Spring is the best time in Dallas-Fort Worth to slip on those blue booties and tromp around some of the finest homes in North Texas. From historic to modern, these home tours give voyeurs plenty of opportunities to see beyond the the front doors of the area’s most exceptional houses.
Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society Home Tour
When: April 11
How much: $20 in advance or $25 at the door
This annual home tour benefiting the only preservation organization in the Park Cities features four homes of distinctly different styles, including Claude Albritton’s home at 3432 University Blvd., Melissa and Philip Wise’s home at 3444 University Blvd., Erika and Matthew Yeaman’s home at 3607 Amherst Ave., and Jennifer and Sean Royal’s home at 3505 Lexington Ave. Considering the real estate you’ll be covering, the ticket price is extremely affordable.
Turtle Creek Association Tour of Homes
When: April 12
How much: $50-$60
The 14th annual tour features six unique residences, giving attendees an exclusive peek at the Turtle Creek high-rise lifestyle. Participants can hop on complimentary shuttles to and from the homes, and Turtle Creek Association volunteers serve as docents, sharing information about the art collections, designers, architects and builders. The tour concludes with a separately ticketed post-tour reception from 6-8 pm at the home of Trammell S. Crow. This tour is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Turtle Creek area’s 87 acres of greenways and parkland.
White Rock Home Tour
When: April 25-26
How much: $15-$20
This home tour is high on our list because of the architecture. This is the 10th White Rock Home Tour benefiting East Dallas’ Hexter Elementary, and it features only modern homes. You can visit one of the more memorable homes on Vanguard Way in Urban Reserve, the ultra-modern container home called PV14, plus the gorgeous Cliff Welch modern on East Lake Highlands Drive near Easton Road (pictured in the slideshow). There also is a reception at Design Within Reach on April 24.
Hollywood Santa Monica Neighborhood Association Home Tour
When: April 25-26
How much: $15
This is another annual favorite, and this year a lovely collection of Tudors awaits, as well as one new build. There is a candlelight tour from 6-7 pm on April 24, as well as a preview party replete with silent auction (which you can preview and register for online) at the Dallas Arboretum from 7:30-11 pm. You can also attend a free Art in the Park event at Lindsley Park on April 26, featuring works from local artisans, food trucks and music.
Fort Worth AIA Tour of Homes
When: April 25-26
How much: $20-$25
The third annual Fort Worth AIA Tour of Homes has a fantastic collection of architecture as diverse as the city itself. From rehabbed midcentury moderns to stately Craftsman homes to a condo in the Miller Manufacturing building, this home tour is coming into its own. Proceeds support the variety of programs offered to the public throughout the year at the Center for Architecture in Fort Worth.
Preservation Dallas Spring Architectural Tour
When: May 2
How much: $25 for members and $30 for non-members
Okay, so technically this is not a home tour, but people do live downtown, and that is the theme: Celebrate Downtown. Preservation Dallas, which is dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the city’s historic buildings, neighborhoods and places, has resurrected one of its most popular events, in partnership with Downtown Dallas Inc. Attendees will take a closer look at downtown’s evolution over the last five years — from above. It starts in Thanks-Giving Square and continues with multiple historic properties, where people ascend to rooftops for refreshments and unparalleled views. The tour runs from 10 am-2 pm; there is a wrap party from 2-3 pm at Third Rail Lofts. Ticket price includes both. Call 214-821-3290 for reservations.
Swiss Avenue Mother’s Day Home Tour
When: May 9-10
How much: $20
Now in its 42nd year, this Mother’s Day tradition showcases homes in one of Dallas’ most famous historic neighborhoods. The Swiss Avenue Historic District is just what you’d expect — delicious mansions coated in classic fixtures and finishes — and you can just waltz through them in awe. Visit six of the city’s most fabulous early 20th century homes, one of which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Also enjoy an art fair, antique-car display and children’s play area. Coaches and carriages shuttle attendees between homes, and historians are on hand to answer questions.
Fairmount Historic District Tour of Homes
When: May 9-10
How much: $15-20
One of the nation’s largest historic conservation districts hosts a great home tour every year that highlights the Craftsman architecture for which the neighborhood is known. Located on the vibrant south side of Fort Worth, it’s about one square mile of gorgeous homes built between the 1880s and the turn of the century. Founded in 1978, the Fairmount Neighborhood Association is one of the most active neighborhood associations in Fort Worth.
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A version of this story originally was published on Candy’s Dirt.
White Rock Home Tour.
