Instead of coveting trappings on Houzz.com or binge-watching HGTV, you can get your design fix at neighborhood home tours. Whether you’re an architecture aficionado, design enthusiast or sightseer, expect extraordinary dwellings. Typically tours come with a minor ticket price, but costs benefit worthy causes.
The White Rock Home Tour, April 21-22, is in its 13th year showcasing both mid-century modern and contemporary homes. This is the most expansive production to date, featuring seven of the most expensive homes around town.
The tour includes a 13,000-square-foot estate overlooking White Rock Lake built in 1967 by Robert M. Brittingham, the founder of Daltile, the biggest tile manufacturer in North America. This Gilbert Greenman-designed masterpiece is like nothing we’ve ever seen, organizers promise.
“Floor to ceiling windows in nearly every room to take full advantage of prime lakefront location, offering panoramic views, even from the sunken pink Jacuzzi tubs in the master bathrooms,” tour publicist Alyson Black says. Marvel at massive stone walls and fireplaces, natural materials, stone inlaid terrazzo floors and a full commercial basement.
The tour, which extends to the Garland border this year, includes a vintage build with an indoor pool. There is a 1954-constructed beauty by one of Dallas’ most famous architects, E.G. Hamilton, as well as a 1955 Niles Resch on a hillside.
More recently crafted constructs include a home designed around a large lap pool and made with mostly recycled materials and an environmentally harmonious home built based on the sun’s rotation.
Tickets are $15. For more information, go to whiterockhometour.com
Dream+Inspire+Design Home Tour, April 7, is the befitting name of the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA Home Tour. Five homes complete the circuit. The $35 ticket includes brunch buffet, open mimosa bar, silent auction preview and a morning at the Arboretum. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit whose aim is to enhance the lives of children and equip area adults with helpful parenting tools.
Tickets and more information are available at lhaecpta.membershiptoolkit.com/home.
