Nestled in the prestigious Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas, an extraordinary property at 6409 Blanch Circle offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, history, and serene lakefront living. Imagine waking up to breathtaking lake views, enjoying the sophisticated design of a split-level soft contemporary house, and having the convenience of a fully equipped guest apartment. This remarkable estate even boasts a sparkling pool, once a favored lounging spot for the infamous 1950s personality, Candy Barr. As our featured Inwood Home of the Week, this property delivers on every desire, complemented by a rich and captivating past that truly sets it apart.
Discovering Lakewood’s Hidden Lakefront Gems
While Lakewood is renowned for its charming homes and vibrant community, many are unaware of its secret enclaves featuring picturesque man-made lakes. These tranquil bodies of water, ingeniously crafted from tributaries of White Rock Creek, provide a unique and coveted living experience. The home at 6409 Blanch Circle, originally built in 1951, stands as a testament to this unique design, backing onto not just one, but two such pristine lakes. Owner David Aspinall, who acquired the property in 1988, has always held a deep appreciation for its history. His quest to understand the area’s origins led him to Sondra Carter, an original neighbor whose family played a pivotal role in shaping this idyllic locale. We are privileged to share excerpts from her insightful correspondence:
The two small lakes bordered by Vickery Boulevard, Blanch Circle, and Lake Circle in Old East Dallas were a vision brought to life by my father, Aubrey Pollard Simons, as he developed homes in the area. While the exact year of their construction eludes me, I estimate it was around 1940, possibly a year prior. Early photographs depict a landscape mostly undeveloped around our residence, save for a handful of houses across the street and one directly opposite on Lake Circle.
Our street, Blanch Circle, was lovingly named after my mother, Blanch Brown, while the nearby Sondra Drive bears my name. Blanch Circle served as a cherished dead-end street, the perfect, safe expanse where we first learned to ride our bicycles.
Life on the lake was an endless source of joy and activity throughout our childhood. It quickly became the favored swimming spot for all our friends. Natural springs peppered the lake, creating wonderfully cool pockets during the sweltering summer months. We spent nearly every day swimming, and with our rubber rafts, we’d navigate upstream to explore the areas around what is now your beautiful home, David. The lake was abundantly stocked with fish, drawing friends from all over to spend entire days casting lines and reeling in catches.
For many years, the Jordan family resided in the house directly across the lake from ours. We’d often playfully debate the best way to visit them – either swimming directly across or taking the longer path over the dam, careful to avoid the grass burrs that would inevitably cling to our feet. Even as adults, my high school friends fondly reminisce about those magical days of laughter and fun spent swimming in the lake.
An Unrivaled Dallas Oasis: Blending Nature and City Life
It’s immediately apparent why this particular area captivates hearts so effortlessly. Its unique charm and tranquil beauty are precisely why homes here rarely come on the market. Owning a property on Blanch Circle is akin to having a private vacation lake house, yet you are mere minutes from the bustling heart of Dallas. For David Aspinall, the moment he first laid eyes on the serene lake behind the house, he knew he had discovered his forever home.
“I grew up in Michigan on a lake and a farm, so nature profoundly speaks to me,” Aspinall shares. “Having such abundant wildlife, the profound serenity of water, and the incredible proximity to vibrant city life truly offers the best of both worlds.”
Initially, the split-level soft contemporary house itself was not the primary driver for Aspinall’s purchase, but rather its unparalleled setting. He envisioned a comprehensive remodel in its future but wisely chose to immerse himself in the home for a period before embarking on any significant changes. This thoughtful approach allowed him to intimately understand the space, its flow, and its potential, ensuring that any future renovations would perfectly harmonize with the unique character of the property and its environment.
A Vision Realized: The Transformation of a Contemporary Masterpiece
“I absolutely need to live in a house for a period to truly understand its essence. I dedicate time to researching and analyzing every detail, ensuring that I select the perfect products and the right architect for the vision,” Aspinall explains. His meticulous approach led him to David Oswalt, a neighbor residing on the upper lake, to spearhead the kitchen renovation. “David went above and beyond my expectations,” Aspinall enthusiastically recounts. “The transformation was nothing short of incredible. I was so delighted with the outcome that I continued our collaboration on the rest of the house’s extensive remodel.”
