How would you like to live in an Airbnb? Think about it. These charming cottages, carriage houses, lofts, and houses are serious perfection. Just like seller’s stage to attract homebuyers, Airbnb hosts stage to create the perfect retreat to draw guests. It stands to reason these gems would eventually make their way to the market.
I’ve found a historic East Dallas bungalow duplex that can be yours tomorrow, pending guest reservations that is. You can live in it or keep it as an Airbnb. It’s the proverbial win-win situation.
Artistic vision is not easily acquired. You have it, or you don’t. Realtor Stephanie Bowen Wright and her husband Tom do, and they have used that vision to create the most charming East Dallas bungalow duplex you can imagine. As avid Airbnb guests, they were intrigued by the concept of remodeling a house to list on the platform.
“My husband is from the UK, and when we go to the Cotswolds, we stay at these sweet little inns above the local pubs. They are always affordable, charming, and have wonderful little details. So, that was the inspiration for me.”
The pieces started to fall into place. Stephanie and Tom had been remodeling their own homes for several years. As a Realtor with Allie Beth Allman, Stephanie helps clients with selections when preparing their homes for sale. When a co-worker of Tom’s who owns several Airbnb’s suggested the couple try hosting, it was the final impetus to find a property.
“We looked for the perfect place to remodel for several months,” Stephanie said. “I wanted something with character that no one else could see had potential.” In other words, a real challenge. And they found one. This historic East Dallas bungalow duplex was built in 1920, so this year marks its 100th birthday!
“It had been vacant for two years,” and it was pretty nasty,” Stephanie said. “But structurally, it was sound. We replaced the windows, redid the electrical, added insulation, and redid most of the plumbing. We learned with older homes, and sometimes you can’t always do what you might like to do. My prior experience had been with the 1940s and 1960s homes, so this was a learning process, but we had so much fun!”
Of course, with that aesthetic vision and inspiration from the Cotswolds, Stephanie and Tom had a banner year as hosts. The charming East Dallas bungalow duplex has one bedroom on one side, and two on the other. I’d bet the kitchens and bathrooms have been pinned on Pinterest a hundred times.
It’s been a lucrative side gig. So why give it up and sell?
“I want to do it again,” Stephanie said. “We want to do a slightly bigger project and keep going to a bigger property each time. I want to continue being a host. I love that my number one compliment is you don’t feel like you are in the middle of Dallas.”
You may have heard stories in the press about the neighbor’s not loving the thought of an Airbnb in their neighborhood. Nothing could be farther from the truth with this East Dallas bungalow duplex.
“My neighbors love that there is an Airbnb in the neighborhood,” Stephanie said. “The neighbors next door own the church across the street and often bring flowers and meals to my guests. Their niece is my cleaning lady. One of the guys that go to the church mows the yard. I love that I have provided a consistent line of work for neighbors. Airbnb’s are not frat houses. People sign the rules. They don’t party. We have had zero problems.”
To give you just a small idea of how it lives, here are a few Airbnb reviews!
“The duplex is beautiful – I actually wish I owned it – and it felt so much like home that it was difficult to leave.”
“The feel and aesthetic was perfectly designed; if you pay attention to the design of an Airbnb like I do, then you won’t be disappointed.”
“From the second we let ourselves in using the keypad, we felt right at home! I absolutely loved the thoughtful decor.”
Yes, it’s that darned cute.
If you are intrigued by ownership of this perfectly appointed 1,554-square-foot East Dallas bungalow duplex at 5346 Ash Lane, as I said, it’s a win-win opportunity. Whether you buy it for yourself, live in one side and rent out the other, or decide to become an Airbnb host, it’s a super investment at only $311,000!
Stephanie is the listing agent, so call her and get a tour.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Her love of all dogs, international travel, good chocolate, great champagne, and historic homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well!
