard.
An Icon of Dallas Architecture: 7023 Lakewood Boulevard
This remarkable property at 7023 Lakewood Boulevard isn’t just a house; it’s a living piece of Dallas history, a testament to enduring architectural vision. From the moment you approach, its presence is undeniable, particularly due to its most striking feature: an original turret. This isn’t merely a decorative addition; it’s a hallmark of a bygone era, perfectly preserved and integral to the home’s unique charm.
The esteemed architect Clifford Dorris Hutsell is widely believed to have designed this magnificent Lakewood home in 1930. While historical records suggest he might have resided in another property, his personal touch and distinctive style are undeniably woven into every detail of 7023 Lakewood. Commissioned at an impressive cost of $10,000 during the Great Depression, this residence was not only a significant investment for its time but also ranked among the most expensive and prestigious homes in the Lakewood area. Its value even rivaled, if not surpassed, that of the grand dames found along the legendary Swiss Avenue. The profound reason this home so deeply encapsulates the “Dallas home” essence lies in its creator.
Clifford Dorris Hutsell: The Visionary Behind Lakewood’s Charm
Clifford Dorris Hutsell was more than just an architect; he was a defining force in shaping the residential character of Lakewood. Between 1926 and 1941, Hutsell built an astonishing 50 houses in the neighborhood, including many of the grandest showstoppers that line Lakewood Boulevard. It is his creative genius that is largely credited with bestowing upon Lakewood its signature “quirky, rambling, old-world look” – an aesthetic that continues to captivate residents and visitors alike.
Born in Grapevine, Texas, Hutsell’s early career saw him spend formative years in California. It was there that he became deeply enamored with the Spanish Eclectic design, a style that blended historical Spanish influences with contemporary American interpretations. Later, he also embraced Tudor architecture, demonstrating a versatile yet distinct approach to his craft. Hutsell’s decision to bring the Spanish Eclectic style back to Texas was particularly fitting, given the state’s own rich history under the Spanish flag. Consequently, Spanish Eclectic design became as integral to Dallas’s home brand heritage as it was to California’s, largely due to Hutsell’s pioneering efforts.
The Enduring Allure of Spanish Eclectic in Dallas
For anyone who has journeyed to the Golden State, the pervasive Spanish influence on its architecture is immediately evident on nearly every street. Hutsell’s personal experience solidified this inspiration during a 1929 visit to the home of renowned movie star Tom Mix. It was there that he fell in love with a collection of architectural elements that would become hallmarks of his Dallas designs: the charming round entry tower turrets, the elegant sloping peaked tile roofs, the intricate custom stained-glass windows, and even the subtle drama of draperies adorning exterior windows. These details spoke to a sense of romance and artistry that Hutsell eagerly transplanted to the Dallas landscape.
His admiration extended to the Mission influence, characterized by tall bell towers presiding over square, sturdy houses. Indeed, looking at another of his creations, 7035 Lakewood, evokes a distinct resemblance to iconic California establishments like the Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, illustrating the profound impact his travels had on his creative output.
Unveiling the Masterpiece: Distinctive Features of 7023 Lakewood
What truly sets 7023 Lakewood Boulevard apart are its genuine and sublime features, creating a home truly unlike any other in Dallas. This is an unparalleled opportunity to own an original Hutsell masterpiece, where every detail speaks to meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision. Step inside, and you are immediately greeted by a world of hand-painted plaster walls, each surface telling a silent story. Throughout the house, elaborate metalwork is subtly integrated, a testament to the artisan’s touch. Custom murals adorn various spaces, adding layers of visual interest and unique character, ensuring no two rooms feel the same.
The architectural details continue with graceful coved ceilings, adding a sense of spaciousness and classic elegance. Arched original stained-glass windows filter light, casting vibrant hues across the interior, creating an ever-changing ambiance. Beyond the main structure, a private courtyard offers a secluded oasis, featuring colorful mosaic tile accents that gleam under the Texas sun. The clay tile roof, handcrafted iron gates, and fanciful light fixtures further enhance the home’s old-world charm. Multiple fountains contribute to the serene atmosphere, culminating in a quintessential Spanish courtyard designed for relaxation and entertainment. The tile-work throughout the property is simply mind-boggling – every intricate piece remains pristine and perfect, an incredible feat for a home built in 1930. And the hardwoods – oh, the hardwoods! The living room alone boasts exquisite parquet floors, while the rest of the house showcases beautiful, original long-wood oak flooring, exuding warmth and timeless character.
