I just want to prepare you, our dear readers, for the carnage you’re about to witness. When we first saw this Cliff May home at 2604 Andrea, it was in desperate shape. Still, we couldn’t help but see its potential beneath layers of grime and filth. Neglect had worn on this home, and it was difficult to imagine who could actually see themselves in it. We begged for a detail-oriented buyer who would restore this home.
For Eli VanOort and Mitchell Boone, their imagination is what inspired them to rise to the challenge of bringing this midcentury modern back into commission. It’s a feat nothing short of amazing, and we’re thrilled that their accomplishment will be open for everyone to see at the upcoming Casa View Cliff May Home Tour on Oct. 15. Tickets for the tour, which will feature seven homes, are only $10 and benefit the Greater Casa View Alliance. You can purchase tickets to this year’s Casa View Cliff May Home Tour in advance, or pay $12 at the door the day of the tour.
Jump to see this incredible transformation — a true labor of love!
daltxrealestate.com: What room or design element of your home will stand out to home tour goers?
Mitchell and Eli: We really love our kitchen! The extra-long island with quartz countertops becomes the center of any gatherings we have at our home. We also selected some awesome retro appliances from GE that are super cute. Mitchell really loves the soft closing drawers and cabinets. IKEA for the win!
CD: Is there any feature or finish in your home that tour goers shouldn’t miss?
M&E: The metallic flock of birds on our fireplace. These were a very generous gift to us from one of our fabulous Cliff May neighbors! We also love the Voice of Music record player in the corner of the house.
CD: If you had to choose one spot — inside or outside — on your property where you could spend all day, where would it be and why?
M&E: The front porch; we can lounge in the shade of two large trees, put something on the grill in the breezeway and watch the neighborhood stroll by.
CD: What are you doing to prepare for the home tour?
M&E: Trying to cram a two-year-long to-do-list into two months. But our main focus is finishing up landscaping/trying to keep plants alive in the backyard.
CD: What construction or renovation have you completed since you moved in? In what ways have you put your fingerprint on your home?
M&E: Ha! We pretty much started from scratch. We gutted the kitchen, bathrooms, and walls in all the rooms. Part of the garage had been converted, but wasn’t heated or aired, so we re-converted it back to its original design. We refinished the hardwood floors and replaced the electrical (thanks, Dad!) in the entire home. We moved the washer/dryer out of the kitchen and into the hall closet. Many of the windows had been painted or boarded up, so we restored those to their original glory. We painted the entire inside and outside of the home (the outside twice because the colors of the trim and the brick were accidentally reversed) and added a horizontal fence (thanks to Casa Linda Fence Co.). We couldn’t have taken on this major project without the help of our outstanding contractor and friend, Kevin Vowell. He took some time from his other projects to help us restore this gem and we are eternally grateful!
CD: Is there any history behind your home? Your neighborhood? Care to share?
M&E: The home was owned by only one family before we moved in, and we hope we can stay for next 50 years!
CD: Why did you fall in love with your home? Your neighborhood?
M&E: We loved the home for the obvious reasons – natural light, midcentury design, and an opportunity to make it our own. We love the neighborhood because of the people. We have awesome neighbors! And there’s nothing better than walking our dog around Harry Stone, watching some youth soccer, and listening to giggling kiddos on their scooters with the sun setting above us.