Can you imagine how gut wrenching it would be to completely transform a home from dilapidated to delectable only to turn around and sell it? I don’t think I have the courage to do it, but I have to applaud John Debner, who has listed his incredible Hollywood Heights home at 502 Newell with Dallas City Center Realtor Britt Lopez.
“He bought it and did the add-on renovation in 2005,” Lopez said. “It was a big project, and at the end he had forgotten to budget in the landscaping.”
So, Debner, being resourceful, decided to delve into gardening full steam. He did all of the work himself.
“He has worked on this yard lovingly for over 10 years and it is the crown jewel of the home,” Lopez added. “My open house last weekend had so many neighbors come through that wanted to get up close and personal to the garden that they have seen from the street for years.”
I have to say that, from the curb, the landscaping and elevation of this quaint bungalow in one of Dallas’ most popular conservation districts is absolutely incredible. The volume, texture, and color strikes the perfect balance against the painted brick exterior and neutral trim. Debner noted that, during the exterior renovation, part of the home had been painted turquoise. It’s definitely a more tasteful color now.
The three-bedroom, two-bath, 2,345-square-foot cottage has some really stunning spaces in the front of the home, with arched doorways, a beautiful fireplace, clean white walls, soft blue ceilings (DROOL!), and abundant natural light thanks to the many windows that take in the views of that gorgeous landscaping. And the addition, which has the same period charm as the existing home, shares the same architectural details.
It’s difficult to put a price on all that hard work, but Lopez has listed this fabulous home in hot Hollywood Heights for $589,000. Considering the location — a front-row seat to the annual Newellian Easter Parade — and the near perfect renovation, that seems pretty fair.
Of course, I had to ask what room was Debner’s favorite. It happened to be the lovely updated kitchen, which features soft ivory canbinetry, a lovely quartz countertop, and a classic white porcelain backsplash. Thanks to the position of the kitchen, which juts out like a panhandle from the rest of the home on a corner lot, both the designated dishwasher and cook of the house can have views of the landscaping outside. A built-in wine refrigerator and stainless steel refrigerator and double ovens is perfect for the space.
“My sister’s family and I really enjoy cooking, so we would do our own version of The Chew on holiday visits,” Debner said. “Also, locating the kitchen in the center of the house allowed the front and back living and sleeping areas to use independently. If front guests want a late brunch and back half want early morning omelet, there’s no problem.”
Just off the kitchen is a family room, which has a triptych of windows that adds a little modern flair to the room. That staircase to the back of the room goes down to the semi-underground double garage, which opens to the alley for convenience.
I love how subtle the master bath is, with period-sensitive details such as crystal drawer pulls and pedestal sinks. The built-in medicine cabinets also add to the historic feel. Wonderfully, Debner put in both a shower and tub, as well as extra storage and coated the floor with more classic porcelain tile.
Of course, what’s a historic home without it’s pink bathroom? This one has been positively, perfectly preserved, with clean grout, a gorgeous pedestal sink with chrome legs, and that hexagonal tile on the floor. It’s more saccharine than Sweet N’ Low, but I love it.
Debner said the side porch was a must for neighborliness, with the many dog walkers that stop and chat all the time. “The uphill side street (Mistletoe Street) is a primo hill for joggers,” he added.
There’s also a little secret herb garden in that lovely almost terraced side yard. The lawn is perfect and the warm glow from the windows is so inviting. This home is a wonderful example of the charm and beauty to be found in Hollywood Heights, don’t you agree?
