I love this house because it’s like a child I have watched grow from the ground up. First, there was the lot, then the construction, and then one day a moving van followed by landscaping and Hot Wheels — all hints that a family was here and loving their new home at 11439 Crest Brook Drive.
The home is on my shortcut path to Preston Forest, so virtually every day I got to see the kiddos get a little bigger, graduating from training wheels to two-wheelers. More recently during shelter-in-place, I saw the blanket picnics out front as Mom and Dad diverted the children to every inch of the large lot, keeping them engaged and happy.
That’s why I can say, with confidence, this home by Michael S. Wilson Custom Homes (MSW Custom Homes) is full of love and amazing amenities.
Michael S. Wilson Custom Homes is owned by Shane Wilson, a second-generation builder. He personally oversees every project and is dedicated to green building.
Several years ago, Jennifer and Shawn Street hired MSW Custom Homes to build their family home in Lakewood. That was the start of both a friendship and a business relationship. You see, Jennifer is a mechanical engineer. She understands and loves the design-build process. And, it turns out she is very good at it. A collaboration was born.
“I just had to be hands-on with our home,” says Jennifer. “I had to have confidence in everything behind the surfaces.”
When the Streets decided to move to Preston Hollow, there was no question: they collaborated with MSW Custom Homes again. Jennifer worked closely with MSW Custom Homes and the architect to create their perfect family home.
“What I love about Shane is that he builds a great product and builds value into it,” Jennifer said. “He hits the mark every time. He knows where to spend money, how to achieve a look, and where to value engineer.”
The Tudor influence is evident. Arches were used to separate public spaces, something we see in original Tudors. That’s a touch I really wish more builders would include in their designs. They offer a traditional look that appeals to our sense of history, yet with a modern edge.
Ceiling detail is a wonderful way to provide architectural relief and add to that feeling of character and tradition. Vaulted, beamed, and coffered ceilings throughout the house do just that.
Stylish and sleek cabinetry hide essentials. Check out the all-important home office. There is a ton of storage hidden behind the modern cabinetry, as if it was built with Covid-19 work/home in mind. And with a fireplace in the background, you will look thoroughly refined, even if you do have on shorts for the weekly Zoom meeting!
The Streets made sure their home was large enough for an expansive family and for entertaining a lot of friends. The home has 5,598-square-feet, four bedrooms including that downstairs master, five bathrooms, an exceptional covered outdoor living area (which could be easily screened) and an enormous backyard. There is the option to finish 1,000 square feet upstairs for a fifth bedroom, second office or media room.
“We really love the neighborhood,” Jennifer said. “It reminds of where I grew up. Children playing outside together, parents having a glass of wine after work, borrowing an egg from your neighbor, watching each other’s children. It’s what community used to be and what I think we need to get back to. It’s pretty special, and can be hard to find.”
They also fell in love with the corner lot loaded with mature trees. The home is deep in the heart of the neighborhood: “with people staying home, we get a lot of walking traffic and have gotten to know our neighbors so well,” Jennifer says.
Which is a good thing, because they won’t be going far: Jennifer and Shawn Street will be right down the street on Yorkshire. Same builder, same neighborhood quickly churning it’s native 50s and 60s ranches into beautiful new architectural specimens.
