University Park Home on .25 Acres
3819 McFarlin Boulevard, Dallas, Texas
Charles Dilbeck Designed Residence
Charles Dilbeck was a prolific architect, much loved and currently featured at the Meadows Museum’s architecture exhibit Crafting Traditions. This four-bedroom Dilbeck home across the street from Williams Park was designed in 1934 next to another architectural masterpiece, the home designed by David Williams for the mayor of University Park in 1932. Having the best work of Charles Dilbeck and David Williams side by side allows these architectural landmarks to define this period of Dallas and the architectural legacy of each other. Charles Dilbeck introduced indigenous Texas design and materials to Dallas architecture, the same years as David Williams.
Charles Dilbeck has often been characterized as Dallas’ most beloved architect for his design that combines an eccentric interpretation of European eclecticism with the artisanship, honest materials, and straight forward design of Texas modern. This University Park home captures these Dilbeck qualities and expresses them in a profound and compelling way. The entry hall is gracious. The formal rooms are spacious. The large kitchen with a fireplace opens to an expansive informal room lined with windows overlooking the garden.
Spectacular Location Within University Park Perfect for 4,790 Square Foot Home
Sited on ample land and being adjacent to another incredible architect designed home from the 1930s, the David Williams, AIA, designed home on 1.15 acres, this .25 acre site provides plenty of room for the Charles Dilbeck designed 4,790 square foot home to enjoy breezes coming across nearby Turtle Creek. Sitting on the protected front porch, you are hidden from the street and can see Williams Park and the trees surrounding the lake. Charles Dilbeck took credit for designing the first Texas ranch home. Along with O’Neil Ford and David Williams, he emphasized orienting his finest homes like this one to capture the breezes from the southeast, enjoy the morning sun, and block the harsh afternoon sun.
Architectural Excellence, Dilbeck Character, 1930s Charm
The floor plan is composed for elegant entertaining, large informal gatherings, and intimacy within the space. Opulence comes from the simple hand carved elements like the newel post and balustrade. The home exudes richness from the original wood trimmed windows to the oversized fireplace with a herringbone brick firebox. The tailored period beams, doors, hinges, and knobs are a welcome relief from the ubiquitous multi-stacked moldings used in other residences to cover flaws rather than enhance the quality, charm and character of the space.
Featured on Preservation, Dallas, and Park Cities Home Tours and in Lectures and Books
There is a reason that of the hundreds of thousands of homes in the Dallas area, only a few are ever selected for citywide home tours, featured in books or discussed in lectures on architecture. Few homes have been celebrated as much as this one. The Dallas Chapter AIA, Preservation Dallas, and Park Cities Historic & Preservation Society and numerous books and articles have discussed, featured, and presented this home. Most homes from 1934 have not survived. Others continue to gain in value and become increasingly desirable. A new roof, mechanical system, and restoration enhance the home while preserving its architectural excellence.
