Back in 1928, Dallas architect Clifford D. Hutsell took a trip west that would ultimately dictate the way we see Lakewood today. In California, he was so inspired by the region’s Spanish-style architecture that he decided to populate Lakewood with a collection of his own creations, thus creating the series of “Spanish eclectic” East Dallas homes we now know and love.
Take 6969 Lakewood Blvd., which had been on the market since last August. Sitting prettily on a third-of-an-acre corner lot, the property is complete with lush and expansive front- and backyards, an outdoor living room, and a bonus “casita” behind the home.
Built in 1938, the 2,204-square-foot house combines Spanish and Art Deco influences into an inimitable cocktail of flavor and fun. Renovated with the intention to preserve the home’s original character while maintaining its functionality, 6969 Lakewood is a model of historic preservation. Its architectural details—colorful tile bathrooms, a Batchelder fireplace, and stained glass throughout—have been immaculately preserved. Its clean interiors—white walls, a modern kitchen, an abundance of windows—breathe fresh air and new life into the home.
Obviously, the Lakewood location leaves little to be desired, but its specific placement on a corner lot elevated the architectural possibilities Hutsell could bring to the home and made this property stand out amongst the rest, listing agent Nancy Johnson explains. “He loved corner lots, so he could build those front courtyards,” she says, referring to the home’s expansive front porch, which contains a second fireplace.
But the house’s feats aren’t strictly exterior: Inside you can find an abundance of stained glass, original Potter iron light fixtures, and, of course, that Batchelder fireplace. “Although there’s a lot of Batchelders in the area, each one has a unique pattern,” Johnson says. “There’s no two that are alike.”
Upstairs, there’s a spacious balcony off the primary bedroom, where morning coffees and afternoon teas are best sipped while overlooking the beloved boulevard. Evenings downstairs are equally enjoyed cozied up outside by the front porch fireplace. This Hutsell isn’t designed for purely aesthetic beauty: Its grace is functional as well.
Though the home is unquestionably candy for the architecturally savvy, its coveted Lakewood location makes it desirable beyond just its historical significance. The house is mere blocks from White Rock Lake, zoned to Lakewood Elementary, and sits right on everyone’s favorite Fourth of July parade route.
“People want to be on Lakewood Boulevard,” Johnson says. “It really is the heart of Lakewood.”
Plus, as a bonus, “I have the original plans for the house from 1938,” she says. “Hopefully the new owner will frame them. They’re really cool.”
We’re guessing they will as the house now has a pending offer on its $1,599,000 listing. But scroll through the photo gallery to see what the hype’s all about. And watch the market—you never know when the next Hutsell will be listed for sale.
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