Discover 7128 Wildgrove Ave: A Unique Lakewood Midcentury Modern Oasis Designed by Polyphonic Spree’s Tim DeLaughter and Julie Doyle

Nestled gracefully among the towering pecan trees of one of Dallas’ most coveted neighborhoods, Lakewood, stands a home that transcends conventional living. Located at 7128 Wildgrove Avenue, this exceptional residence offers a captivating blend of midcentury charm and contemporary design, all while evoking the whimsical feel of a luxurious treehouse. More than just a house, it’s a testament to artistic vision, thoughtfully designed by its celebrity owners, Tim DeLaughter and Julie Doyle – the creative forces behind the acclaimed band Polyphonic Spree, and local entrepreneurial spirits behind popular spots like Lounge Here, Good Records, and Good Pagoda.

This week’s featured Inwood Home of the Week, proudly presented by Inwood National Bank, showcases not just a property, but a lifestyle. Situated a mere stone’s throw from the serene southwestern shores of White Rock Lake, this home offers unparalleled access to nature, recreation, and the vibrant East Dallas community. It’s a prime example of architectural innovation that respects its heritage while boldly stepping into the future.

A Vision Realized: Blending Heritage with Modernity

When Tim DeLaughter and Julie Doyle embarked on building this home in 2006, they didn’t just construct a new building; they crafted a thoughtful extension of the Lakewood legacy. Recognizing their pioneering role as the first of its kind in the neighborhood at the time, the couple approached the project with immense sensitivity and a profound respect for the existing midcentury aesthetic. Their design philosophy centered on harmonizing new construction with salvaged elements, creating a narrative that celebrated both past and present.

This commitment to heritage is evident throughout the property. Rather than starting from scratch, DeLaughter and Doyle ingeniously re-used the original foundation and bricks, weaving them into the fabric of the new structure. Inside, historic details like the iconic Roman brick fireplace and vibrantly colored porcelain sinks were carefully preserved and integrated, serving as charming reminders of the home’s roots. This meticulous blend of old and new was brought to life through a close collaboration with the talented architects and designers at W2 Studio in downtown Dallas, whose expertise helped translate the couple’s unique vision into a tangible masterpiece.

“This was our ideal home – we were into contemporary design and if we maintained [aspects of the] design of the original home, we thought we could fit in the neighborhood,” shared Tim DeLaughter, reflecting on their initial aspirations. “We were fans of [W2’s] work prior to this and we contacted them because we were going to need a home with more square footage.” Their collaboration resulted in a home that feels both cutting-edge and timeless, perfectly suited to its leafy surroundings.

Exterior Elegance and Lush Landscaping

The exterior of 7128 Wildgrove Avenue presents a captivating visual symphony. The interplay of soft pink brick and tropical pine cladding creates a pleasing contrast that instantly draws the eye. This modern material palette is beautifully softened and complemented by the backdrop of towering, mature pecan trees and meticulously designed lush landscaping. The overall aesthetic is one of sophisticated sleekness, yet deeply organic, making the home feel like it has always belonged to this verdant plot.

Spanning an impressive 3,144 square feet of total living space, the property is thoughtfully divided into a main house, offering 2,712 square feet across two stories, and a detached studio providing an additional 432 square feet. The genius of the design truly shines in the central courtyard, a breathtaking outdoor living space that unifies the entire property. This courtyard is distinguished by a striking steel catwalk, a brilliant idea conceived by DeLaughter, which elegantly connects the main house to the studio and facilitates seamless movement between stories.

The heart of this outdoor haven is an ancient, majestic pecan tree. “There’s a massive pecan tree in the center of what is now the courtyard, which cemented the idea of it — we worked around it with landscaping and design,” DeLaughter explained. This natural centerpiece dictated much of the courtyard’s layout, ensuring that the home lives in harmony with its environment. The expansion thoughtfully added about “four-and-a-half feet [to the original foundation] on the south side of the house then went up two floors,” further integrating the structure with its natural contours.

The home feels perfectly nestled within its 0.178-acre lot, where thoughtful concrete hardscaping defines multiple pathways, leading to various outdoor zones, including a dedicated pad perfect for shooting hoops. As listing agent David Bush of David Bush Real Estate eloquently describes, “It feels like a tropical setting because you’re up in the trees with that catwalk to the studio. There’s no wasted space in its design and it lives so much larger, with four bedrooms up and a circular flow downstairs — it’s just really cool.” This ingenious design creates an environment that maximizes every inch of space, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

Interior Sanctuary: An Open and Artful Space

Stepping inside, one is immediately struck by the expansive open floor plan that guides the eye effortlessly from one artfully designed area to the next. The interior space, surprisingly generous, feels much larger than its square footage suggests, thanks to meticulous design choices. Rich red oak hardwood floors gleam underfoot, reflecting the abundant natural light streaming in through walls of windows that seamlessly connect the indoors with the surrounding greenery. The original Roman brick fireplace stands prominently in the front living room, a magnificent focal point just past the entryway, which itself boasts a stylish built-in desk and shelving – perfect for a welcoming console or home office nook.

