Oakhurst has a wonderful collection of homes nestled in a park-like setting, surrounded by numerous old oak trees. The neighborhood was initially developed in 1924 and saw growth for decades to follow, which allowed for a variety of home styles within the neighborhood. On a quiet drive through Oakhurst, you can feast your eyes on an eclectic mix of Bungalow and Craftsman homes, Tudor homes, American Traditional homes, and Ranch-style homes alike. Pictured below are some of the beautiful residences our neighbors call home, from the earliest examples to the postwar era.
Early Influences
Every home in Oakhurst has a story to tell. The images and histories presented below paint a picture of the development of Oakhurst in the 1920s and '30s. These and other early homes established the neighborhood's identity, influencing its growth and contributing to its success over the decades to come.
The Warner house, built in 1930, is a single-story stucco-clad adaptation of the Mission Revival style to a modern home. The original owner, Carl T. Warner, was a masonry contractor who worked on the Buccaneer Hotel in Galveston, as well as the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells. It is reported that Warner replicated the interior fixtures for the dining and living areas of this home from fixtures in both of the hotels.
The Losh House, built in 1931, maintains a beautiful corner lot along one of Oakhurst's most scenic streets. The house was commissioned by Samuel Stephen Losh and his wife Ada, both revered musicians and teachers in Fort Worth. In the foyer of the home sits a beautiful stained glass window which has welcomed guests for more than 80 years.
The Williams house, built in 1936, is a handsome sandstone veneer home with many interlocking gables. Howard D. and Mabel Williams comissioned C.B. Burkhart to build this lovely residence with a steeply-pitched gable above the arcaded front porch and tall chimney. Each architectural detail included in the planning and building of this house provides this home with quite a picturesque profile.
The Register-McLean house (not pictured) was built in 1933 by Frank Register for $3,000. In 1937, Harvey McLean purchased the home and replaced the original shingle exterior with sandstone veneer. The house has a lovely side gable with an intersecting entry porch. Along with the sandstone exterior, the steep gables and round arch windows contribute to this home's charm.
The Thornton house (not pictured) is a quaint sandstone veneer home built in 1937. Otis H. Thornton managed Finley-Kitchens Commission Company and contracted Thomas Powell to build this home. The house features two side gables intersected by the gable of the main body of the home. The combination of form and materials gives this home a dollhouse quality.
Oakhurst Homes Through the Years
1920s
1930s and '40s
The unique character of Oakhurst is enhanced by the garden setting and tree-lined streets. Homes vary in age, style, and exterior finish. Some of the exteriors in Oakhurst include wood frame, wood shingle, stucco, brick, and sandstone veneer.
In the latter part of Oakhurst's development, particularly in the West Oakhurst Addition, you will find low, sprawling ranches on large lots. As is typical of American post-war development, sidewalks were eschewed in West Oakhurst in favor of wider, car-friendly streets.