During the most intensive phases of the renovation, Aspinall moved out and rented a home conveniently located on the upper lake. This allowed him the unique perk of monitoring the progress of his dream home’s transformation by simply paddling his boat across the water – a true testament to the exceptional benefits of lakefront living!
“It’s far more than just a renovation,” Aspinall emphasizes. “We essentially constructed an entirely new house.” His thoughtful expansion included the addition of a second-level guest apartment, designed with the future in mind, particularly the possibility of caring for his parents one day. This fully self-contained apartment is not only impeccably designed but also ADA compliant, featuring a private garage and its own dedicated elevator. To ensure complete privacy and tranquility, double locking doors and a robust sound barrier wall were meticulously installed between the main residence and the independent apartment.
The Versatile Guest Apartment: Comfort and Accessibility
Expansive Living and Legendary Outdoor Entertainment
The meticulously transformed split-level soft contemporary home now spans an impressive 5,100 square feet, offering an abundance of sophisticated living spaces. It features four distinct living areas, four spacious bedrooms, four luxurious bathrooms, and an expansive conference area that can effortlessly serve as a dedicated office or a dynamic game room. Furthermore, a versatile media room provides flexible space that can easily double as a fifth bedroom, accommodating a variety of lifestyle needs.
While Aspinall has masterfully crafted the interiors of this split-level soft contemporary residence to be as inviting and refined as possible, I can personally attest to the fact that it is nearly impossible to tear yourself away from the allure of the backyard. The property boasts multiple outdoor living areas, each designed for maximum enjoyment and relaxation. Among these is a magnificent weather-protected deck that daringly cantilevers over the water, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the entire length of the lake and the sparkling pool. And speaking of that pool, it carries a legendary past.
Back in the 1950s, this very home was owned by Troy B. Phillips Jr., who was, for a brief period, married to the famously flamboyant stripper, Candy Barr. Neighbors from that era recall vividly how they would creatively “pretend” to do yard work, all for the chance to catch a fleeting glimpse of Barr as she elegantly lounged by the poolside. While Barr eventually separated from Phillips and famously shot him outside her apartment one night (he survived, but that, as they say, is another story entirely!), her connection to this home adds an undeniable layer of intrigue and storied glamour to its already impressive history.
A Legacy of Stewardship and Serenity
Sondra Carter’s poignant email beautifully encapsulates the profound essence of life on this extraordinary lake:
It truly is a small oasis nestled right in the midst of a bustling city. We have spent countless hours in the backyard, simply marveling at the sheer beauty of this hidden spot of joy within Dallas. We’ve watched a myriad of unique birds gracefully fly in for a drink of water, only to be playfully chased by Canadian geese intent on nesting in the verdant grass. This was my cherished family home for an incredible 76 years, and we have now lovingly released it for others to create their own special memories and to preserve its unique charm for future generations. My deepest hope is that they will cherish it and become good, devoted stewards of this truly special place.
David Aspinall echoes these sentiments wholeheartedly. “Once the lake’s magic captivates you and becomes an indelible part of your soul, it becomes incredibly difficult to even contemplate living anywhere else,” he reflects.
However, exciting new adventures now call to Aspinall, signaling that it is time for another devoted steward to embrace and nurture this incredible split-level soft contemporary home. It stands as a true masterpiece, boasting some of the most serene and captivating lake views in all of Dallas, a testament to thoughtful design and a cherished legacy.
This exceptional property, represented by David Bush, is currently listed at $1.499 million. Given Aspinall’s three-decade tenure and the extreme rarity of these highly sought-after lakefront homes coming to market – this particular gem isn’t even officially listed on the MLS yet – it presents a truly unique and fleeting opportunity for the discerning buyer.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager for more than 25 years and a professional writer for 20 years. Karen is the mother of a son who’s studying music at The University of Miami. An ardent animal lover, she doesn’t mind one bit if your fur baby jumps right into her lap. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com