PREFERENCES ON HIS FACE . LITERALLY .

“They’re my Buddy Holly glasses,” he says, chuckling. “Dark horn-rims.”

The spectacles are relatively new, but Baker’s love of 1950s style is not. He grew up in a mid-century modern home on Melissa Lane and developed an affinity for the “clean, minimalistic design” of the period. He now lives with his wife, Terri, in a house from the same era, just a couple miles away.

The residence was built in 1952 to the specifications of architect Gordon Nichols. Its white brick exterior has plenty of curb appeal.

“We get about five letters a year from people wanting to buy this house,” Baker says. Perhaps the prospective buyers crave privacy. The home has tons of it. In lieu of a front door there’s a tall wooden gate, which leads to a courtyard. It’s decorated with succulents, thanks to Terri, a master gardener.

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Stepping inside the abode feels a bit like going back in time. And that’s intentional. Baker, who considers himself a “purist,” has filled the space with period-appropriate furniture — a red sofa by Florence Knoll, a coffee table by Cassina, dressers and night stands by Heywood Wakefield and, of course, several pieces by Eames. He says he tried adding contemporary touches, but didn’t like the results. “It’s like having an old antique car,” he explains. Terri finishes the thought: “You don’t want to put a modern fender on it.” This can be a difficult concept to convey. A few years back Baker decided to remodel the bathrooms, but he wanted to maintain the integrity of the original design, which featured slanted cabinets.

“[The contractor] said ‘I can make them straight,’” he remembers. “I said, ‘No. I want them at a diagonal.’ People want to come in and modernize [the house].”

For the most part Baker has resisted. There is, however, one sign of the 21st century: a flat screen TV, mounted on the living room wall. Though their home looks like something from the set of “Mad Men,” the couple swears they’ve never watched the show. Terri sews for entertainment while Baker listens to records. He estimates he has at least 10,000.

“… there are some he’s had since high school and you can see where he’s written his name on them,” Terri says.

It’s a good thing the couple appreciates the past, because their house backs up to a cemetery. Through a chain link fence, you can glimpse tombstones.

“It gives you a sense of mortality,” Baker admits. Terri has fun with it. Playing off the old adage that the dead make for good neighbors, she says: “They’re very quiet and they never complain.”

THE BAKER RESIDENCE, ALONG WITH THE OTHER DWELLINGS PROFILED IN THIS STORY, WAS FEATURED ON THE MODERN MILE HOME TOUR. THE EVENT, WHICH OCCURRED THIS PAST OCTOBER, RAISED $22,352 FOR WALNUT HILL ELEMENTARY. THOSE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO IMPROVE LANDSCAPING AND BUILD A COURTYARD ON THE CAMPUS.

The Geft Residence

YEAR BUILT: 1954

Backstory: Although it was in disrepair, Irvin Geft saw oodles of potential in this house on Coppedge Lane. But his fiancée, Jessica, needed some convincing. “We made a deal that if she didn’t like it [after the remodel] I’d sell it right away,” Geft explains. He rolled up his sleeves, got to work and about four months later Jessica was thrilled with the results.

About the art: It’s quirky and reminiscent of Andy Warhol. Geft created some of the pieces, such as the brightly colored vampire mouths lining the breakfast nook wall. Others are “on permanent loan” from his parents. The backyard: Huge and shaded by a massive oak tree, Jessica refers to it as the “dog park.” She and Geft have two pooches, Oliver and Mishka.

The Bulban Residence

YEAR BUILT: 1955

Backstory: Pete Bulban grew up in Preston Hollow and always loved this house on Somerton Drive. When the original owners were ready to sell in 1989, he was ready to buy. He and his wife, Jenny, now have a teenage son who attends Greenhill. About the art: Decidedly southwestern. Most paintings are of deserts or cowboys on horseback.

The backyard: The Bulban’s spend a lot of time on their wooden deck, which jets into the same creek Pete played in as a child. “We see lots of owls, turtles, bobcats,” Pete says, trailing off.

Highlander School

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www.highlanderschool.com Founded in 1966, Highlander offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. By limiting class size, teachers are able to build a strong educational foundation to ensure confidence in academics, athletics, and the creative and performing arts. Highlander offers a “classic” education which cannot be equaled. Monthly tours offered; call for a reservation.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org

Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

Spanish House

Four East Dallas Locations / 214.826.4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com Spanish Immersion Program in East Dallas! Nursery, Preschool, Elementary and Adult Programs available. Our new K-5 Dual-Language Elementary School will be opening in August 2016 at 7159 E. Grand Avenue. Please visit our website (DallasSpanishHouse.com) or call 214.826.4410 for a tour.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

Ut Dallas Chess Camp

800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson 75080 / (972) 883-4899 / utdallas.edu/chess ) 2016 Summer Chess Camp Campers learn while they PLAY. Chess develops reading, math, critical and analytical skills, and builds character and self-esteem. Just don’t tell the kids…they think chess is fun! Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7 to 14 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (1-4pm) sessions are available June 13-17, June 20-24, July 18-22, July 25-29 and extended playing classes. Camp includes t-shirt, chess board and pieces, trophy, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks. Instructors are from among UT Dallas Chess Team Pan-Am Intercollegiate Champions for 2010-2012!

White Rock North School

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

V ISIT PRESTONHOLLOW.ADVOCATEMAG. COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOMES FEATURED HERE.

School:

July 18-22, July 25-29 and extended playing classes. 972-883-4899 utdallas.edu/chess