Deep in the heart of East Dallas, Casa View Oaks is an up-and-coming neighborhood attracting first-time homebuyers, young professionals, and families with its affordable houses, sense of community, and proximity to White Rock Lake.
Development in Casa View Oaks started in 1954 when developer H. Leslie Hill built 200 ranch-style houses ranging in size from 836 square feet to 3,600 square feet. Prices back then started at $12,000 and went up to $16,500.
Our Tuesday Two Hundred is at 2367 Highwood Dr., near Gus Thomasson and Ferguson roads. It’s a 3-2 with 1,746 square feet, built in 1954, recently remodeled by Wacasey Construction. It now boasts new low-E windows, fresh paint, refinished hardwood floors, new kitchen, designer bathrooms, decorative lighting, vintage built-ins, and a bonus room off the kitchen with an on-trend rustic wood ceiling. 
Last year, Casa View Oaks celebrated its 60th anniversary. According to Preservation Dallas, this area boasts the largest collection of Cliff May designed houses in Dallas.
May, a significant American designer during the post war building boom, was considered the father of the California Ranch house. His designs received national attention and appeared on the cover of every major house magazine of the day. The mass appeal of the Ranch house led May and his partner, Chris Choate, to design a smaller, more modest version for distribution on a national scale. The houses were constructed from pre-fabricated modular panels, a revolutionary new building concept in which every part of the house was standardized and precut. Local builders were able to purchase Cliff May franchises, supplying them with house plans and the pre-fabricated modular panels, numbered and stamped with May and Choate’s names. Over 18,000 May plans were sold to local builders from around the country. Forty of those were constructed in Casa View Oaks.
Houses in Casa View Oaks are representative of May’s signature design: an open floor plan with an abundance of space and light beneath a low-pitched gable roof. Large expanses of glass—in both windows and doors—were used to create an open feeling and ease in circulation. Outdoor living was encouraged by the incorporation of patios and barbeque and picnic areas, in many cases doubling the “living space” of each house.
This home is not listed as one of the homes built by May, but shares many of its design attributes, which will undoubtedly help it sell quickly. It was listed Dec. 18 by Ryan Cox with Realty Executives Metroplex for $240,000.
The front door opens directly onto the living room, with hardwood floors that run throughout the home, except the bathrooms and bonus room. A large picture window looks out onto the front lawn, and there are built-in vintage bookshelves and recessed lights.
To the right of the front door is the formal dining room, with a large window and a new, contemporary chandelier.
The renovated galley kitchen has new cabinets and granite counters, as well as an attractive glass backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and an area for a small breakfast table.
Just off the kitchen is the bonus room, which measures 14-by-17 with double glass doors and two windows looking onto the backyard. The rustic wood ceiling is a nice touch.
The three bedrooms all share the same great hardwoods and new windows, with ceiling fans and fresh paint.
The two bathrooms are totally renovated with new everything, from contemporary vanities and tile, to chrome fixtures and framed mirrors. The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with dual sinks modern fixtures, and fabulous floor tile. 
The backyard is good-sized, a blank slate ready for personalization. There is no garage at this house, but there is a large shed for storage.
This home is priced at $137 per square foot. Nine recent neighborhood comps range from $77 to $142 (average: $100; median: $99). It’s assertively priced, but also comprehensively renovated, so it’s a good bet this home will attract a lot of attention.
What do you think of this Casa View Oaks home and its renovations? Do you think it’s fairly priced? Leave us a comment with your thoughts.
