You know what we need more of in Dallas? Homes that make you happy and cheerful even on these God-awful rainy days.
(I am so sick of the rain I could move to the desert!)
11316 Valleydale drive does just that. The day I toured it was gray and overcast, but the home is so uplifting with it’s clean lines, color pops and huge window views of the lushly green lawn, thanks, of course, to all this (grrrr) rain.
The original home was built in 1959, but it was taken to the studs in 2012 and then both renovated and added onto by the owner, house designer Alex Eskenasy — who you shall see profiled here shortly in our architect series.
Enter the long walkway and pass by the stunning concrete screen — all the brick has been painted a continuous soft blue-gray. The entrance gives a huge panorama view of the home interiors with glass walls viewing the dining room and formal living area. Conversely, when you enter the home, you also have a panoramic view of the exteriors. Flow from the first walk-in is configured to take in the full beauty of the .38 acre lot loaded with huge Live Oaks.
From the center focus of the formals, the northern wing holds the sleek contemporary kitchen with a Viking stove and all the latest/greatest appliances — even a wine fridge and breakfast bar. Off this room is the laundry room, and an exit to a carport which doubles as a party pavilion. There is a small morning room, and what was once the master created by the previous owner. I could not have created a more perfect guest suite myself: the bedroom is 21 by 14 feet and has an oversized bath. I also love that it’s off the kitchen so guests can feel free to wander in for a cup of coffee when they so desire.
The southern wing is about the three other bedrooms and a small den — one must have been the original master back in 1959, but it has been transformed into another lush guest suite. There is one bedroom that must use the hallway bath/power (it has a full-sized shower) but I would turn this room (10 by 13 ft) into a study or office toote suite. The closets are all quite ample in these bedrooms, too.
Then there is the master, an entire wing added onto the home, designed by the owner, and connected by a stunning glass hallway. Listing agent J.L. Forke tells me that art has not yet been hung in the hallway, but I think it’s not necessary: the yard and landscaping really draw the eye so much I actually like the sleek, plain wall as a frame.
The new master, coming in at a whopping 18 by 18 ft, has a stunning raised ceiling that pinnacles in an unusual octagon shape and more walls of glass to the property. Off this room is a huge master closet, another mini laundry room, and the bath.
Oh the bath! A free-standing vessel tub, huge car wash shower, double vanities, storage, and light light light!
As I said, J.L. Forke is the agent, along with Margaret Walsh over at Dave Perry-Miller. This mid century modern treasure is offered at $1,025,000. Technically, it’s not in JanMar, but more like Hill Haven, which make make it a but pricey but this home is essentially all new construction and hence a new 3756 square foot home all on one floor, which is what downsizing baby boomers and millennials with children BOTH want.
The perfect way to finish off this home would be to get Harold Leidner over here and design a pool right off the master suite. It would reflect that pop of blue carried over from the front door and make the home a complete resort hide-away in one of the city’s best locations.
I’m smitten! This home will either make you buy it OR remodel your own ranch… or maybe find a ranch somewhere to remodel in like fashion.
