The annual Lakewood Home Tour stands as a beloved institution in Dallas, a testament to the community’s enduring charm and dedication to preserving its architectural heritage. Now in its 47th year, this meticulously organized event operates with the precision of a well-oiled machine, drawing enthusiasts from across the region to celebrate the unique character of the Lakewood neighborhood. For 2023, scheduled on the weekend of November 11th and 12th, the tour invites visitors into six exquisite homes, each showcasing a distinct style. From the iconic English Tudors that define Lakewood’s landscape to grand Georgian estates, inviting traditional designs, and sleek modern marvels, the selection offers a rich tapestry of residential architecture. An exclusive seventh home is reserved for the intimate Candlelight Tour, adding an extra layer of allure to this much-anticipated event.
One of the true gems featured on this year’s Lakewood Home Tour is the magnificent English Tudor residence located at 6930 Lakewood Blvd. This historic property, built in 1925 by the renowned firm Dines & Kraft, exemplifies the timeless elegance and robust craftsmanship of an earlier era. The home’s sophisticated design is attributed to Bertram Hill, a distinguished British architect who brought his considerable talents to Dallas after immigrating to the United States. Hill’s architectural legacy is deeply intertwined with the development of Dallas’s most prestigious neighborhoods, making this particular home a significant piece of local history and design. His contributions helped shape the aesthetic and functional beauty that residents and visitors continue to admire today, cementing his reputation as a pivotal figure in early 20th-century Dallas architecture.
Bertram Hill’s architectural footprint extends far beyond the charming streets of Lakewood. His visionary designs graced residences in other upscale Dallas enclaves such as Swiss Avenue and Highland Park, areas celebrated for their exceptional and well-preserved historic homes. Hill’s expertise wasn’t limited to private residences; he was also the architect behind the original Dallas Country Club and Lakewood Country Club buildings, structures that have served as social and recreational hubs for generations. Furthermore, his prolific career included significant work on prominent civic and commercial landmarks within the city. He is credited with contributions to the iconic Adolphus Hotel, the elegant Melrose Hotel, and the original Dallas City Hall building. His enduring influence is a testament to the quality and timeless appeal of his designs, making every home he touched a piece of Dallas heritage.
Lakewood Home Tour: Celebrating Architectural Stewardship and Community Pride
The English Tudor at 6930 Lakewood Blvd. is more than just a beautiful house; it stands as a shining example of the deep sense of stewardship that truly sets the Lakewood neighborhood apart. This community-wide commitment to maintaining and cherishing historical properties is what gives Lakewood its unparalleled character and charm. The careful preservation of these homes by their owners ensures that the architectural legacy of Dallas continues to thrive for future generations, transforming mere houses into living museums of design and history.
Current owner Shelby Teaster perfectly encapsulates this sentiment, remarking, “It feels like every person who has lived here has loved this house well.” This profound connection to the home’s past and present is palpable. Shelby and her husband, Michael, have proudly owned their distinguished English Tudor for six years, but their roots in Lakewood run much deeper, spanning three decades. For seventeen of those years, they raised their family on Lakeshore, a period during which they continually nurtured a dream: finding the perfect historic home that resonated with their appreciation for timeless architecture and rich history. Their journey reflects a common desire among Lakewood residents to not just live in a house, but to become a part of its ongoing story.
Shelby articulates the allure of their beloved neighborhood with heartfelt clarity: “We love the eclectic architecture and established beauty of the neighborhood.” This admiration for Lakewood’s unique blend of styles and mature landscapes fueled their long-standing aspiration. “It was always a dream of ours to live in an older home with architectural significance and history,” she shares. This desire speaks to a broader appreciation within the community for homes that tell a story, houses that possess a soul shaped by decades of life and careful preservation. The Teasters’ patience and commitment to this dream ultimately led them to the very residence they now lovingly call home, a testament to the magnetic pull of Lakewood’s storied properties and the dedicated efforts of its residents to preserve its unique heritage.
