In an area where Tudor, colonial and ranch architecture styles are the norm, this house was unique when it was built in 1936, and 6851 Gaston is still a stand-out in 1999. It was constructed of stucco over brick with a wall of glass tiles and is considered to be one of Dallas’ 50 significant homes.
Back in 1936, the State Fair of Texas was celebrating the state’s centennial. As part of this celebration, four model homes were built: the “Portland Cement House,” “Southern Pine House,” “Masonite House” and the “Contemporary House.”
6851 Gaston is an almost exact replica of the Centennial’s “Contemporary House” was decorated in 1936 by Neiman Marcus; it is believed to have been won in a raffle at the Fair.
In a 1936 article, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS said that this home was “designed for living” and typifies “in plan and design the best contemporary thought as to what constitutes the problem of day in and day out living in the Southwest.”
Fashion designer Todd Oldham was a past owner of the house. “I love the curved walls juxtaposed with its angular qualities. It’s such an amazingly beautiful house from the outside.”
An undulating living room mantel and twisted wood-and-metal staircase are among the original features of the home. Other amenities include a kiva fireplace in the den and a second story sun deck with exterior spiral staircase.
