The 2025 Heritage Oak Cliff Fall Home Tour is set to kick off Oct. 25 and 26, and CandysDirt.com is proud to be the tour’s media sponsor. Spanning 100 years, the newest home on the tour is a 2024 Contemporary Modern revisioning of the original home in the Guggenheim Acres addition of East Kessler Park, and the oldest is this gem at 1526 Kings Highway, a 1923 Craftsman Bungalow in Kings Highway.
Built in 1923, the home at 1526 Kings Highway is a classic Oak Cliff bungalow that has gracefully evolved through a century of life. Originally paired with a rear house — once listed in the 1930s as a rentable studio — the property speaks to the layered history of Dallas neighborhoods, where practical rental units were often tucked behind family homes. By the 1990s, a single owner had invested in several homes along the block, modernizing them for contemporary living.
When the current owners, Kathy Wise and Melissa Romig, purchased the property in 2004, it remained a traditional two-bedroom, one-bath layout spanning 1,500 square feet. For years, it remained untouched until a bold remodel in 2018 by designer Jessica Chiles of thckt and contractor George Bramblett of Webster Street. The goal was not expansion, but transformation: creating an open, fluid entertaining space that seamlessly connects the historic main house, the rear studio, and the landscaped yard.
Inside, the defining move was the elimination of the central hallway, which unlocked new opportunities: a second full bath, a relocated master bath in the sunroom, and a generous walk-in closet where the original bath once stood.
The kitchen expanded into a striking balance of black and natural wood cabinetry, with a waterfall-edge island and geometric tile backsplash adding crisp texture. Thoughtful details — like open shelving integrated into cabinetry and sleek Viking appliances — ground the space in modern utility while honoring its historic frame.
The bathrooms showcase a refined simplicity: black tile accents, floating wood vanities, and a deep freestanding tub framed by rows of original windows. Light spills across pale wood floors, softening the modern lines and grounding the home in warmth.
Furnishings from local brands Stori Modern and The Citizenry root the interior in Dallas’s design culture, marrying global craftsmanship with contemporary forms. Together, these choices reflect a home that honors its 1920s bones while fully embracing modern life — functional, connected, and deeply inviting. Outside, clean-lined concrete pavers lead to a backyard oasis where the renovated studio and outdoor seating areas extend the home’s hospitality. The landscaping blends Texas-friendly plantings with sculptural agaves and potted greenery, setting a serene tone for gatherings.
Home Sponsor for 1526 Kings Highway is James Fairchild of The Fairchild Group at Ebby Halliday Real Estate.
Tickets for the Heritage Oak Cliff Fall Home Tour on October 25 and 26 can be purchased at hoc2025tour.eventbrite.com.
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