DeLaughter fondly recalls, “That was such a beautiful fireplace — we couldn’t touch that baby,” emphasizing their reverence for the home’s original character. A signature design element throughout the house is the concept of “floating” built-ins, exemplified by the entryway desk and the elegant credenza in the adjacent room. These custom features not only provide practical storage and display space but also enhance the contemporary, airy feel of the interiors.

Adding to the home’s modern amenities, the entire residence is equipped with a sophisticated built-in surround sound system, perfect for entertaining or enjoying the owners’ musical talents. Recessed lighting is strategically placed to beautifully illuminate their extensive and vibrant art collection, transforming every wall into a gallery. This thoughtful integration of technology and aesthetics creates an atmosphere that is both inviting and inspiring.

The Heart of the Home: A Bespoke Kitchen

Behind the inviting entryway, the kitchen emerges as a delightful showcase of re-imagined midcentury design. Custom green cabinets, a signature element, stand out with their ingenious notched design, eschewing traditional knobs and pulls for a sleek, minimalist look. Warm wood countertops provide a natural contrast to the vibrant cabinetry, complementing the professional-grade Viking appliances, which include a rare and highly sought-after full-double range – a dream for any culinary enthusiast. For casual dining, a charming built-in banquette is nestled against a rustic brick accent wall, creating a cozy and stylish eating area. The overall effect is a kitchen that is both bespoke and playful, a true reflection of the owners’ artistic sensibilities and a functional hub for family life and entertaining.

Private Quarters: Comfort and Unique Amenities

Ascend the staircase from the main living area to discover the home’s four thoughtfully designed bedrooms. The master suite is a true sanctuary, defined by its soaring high ceilings that enhance the sense of space and tranquility. French doors open directly onto the enchanting steel catwalk, inviting the treehouse sensation indoors. Numerous windows flood the room with natural light and offer serene views of the surrounding canopy. Plush new carpeting adds a layer of comfort and luxury.

The en suite master bath extends the harmonious green palette from the kitchen, incorporating it into several key elements. Taking center stage is a unique Japanese soaking tub, a feature Tim DeLaughter notes as a great family amenity. “It was W2’s idea and it ended up working out great to wash our kids’ hair — they could stand up in there,” he recounts. This family-friendly design is further enhanced by the home’s location within the coveted attendance zone for the highly rated Lakewood Elementary, making it an ideal choice for families. The master bath is completed by dual sinks, a spacious separate shower, and a large walk-in closet equipped with custom built-ins, ensuring both style and ample storage.

The additional bedrooms are equally well-appointed, each featuring practical built-ins, fresh new carpeting, and convenient access to the captivating catwalk. A delightful nod to the home’s history can be found in their two bathrooms, which proudly showcase the original porcelain sinks in charming tan and mint green hues. Continuing the consistent design theme, the cabinetry in these bathrooms mirrors the distinctive notched design seen in the kitchen, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing flow throughout the private spaces.

The Versatile Studio and Lakewood Lifestyle

Venturing outside along the captivating catwalk, which gracefully runs past the bedrooms, one discovers another layer of the home’s ingenuity. At one end, a vibrant, colorful plexiglass wall, a collaborative idea between DeLaughter, Doyle, and W2 Studio, adds an artistic flourish and playful element to the outdoor passage. This walkway leads directly to the detached studio, a truly versatile space perfect for a myriad of uses.

With its own sleeping area off the main space, the studio could effortlessly serve as an ideal nanny or mother-in-law suite, offering privacy and independence. Alternatively, it presents a perfect opportunity for a dedicated home office, an inspiring art studio, a music practice space (fitting for its owners!), or a private guest retreat. This flexibility enhances the home’s appeal, catering to diverse modern living needs.

Beyond the property itself, the home’s location in Lakewood offers an unparalleled lifestyle. Proximity to White Rock Lake means easy access to miles of scenic trails for walking, running, and biking, as well as opportunities for kayaking and sailing. The neighborhood buzzes with a unique charm, known for its eclectic mix of historic homes, vibrant community events, and locally-owned businesses – many of which, like Lounge Here, Good Records, and Good Pagoda, are proudly owned by Tim and Julie themselves, further cementing their deep connection to East Dallas.

This exquisite Lakewood residence, a seamless blend of art, architecture, and personal touch, was initially listed on July 18 for $1.275 million, and is now attractively priced at $1.199 million. It represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dallas history re-imagined for contemporary luxury living, designed by artists, and set in one of the city’s most desirable locales.