Sacred Space
Located just outside the Highland Park historic district, this 1928 Tudor-style home stands as a quiet piece of Texarkana history, refined over time yet grounded in its original character. With nearly a century of stories behind it, the home has evolved with intention, blending tradition with a lifestyle that feels current and personal.
In December 1955, the home was dedicated as the rectory for St. James Episcopal Church, a gift from Gay Montague Moore in memory of her husband, Colonel Charles Beatty Moore, a West Point graduate who served in the United States Army. The home remained the rectory until 1984, when the church sold it to a young family who were members of the parish. In 2011, those owners sold it to their son and daughter-in-law, who were also members of the church.
The home has seen thoughtful updates through the years, including a kitchen remodel in 1986 and a family room addition in the mid-1990s. In 2023, a new chapter began with a full kitchen renovation.
The home’s layout balances classic structure with modern livability. The first floor includes the kitchen, living room, game room, formal dining, powder bath, and laundry. Upstairs has four bedrooms, two baths, and a library for a private retreat.
White oak hardwood floors run throughout, bringing warmth and continuity, while the kitchen’s concrete tile adds contrast. Walls in Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil create a soft, neutral backdrop that allows both architectural details and collected pieces to stand out.
Rather than feeling decorated, the home feels collected. Many of the pieces reflect the homeowners’ travels, including artwork sourced from Tanzania and textiles created by Shanga, a social enterprise supporting individuals with disabilities. A five-foot-tall Lego Eiffel Tower build stands as both a centerpiece and a memory from a family trip to Paris. One of the most meaningful pieces hangs above the fireplace, a photograph taken by a local photographer at the homeowners’ wedding reception. It is a reminder that the most important design elements are often the most personal.
Outside, the landscape reflects a classic southern sensibility. Dogwoods, azaleas, knockout roses, and daylilies ensure something is always blooming, while a 2023 refresh of the front entry introduced oakleaf hydrangeas and blue oat grass for added structure.
The backyard, however, is where the home truly comes to life and where the family loves to live. A charming summer house anchors the space, creating the perfect setting for spring evenings. With azaleas in bloom, a wood-burning pizza oven going, and family time unfolding naturally, whether it is a soccer ball in motion or a frisbee tossed for the family’s chocolate lab, the space feels effortless, lived-in, and full of joy. It is a setting that feels just as meaningful now as it has across the many lives and seasons this home has seen.
Local Sources
Location
Texarkana, Texas
Remodel Construction
CK Southern Construction
Interior Design
Lauren Callaway, selections from MerchantHouse Interiors
Thermador Appliances
The Design Center at Red River Lumber
Flooring Refinishing
Carter Adams Floors
Interior Paint Color
Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil
Audio/Visual
Soundz Good Audio & Video
Interior Blinds
Thompson Home Interiors LLC