Finding such a specific and significant property often requires patience and expert guidance, and for the Teasters, having Realtor David Bush in their corner proved invaluable. Their willingness to wait for the ideal house demonstrated a clear vision for what they wanted in a home. The search culminated in an exciting moment when Shelly received a pivotal text from David, indicating that an English Tudor was about to enter the market. Instantly, her heart raced with the hope that this was “the one” – a house she had admired countless times on her walks, watching its meticulous remodel unfold over more than a year. The anticipation of this discovery underscored the deep personal connection she already felt to the property, long before it became her own.
Driven by pure excitement, Shelly quickly leashed her dog and sprinted down the street, turning the corner to confront a dream on the verge of becoming reality. The English Tudor she had long admired was indeed the house David Bush had mentioned, marking the thrilling culmination of years of dreaming and dedicated searching. “This house was a godsend for us,” Shelby reflects, her voice imbued with gratitude. She explains, “It was everything we wanted, lovingly restored and updated but with a healthy respect for the original bones and architecture.” The home perfectly blended historical integrity with modern comfort, a challenging balance achieved with remarkable finesse. While they downsized from five bedrooms to three, it was a perfectly timed transition as three of their four children were grown and had moved out, making the space ideal for their current stage of life. Every room, Shelby notes, possesses “its own special light depending on the time of day,” encouraging a fluid movement through and thorough use of each space. Despite not being “overly large,” the house “lives really well,” boasting a wonderful flow between the downstairs living spaces that makes it perfect for cherished weekly family dinners and lively entertaining with friends. This thoughtful design fosters a sense of warmth and functionality, making it a true home in every sense.
The home’s remarkable state of preservation and tasteful modernization is largely thanks to the previous owners’ extensive restoration efforts. They temporarily resided in the spacious 1,000-square-foot backhouse, situated above the three-car garage, while collaborating with Mark Johnson Custom Homes. Their mission was to meticulously restore the main residence to its historic origins, a process that involved painstaking attention to detail. Arches that had been removed over time were thoughtfully reinstated, bringing back original architectural character. Talented stained glass designers were commissioned to replicate original windows, ensuring historical authenticity. Simultaneously, essential updates were made to the kitchen, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrical systems, seamlessly integrating modern conveniences without compromising the home’s cherished historical integrity. This comprehensive renovation not only preserved the house’s past but also prepared it for many more decades of comfortable and elegant living.
Beyond the main house, the detached garage and backhouse structure, though constructed in the 1980s, carries its own fascinating and distinctly unique history. Shelby recounts an amusing anecdote from the previous owners: “The owners had a military tank they used to drive in the Lakewood Fourth of July Parade.” This extraordinary detail directly influenced the design of the garage itself. “So when they built the garage, they made the ceilings tall enough to fit the tank!” she explains. This quirky yet practical design choice resulted in unusually high ceilings, which now provide ample space and a distinctive character to the structure. Today, the 1,000-square-foot backhouse offers versatile living space, perfect as a guest suite, home office, or creative studio, further enhancing the property’s appeal and adaptability. This unique narrative adds a layer of unexpected charm to a home already rich with stories.
The 47th annual Lakewood Home Tour is an indispensable event for anyone passionate about historical architecture, community heritage, or simply seeking inspiration for their own living spaces. This year’s tour promises an unforgettable experience, running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday, November 11th, and Sunday, November 12th. General admission tickets, priced at $25 each, offer access to six breathtaking homes and are available for purchase prior to the tour dates. For those desiring an even more exclusive and enchanting experience, the Candlelight Tour on Saturday, November 11th, at 7 p.m. provides a unique opportunity to explore an additional featured home in a magical evening setting. Tickets for this special evening event are available for $40. Emphasizing convenience and accessibility, all tickets for this year’s tour are digital and can be easily purchased online via the official Lakewood Home Tour website. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the heart of Lakewood’s architectural splendor and witness firsthand the dedication of its residents to preserving Dallas’s storied past. Secure your tickets today and prepare to be inspired by the timeless beauty and unique stories held within these magnificent homes.