Several years ago, we did a photo shoot of a home on Preston Road at Armstrong Boulevard, a home otherwise known as the “Smurf House” (www.dmagazine.com/workmanhouse). At the time, the house was the talk of the town (not in a good way), a Gaudí-esque intrusion on the otherwise traditional neighborhood. Word was that once construction was complete, neighbor and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones knocked on the owners’ door and asked how much the house cost to build. “Whatever it is,” Jones said, “I’ll give you double to tear it down.” True or not, I agreed that the house was a poor fit for the neighborhood. But I was dying for a look inside.
When I visited, a stylish, older couple greeted me, and I was thrown off. It was as though I had entered a fairy land. Without question, this misshapen, incongruous oddity of a house was crafted with love. The owners spoke masterfully about the process of designing the house, its architectural intent, and how they lived in and enjoyed each room. Every surface, textile, pane of glass, swath of stone, and piece of furniture was ennobled because it was held so dear. The voices of critics and antagonized neighbors did not seem nearly as genuine as the love this couple had for their strange, defiant cottage in the middle of the most affluent neighborhood in the city.
I thought of the Smurf House as we gathered suggestions for the 10 Most Beautiful Homes in Dallas (see page 130) from local architects, designers, builders, and critics. The Smurf house probably wouldn’t make anyone’s “most beautiful” list except its owners’ (where it would certainly rule as No. 1). Which goes to show you how difficult—and fun—drafting this list was. I have no doubt that you’ll agree with some of our picks more than others. (I can hear “What were they thinking?” already.) So tell me what you think—which houses make your top 10? Enjoy this issue, and let me hear from you.
Christine Allison
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