Historic districts are some of my favorite neighborhoods. When my husband and I first moved in together, it was a Craftsman bungalow in Junius Heights that set the scene for some of our first days and weeks as a married couple. That huge, open front porch was a great place from which to meet our neighbors, and we loved the cool little details that evoked the home’s own memories.
Sunlight filtered in through the wavy glass in the almost 100-year-old windows, and the hardwood floors were patched with an old yardstick from a neighborhood hardware store now long gone. It’s that built-in character that makes these homes treasures to be cherished.
When restored, of course, these prestigious homes become gems that glisten in the hearts of towns that are growing fast. While newer models are popping up like mushrooms overnight in nearby developments, these homes will stand the test of time. That’s what I love about Historic Downtown McKinney. While the Collin County suburb has fabulous schools and plenty of great new home developments to choose from, everyone gathers at the heart of this neo-Mayberry that calls itself “unique by nature.”
And this prairie home, a diamond that shines so bright, has been restored to wonderful results. Jump to see the perfectly staged interiors within this listing from Christine Hogan of Ebby Halliday Realtors.
Located at 505 W. Hunt St., this lovely prairie home just turned 101 years old, and it looks amazing for its age. According to Hogan, the sellers have restored this home to vintage perfection, using period-inspired tile, cabinetry, and plumbing in the bathrooms and kitchen. The hardwood floors dazzle, and the natural light that pours through the windows is warm and welcoming.
There are five bedrooms, three full baths, and more than 3,800 square feet on more than a quarter of an acre. It’s listed for a recently reduced $569,900, which comes out to a little more than $148 per square foot. Considering the size of the lot and the fabulous finish-out, that’s a great deal. Of course, you get fantastic McKinney ISD schools, too.
The eye-catching staging in these photos was done by Karen Otto of Home Star Staging. Otto worked to draw attention to the historic details and charm of this home, emphasizing the flow and feel of the space so a prospective buyer can see themselves living in it.
“I actually envisioned myself even living here while I was staging it, I love this type of home!” Otto said. “From everyday living with the family to entertaining a crowd, I think it’s important to allow the house to speak to a buyer while letting the furnishings be an accessory to it, not the other way around. As a home stager, I’m all about selling what stays with the house, and it’s not the ‘stuff,’ although we need it to accent and enhance the rooms and selling features, not overpower the space.”
Hogan notes the fresh, neutral paint palette is perfect for envisioning your own collections inside this airy space. The designer lighting throughout the home is just perfect for the industrial-chic vibe, and what’s better than knowing you’d be only the third family to own this property in a century. How rare is that?
“In this home the windows are gorgeous and I didn’t want to obstruct the views,” Otto said. She selected some transitional pieces from CORT Furniture Rental to accent the cool rustic features inside the home.
“The kitchen has a swinging hinged door and original grain bins,” she added. “I just loved the sleeping porches and the shiplap! This home will take a certain type of buyer who understands and appreciates both the nature of a home over 100 years old, the architectural elements (prairie style is a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, which has clean lines and minimalist features along with geometric and natural elements where the large windows help bring the outside in), and the urban rustic style of the former farmland this home and others in this historic part of downtown McKinney were built on.”
You’ll probably notice the colorful vintage accessories throughout the house, which draw your attention to the plentiful built-in shelves and cabinetry. These fixtures have withstood the test of time, and while much of the home has been renovated, its functionality and practical features have been preserved.
“This home has been lovingly renovated,” Otto notes. “I fashion myself an American picker and a lot of my accessory pieces are one-of-a-kind, vintage, quirky, or unique — not the things you’ll often find at the local home décor store.”
We love that kind of style, and the home really shows well with artful, interesting finds. You’ll appreciate the cool moldings and baseboards, wide window trim, and all of the neat hardware throughout this incredible historic property.
We certainly think there’s at least a century’s worth of memories left to be made in this amazing, superbly restored home in Historic Downtown McKinney. And at this price, you’ll enjoy a wealth of happiness. You can imagine yourself in this space during the open house on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.
What do you think?
