United Strategic Client Services and United Real Estate – Dallas are proud to bring to auction on February 20, 2018 the Vaughn House, an exceptionally designed mid-century modern located in Old Preston Hollow in Dallas, Texas. Built like a castle with maple studs, the home sits on an unusually lush wooded and organic waterfront of 1.36± acres in the honeypot of Preston Hollow. This Dallas jewel embraces it’s lush, natural surroundings and evokes a lifestyle of simple elegance; a priceless piece of architectural history that imparts character and distinction.
The Vaughn House is one of the most significant mid-century modern masterpieces in Dallas If you’re inspired by architecture, history and design you will find it all embodied here in this unique, modern home built by oilman Grady Vaughn and designed by Robert Goodwin, who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
THE HISTORY
In 1951, when Dallas began to usher in the midcentury modern design movement, Grady Vaughn selected architect Robert Goodwin of Goodwin & Cavitt to design his waterfront dream home. Vaughn aspired to create a residence that would reflect his energetic optimism and growing success.
During this time, Dallas was spreading northward at a rapid pace. Land which had been rich, black-land prairie was being transformed into home sites for a new generation. The Dentwood land, marketed in the early 1940s as a “picturesque and rustic tract,” is now recognized as the prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood.
Vaughn selected one of the last few remaining lots in Dentwood – a tranquil tract bordering a quiet lake dotted with ancient oak trees. The site was formerly the country estate of theater impresario, Louis Dent. The neighborhood gradually filled in with spectacular homes built by Dallas notables including oilman Paul Scott, builder Jack Neece, retailer Harold Volk and architects William Lang and George Dahl.
In more recent history, this spectacular home was the family residence of the late Dallas developer, Allan Zidell. Zidell was a successful, self-made man responsible for building several thousand apartment units and dozens of commercial structures in the booming Dallas economy. His family grew in step with his business and in 1971 he and his wife, Joyce, began to look for a larger home for their five children. When a realtor showed them the home on Dentwood, they knew it would be perfect for their family.
Over the next generation, the new family’s memories would be made there. Once again, children’s’ voices rang through the house. Allan and Joyce’s children and their cousins remember summer days of splashing in the pool and rowboat adventures on the lake.
The Zidell kids grew up and left home to start families of their own and the house became quiet again. Allan Zidell died in the spring of 2016, and reluctantly, the family has decided to sell the home. “We’re sad to see it go,” said Michael Zidell, Allan’s son.
Time may march on, but the unique house at 5350 S Dentwood Drive sits patiently by, waiting for the next chapter of family memories to be made within its walls.
THE DESIGN
If houses reflect the times in which they were designed, midcentury modern is the architecture of ideas, created by those who believed the forward style could be a vehicle for social change. Featuring large glass windows and open space, this home highlights simplicity and integration with nature; encouraging those who encounter it to experience the world in new ways.
Architect Robert Goodwin was attuned to the changing world around him. A dramatic postwar shift occurred and it could be seen everywhere. Cars sported sharp fins and undulating curves. Television replaced radio as Americans’ primary entertainment source. Gadgets and appliances, born out of wartime necessity, now eased the drudgery of housework for homemakers everywhere. Even the architecture radiated the exuberance of the dawn of the new era and Goodwin embraced it.
No one knows for sure what led Grady Vaughn to select Goodwin to design his new home, but the collaboration yielded what might be the most significant example of mid- century residential architecture in Dallas.
The rooms flow seamlessly from one to another due to the curved nature of the home’s design. No detail was too small for Goodwin’s plan: brass, bullet-shaped hinges on every door, paneled storage areas that blended flawlessly into walls, and subtle, beveled trim and bannisters. Custom designed and built with the finest materials available.
It was clear that the Vaughn’s had built the house with entertaining in mind. A wide entrance foyer opens dramatically into a massive living area flooded with light from floor to ceiling sliding doors framing a striking view of the pond. Effortless physical and visual transition of the open floor plan allows guests to flow throughout the home. Many titans of industry, notable public officials and Hollywood celebrities have graced this impressive space.
Goodwin himself is celebrated for his many architectural masterworks, such as:
- A. Little Residence, 4432 Livingston, Highland Park, 1933
- John A. Ritter Residence, 4400 Lorraine, Highland Park West, 1934
- C. Tabor Residence, SW corner of Lorraine and Douglas, 1935 Goodwin & Tatum
- M/M Wallace Hawkins Residence, Strait Lane, 1935 Goodwin & Tatum
- And many others
THE SETTING
The Dentwood Addition Neighborhood within Preston Hallow is known for its large lots, beautiful homes and is revered as one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in all of Dallas This distinguished community is home to many prominent individuals such as Laura Miller, former Mayor of Dallas, and Kathryn Seale; across the pond you will find O’Neil Ford’s greatest Mid Century Modern home designed for the Haggerty’s in 1957.
The magnificent Vaughan residence blends seamlessly with its surrounding nature, and through impressive windows, the dramatic backdrop of the property is revealed; a breathtaking view of beautiful trees and flowing creek from every room.
Wrapped along the lazy curve of a small lake where the Straight Branch creek was dammed, the sprawling property emerges from the wooded site as if part of the land itself. Within its walls you will feel at one with nature. The expansive sliding doors invite the outside in, imparting an atmosphere of natural tranquility that will resonate with all who enter.
THE FEATURES
9,510 Sq Ft Home | 1.37 Acre Lot | 6 BR | 7 Full, 2 Half BA
EXTERIOR:
- Sandstone elements throughout exterior/interior
- Property positioned to maximize the views
- Built around the trees to fit the organic nature of the property
- Rare Pecky Cypress soffits. Pecky holes are caused by a type of fungus that creates hollow tubes running vertically throughout the tree and only grows while the tree is alive. This fungus typically doesn’t start to germinate inside the Cypress tree until it’s around 125 years old, making it scarce
- Outdoor pool
- Pond accessible for boating and fishing
INTERIOR:
- Terrazzo flooring w/brass filings through half of main level
- Unique moldings throughout the property custom made by architects
- Bar area w/custom made cast lighting, built-in cabinets and shelving
- Large family and living room connected with distinct low-profile midcentury modern fireplaces
- Recessed ceilings and lighting throughout property
- Formal dining room connected to entertaining rooms
- Large breakfast room connected to kitchen
- Kitchen is separated from home as during this time meals were prepared by hired help
- Laundry room w/built-in cabinets and additional ½ BA
- Exercise room w/indoor whirlpool spa
- 1,060 sq ft, spacious three car garage with additional storage space and ½ bathroom.
- Garage doors constructed of pecky cypress
- In home elevator
BEDROOMS:
- Master Suite (24×18): giant sectional sliding doors and windows throughout, a unique geometric curved layout that flows with the property
- His/Her master bathrooms, vanities and walk-in closets
- Built-in shelving throughout
- Room designed for privacy and includes custom electronic drapes
- Bedroom 2 (15×18): located next to the Master Suite, ideal for nursery or office. Beautiful views of backyard w/private sitting room and full BA.
- Bedroom #3 (21×14): Windows overlook backyard w/walk in closet, full BA and beautiful built-in cabinets
- Bedroom #4 (20×18): Windows overlook backyard w/walk-in closet, full BA and beautiful built-in cabinets
- Bedroom #5 (14×16 & 16×13 sitting room): full BA, built-in cabinets throughout, accessible by elevator. Private stairwell as may have been guest, mother-in-law or chef quarters
- Pocket Doors are located throughout the property to provide privacy to the bedroom quarters during entertaining
- All closets in home have built in sensors so lights turn on and off as door opens/closes. Many additional closet space throughout the home.