In spite of what some readers may have inferred from the bulk of my posts, I don’t have a bias against modernism. It’s just that it can be oh so serious, or worse, oh so silly. Or cold.
A 1976 build at 5535 El Campo has everything we love about modern domestic architecture — a sleek profile composed of balanced modules, free of superfluous ornament, with clean, sun-drenched, pleasingly proportioned interior spaces.
I checked with all of the usual suspects to discover whether or not this three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath residence had been professionally staged, and no, the owners have impeccably furnished the house, which shows beautifully.
The living room is of sweeping scale, punctuated at one end by a wood-burning fireplace and staircase at the other. Blond hardwood floors give the ground floor a modern museum feel. Though the house is roomy where it counts, total square footage is a manageable 2,624 square feet.
The dining room gains importance as the downstairs nexus, connecting living room and kitchen with back garden views. A mirrored wall increases the linear quality of the room. A pass-through window from the kitchen adds convenience of service.
This house is 42 years old, but has undergone a thorough and — in my opinion — flawless renovation. The kitchen has been completely updated from the slick cabinetry to the bright white quartz counter tops. An industrial vent floats above an induction cooking surface. Adjoining is a small breakfast area.
The ample master bedroom suite has a luxurious, updated bath with mirrored walls, glass tile and Carrara marble and large walk in closets.
A Jack-and-Jill bath in retro, 1970s Sunrise Yellow serves the additional two bedrooms.
The walled back garden features an attractive hard scape with an attached full outdoor kitchen. Now, about the area. It is true that El Campo is a convenient Westside location with easy access to the Cultural District and the Seventh Street Development, but the street is something of a mixed bag including the original small 1940s vintage bungalows and newer construction from practically every decade since — some good, some not so much. However 5535 El Campo is priced at $262 per square foot — rather low for the area. And given the impeccable move-in ready condition with top-of-the-line finishes, the home begins to look like a good deal.
John Zimmerman of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s is offering 5535 El Campo Avenue for $689,000.
