As Kylie Kelce would say, “I’m not gonna lie.” You’ve never seen anything like this glamorous Kessler Park Tudor in Oak Cliff. It’s a unique blend of Hollywood glamour, intricate detail, and a touch of whimsy, making it a Tudor unlike any other.
When Dale Miner and Winfield Moore found this 1927 historic home perched on a hill, the mental design wheels began to spin. However, they paused before starting a renovation. They knew the importance of living in a home and truly understanding it first. They began with enormous amounts of research.
“We even traveled to Europe to look at historic Tudor homes,” Miner said.
Over five years, the couple’s meticulous attention to detail transformed the house. They took it down to the studs, removed a 1970s layer of updates, and added to the attic space to create a second floor, ensuring every aspect was carefully considered.
“The front foyer is about 15 x 7 feet,” Miner said. “Someone had removed the walls and taken out the doors. We put arches and walls back where they were originally and added niches. I even found an old telephone box and put it in the hallway. We tried to restore the home to its original charm.”
Moore spotted Zak the zebra in a New York museum that was closing down and had him sent to Dallas.
There were wonderful discoveries along the way. A light fixture was found during the attic renovation. They had it cleaned and rewired, and it now hangs over the dining room table. The previous owners also gave them the fixture that hangs in the guest bedroom.
That attention to detail was also embraced by those who came to work on the house. The craftsman who created the staircase railing and gates also crafted iron tie-backs for the hallway drapes. He discovered a decorative shield embellishment on one of the original light fixtures and recreated it for detail on the ironwork. So this house now sports its own shield!
The first floor features one of the most glam laundry rooms you’ve ever seen and a powder bath with a dog-washing station.
Everyone loves a secret room, especially Miner and Moore. So they created a hidden speakeasy, which they affectionately call the Goth Bar! This unique feature adds a touch of mystery and fun to the home. It’s accessed through a piece of antique furniture that was turned into a sliding wall panel.
With the attic expanding for a primary suite, terrace, and what Miner calls the Nest, they wanted to ensure the new upstairs reflected the downstairs.
“It took about two years, but we found matching doors and hardware,” he said.
The home has 2,791 square feet, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms.
There is a terrace and kitchenette just off the primary suite and a rooftop garden.
Miner’s favorite area is the Nest. It’s just off the primary suite and overlooks the pool and the backyard.
The exterior of this glamorous Kessler Park Tudor is as fabulous as the interior. Moore created the landscape plan for the grounds with the idea that it would feel private and as much like a resort as possible. There are lovely little garden escapes everywhere, along with an enchanting water feature.
“We wanted the pool to feel like it was always here, so it looks more like a fountain, but it’s 5 feet deep with seats at different levels,“ Miner said. “It can serve as a cocktail pool or a hot tub.”
The third-floor rooftop sitting area and garden give you truly spectacular views of downtown.
Miner and Moore put everything into this house because it was to be their forever home. However, their Arizona roots are calling them back.
“We’d like to pick this house up and move it with us!” Miner said.
I see a lot of fantastic homes come across my screen, but this one is truly a cut above.