Douglas Newby’s Insights: A Deeper Dive into Hutsell’s Signature Style
Dallas realtor and preservation specialist Douglas Newby offers profound insights into Hutsell’s distinctive approach. According to Newby, Hutsell’s “idiosyncratic detailing and palette included multi-colored ceramic tile, wide-arched stained glass windows, balcony porches and exterior stairs to the second floor reflecting Spanish Colonial Revival homes. His architectural design is the most dramatic when several in a row march up the street visually fitting together like intricate pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. His whimsical approach did for Mediterranean what Dilbeck did for Texas Ranch houses. Hutsell almost made Dilbeck seem restrained.” This observation perfectly captures Hutsell’s unique ability to blend influences and create a harmonious, yet playfully distinctive, streetscape.
On this home, you’ll notice the low courtyard walls continue with the front plane of the living room, elaborate exterior metal work, and an octagonal fountain and other courtyard features. The inside includes the multi-colored roughly textured plaster that was his trademark and painted mural ceiling. The light cream-colored brick was used to simulate stucco since stucco was not allowed in the deed restrictions. You also will see his multi-colored Spanish tile roofs, rough hewn wood balconies and round clay tile pipes as gable vents.
Newby’s detailed description highlights the ingenuity Hutsell employed to achieve his desired aesthetic within local constraints. The use of light cream-colored brick, for instance, ingeniously simulated stucco, offering the desired texture and appearance despite deed restrictions. These subtle yet significant details are what make a Hutsell home, and particularly 7023 Lakewood, an architectural treasure.
Lakewood: A Neighborhood Defined by Architectural Heritage
Hutsell’s homes are so prevalent and influential in Lakewood that his name has become almost synonymous with the neighborhood itself. He didn’t just build houses; he crafted a cohesive architectural identity that gives Lakewood its enduring appeal. The charming streetscapes, the blend of historical styles, and the palpable sense of community are all, in part, a legacy of Hutsell’s prolific career. When you consider the intricate design behind that iconic turret, you understand that these homes are truly special, offering a narrative that newer constructions simply cannot replicate.
Owning a Piece of Dallas History: 7023 Lakewood Today
This magnificent home at 7023 Lakewood Boulevard offers a substantial 4,509 square feet of living space, situated on a generous, treed quarter-acre lot. It boasts five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two convenient half-baths, providing ample space for comfort and privacy. The interior features two distinct living areas, including an elegantly updated kitchen that respects the home’s original character while offering modern amenities. Two formal living areas provide versatile spaces for entertaining or quiet reflection. While there isn’t a pool currently, the expansive lot offers plenty of room for one to be added, allowing for further customization.
Currently listed at $1,375,000 with Wayne Garcia of Dave Perry-Miller, this property represents a unique opportunity in one of Dallas’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Lakewood continues to be an exceptionally vibrant real estate market, especially for discerning buyers seeking homes with character, history, and architectural significance. The updated bathrooms in 7023 Lakewood are a particular highlight, featuring perfectly preserved or thoughtfully matched tiling – a detail to cherish rather than change. This home isn’t just a structure; it’s an heirloom, a tangible link to Dallas’s rich past, offering a lifestyle that merges historical elegance with modern convenience.
Financing Your Dream Dallas Home
For those considering this unparalleled opportunity, discussing financing with Inwood Mortgage is highly recommended. Inwood Bank stands out as a sophisticated lending institution with a deep understanding of Dallas’s unique real estate market and its cherished historical homes. As a local Dallas banking institution since 1964, Inwood Bank appreciates the city’s heritage and recognizes that properties like 7023 Lakewood Boulevard are about much more than brick, mortar, and paint. They represent a significant piece of local history, a home designed and perhaps even lived in by one of our founding architectural pioneers. Such a home carries an intrinsic value that goes far beyond its material components, embodying the very spirit of Dallas.
Indeed, if only that majestic turret could talk, imagine the stories it would tell!