A Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Waterfront Masterpiece in Dallas Is Up For Auction

A modern masterpiece which embraces its lush natural surroundings, the Vaughn House is considered to be one of the most significant midcentury properties in Dallas.

Located in Old Preston Hollow a neighborhood known for its large lots and revered as one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas, the Vaughn House is an exceptionally designed property with a rich local history. Built in 1951, just as Dallas was starting to embrace the mid-century modern aesthetic, Grady Vaughn Jr., an oilman, commissioned architect Robert Goodwin, of Goodwin & Cavitt, to create a waterfront residence that would reflect his growing success—this stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired property is the beautiful result.

Currently being offered for $5.5M, buyers will have the opportunity to bid on this home via a private, on-site auction on February 20th, 2018 at 2 pm by United Strategic Client Services and United Real Estate - Dallas, with a starting bid of $2.9M. Property previews will be held February 16,17, and 18 from 1 pm to 4 pm, or by appointment. The Vaughn House is currently on high alert on Preservation Dallas’ Endangered Places. Preservation Dallas has been a strong advocate of the property calling it "truly a Mid-Century Modern masterpiece in Dallas."

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light and look out onto the landscape.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light and look out onto the landscape.

Set on an unusually lush wooded waterfront lot of 1.36+ acres, the six-bedroom, seven-bath (+two additional half baths) 9,510-square-foot property is strategically positioned on a select piece of real estate to maximize a waterfront view of a nearby pond. The home’s streamlined design holds true to the tenets of mid-century architecture by embracing its natural surroundings and fully integrating into it’s beautifully landscaped setting. 

A Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Waterfront Masterpiece in Dallas Is Up For Auction - Photo 2 of 15 -

The entry consists of a wide foyer which opens dramatically into a large living area. The space is flooded with natural light thanks to a wall of glass sliding doors which open onto a patio that leads to an outdoor pool with a distinctly vintage vibe. 

A series of sliding doors frame the exterior landscape and lead out to the patio. 

A series of sliding doors frame the exterior landscape and lead out to the patio. 

The open-plan create a seamless flow from room-to-room and enhance the bright and airy interiors. The first floor was built with entertaining in mind and features numerous high-end details that are true to the period in which the home was built, such as stunning terrazzo flooring, recessed lighting, and a low profile fireplace. 

The living room area features recessed lighting and terrazzo flooring with brass filings.  

The living room area features recessed lighting and terrazzo flooring with brass filings.  

Exceptional attention was paid to the custom-designed details like custom moldings and recessed ceilings lights. High-quality materials have been used throughout the home.

Bright and airy, the living area is a large open-plan space designed for entertaining.

Bright and airy, the living area is a large open-plan space designed for entertaining.

The living area also features a distinct low-profile mid-century modern fireplace. Sandstone elements which have been employed on the exterior of the home are carried through to the interiors. 

The living area also features a distinct low-profile mid-century modern fireplace. Sandstone elements which have been employed on the exterior of the home are carried through to the interiors. 

A bar area showcases custom-made cast lighting and built-in cabinetry.

A bar area showcases custom-made cast lighting and built-in cabinetry.

A kitchen with an attached breakfast room is located separate from the main house, as during the time in which the home was built the meals were prepared by household help. The 1060-square-foot garage has storage space and a half bath and features garage doors made of rare pecky cypress.

The living area opens to the dining room area.

The living area opens to the dining room area.

A vast sense of space exists in the large formal dining room which overlooks the patio.

A vast sense of space exists in the large formal dining room which overlooks the patio.

A grand staircase leads to the second level the home also features an elevator.

A grand staircase leads to the second level the home also features an elevator.

The second level houses the bedrooms accessed via a grand staircase. The design of the home prioritizes privacy and features pocket doors throughout the property to ensure privacy to the bedroom quarters during entertaining. 

Designed for privacy, the master suite features giant sectional sliding doors and windows along with a unique geometric curved layout. 

Designed for privacy, the master suite features giant sectional sliding doors and windows along with a unique geometric curved layout. 

Also included in the master suite are a walk-in closet with built-in shelving, and a his/her master baths.

Also included in the master suite are a walk-in closet with built-in shelving, and a his/her master baths.

The exercise room also has an indoor whirlpool spa.

The exercise room also has an indoor whirlpool spa.

Beautiful, organic landscape was designed naturally around the trees to overlook a nearby pond. 

Beautiful, organic landscape was designed naturally around the trees to overlook a nearby pond. 

No one knows for sure what led Grady Vaughn to select Robert Goodwin to design his new home back in 1951, but the collaboration yielded what might be the most significant example of mid-century residential architecture in Dallas.

This Dallas gem is set against a dramatic backdrop and offers breathtaking views from every room.

This Dallas gem is set against a dramatic backdrop and offers breathtaking views from every room.

5350 S Dentwood Dr, Dallas, TX 75220 is currently being offered at $5.5M A private, on-site auction will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 2 PM CT. The starting bid is $2.9M. Previews will be February 16, 17 & 18 from 1-4 PM or by appointment. 

www.BidModern.com | 214-945-4556 | info@united-scs.com 

Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
Dwell Contributor
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.

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