You have probably already heard of the unofficial motto of Little Forest Hills, the hilly East Dallas Enclave that sits behind the Dallas Arboretum Parking Garage on Garland Road. It used to be that little signs demanding to “Keep Little Forest Hills Funky!” would line the curbs of this quaint little neighborhood. It, like most close-in Dallas neighborhoods, has seen a rash of teardowns that were replaced with somewhat homogenous architecture or McMansions that filled the whole lot, leaving very little “forest” in Little Forest Hills.
After that, more and more signs popped up, decrying overly large homes (Keep Little Forest Hills Little!) and the overuse of pesticides (No Spraying! Protect the Bees!). Truly, if there were ever any part of Dallas that feels like Austin, it’s brave and outspoken Little Forest Hills with its colorful collection of cottages. This little home, which just underwent renovation, stay true to the neighborhood’s character without losing sight of what makes a home marketable. Yes, “funky” is fine, but it doesn’t sell all too well.
Jump to find out more about this cute listing from Realtor Vicki White.
Vicki White is very familiar with this area — she graduated from Bryan Adams High School, which this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath cottage feeds into — so she knows what you can typically find in Little Forest Hills. One big leg up this home has over other listings is the open floor plan that blurs the lines between living, dining, and kitchen areas. This brings in more light, creates more flexibility, and it definitely works better for families, as you’ll have clear sight lines from across the entire front of the home to the backyard, which is just beyond the French doors in the kitchen.
The contemporary interiors and traditional cottage architecture make this home a classic transitional design. It utilizes white to make the home’s 2007 square feet feel much larger, and the continuous swath of hardwood flooring stand out, too. Other upgrades were made to 8646 San Leandro, too, such as new plumbing, HVAC, a new roof, and electrical. Of course, all that updating boosts the price substantially, as this home is listed for $469,900. For those playing at home, that’s $234 per square foot. Wow.
The eat-in kitchen definitely reflects the higher end of the typical finish-out you’d find in the neighborhood, with contemporary hardware, Shaker-style cabinets in a uniform shade of white, stainless steel appliances including a slide-in gas range, a marble backsplash, a pot filler, and an enormous eat-in island with butcher-block countertop.
The master suite got a full facelift, too. I love that the hardwood floors continue on to the bedrooms, and that you can easily access the large rear deck through a second set of French doors at the master bedroom. Also stunning is the master bath, which has an enormous double vanity with vessel sinks and trendy off-set faucets. The room is completed with a free-standing tub and two-person shower. This bathroom could save a marriage, that’s for sure!
And like most lots in Little Forest Hills, this grassy landscape is narrow and deep. There’s plenty of room for a garden, and there’s plenty of privacy thanks to the brand new fence, too. Feel free to show off your funky side with a chicken coop, a veggie garden, and some fun lawn ornaments. You’ll fit right in.
