Blair and Chelsea Green are big fans of Flipping Out, Bravo’s reality remodeling series. This gorgeous Preston Hollow contemporary at 7141 Grand Oaks Road is their latest flip, although they don’t really ever intend to flip — it’s just worked out that way.
The couple already have very full plates. Blair is a commercial real estate attorney and Chelsea is the chief operating officer of a law firm.
“We were trying to buy our first house a few years ago and wanted to live in Dallas to be close to our jobs,” Blair said. “We either had to buy a really small house or a property that needed work. We found a house that needed some TLC and during remodeling realized we enjoyed the process.”
Opportunity knocked, the market was hot and it became apparent they should sell that first home. They went on to a second home in Lake Highlands thinking that would be the dream home. They renovated and lived in the home for almost seven months. “There was an opportunity to sell again and we thought we’d move to an apartment until we found another home.” That is until the 2,709-square-foot Preston Hollow house appeared.
They finished the master suite in 10 days. “We lived in this little corner of the house for three months,” Blair said. “I’d say we hit the ground running. As soon as we walked in I knew if we removed the wall in the center of the home we’d open up it up immediately.” The result is a gorgeous open-plan living space with vaulted ceilings.
The fireplace is the focal point of the home along with the rough cedar beams and trim. While a lot of remodelers are afraid to paint brick or rock, Chelsea knew it was the right move. “She gets all the credit for that idea,” Blair said. “We were going for a fresh, sleek feel but one that felt like home and painting the fireplace white really created that look.” Walls were painted with Sherwin Williams Eider White, a pale gray, to create a subtle contrast.
Three bathrooms were completely redone as well as a powder bath. The freestanding tub in the master suite was actually ordered on Amazon. Clear glass tile in a subway style cover the shower wall. “We thought about subway tiles but everyone is doing them,” Blair said. “I like them, but I wanted to set the room apart a little. It’s subtle but it’s successful. I like it.”
There were no major obstacles other than a minor misunderstanding. When the contractor ripped out the dated countertops, the existing black graphite sink and dishwasher were removed. Fortunately, they were not damaged. Unfortunately, Blair had to schlep dishes up to the office to wash until the new quartz countertops could be installed and the sink and dishwasher slotted back into place.
“We don’t see ourselves as traditional flippers, “Blair said. “We really buy a home we love and want to live in and we remodel it to suit our tastes. We renovate to stay — but we love renovating. If we see an opportunity to sell, we do. We’re also aware that if the market turns we need to be happy with the renovation because that really may be the home we stay in for many years.”
Blair has always been interested in renovating homes. “The challenge is allocating our time in an efficient manner. I’ve always had other projects going on so it’s not unusual. We find time. When I’m not at my job I’m reading books on real estate investing or design. This latest house has been a real passion project.”
The couple is doing something right. Well, a lot right. If you want to see this $699,999 beauty up close and in person, the open house is today from noon to 3 p.m.
