How’d you like to get into a Park Cities traditional home for under a million? Well, today’s your lucky day. Molly Hurt with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s just listed 3603 Asbury for $829,000.
This is a real gem of a home. Lisa Luby Ryan, the extremely talented designer and principal with Luby Design Associates— who also owns the wonderful home furnishings boutique, Vintage Living, took it down to the studs for her friend, Lucy Johnson. Johnson is also a realtor with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s. Take that in for a moment: two women, who each know a great deal about houses, working together. It’s a given that no detail was overlooked, and the result is not only something spectacular but completely unexpected. That is, it’s unexpected to the passerby or anyone driving up because you cannot possibly imagine what has transpired behind that front door.
And it’s a perfect example of why you can’t judge a book by its cover.
This gorgeous two-story abode is a “single family detached”, or what we used to simply call a duplex. Don’t let that put you off or fool you for one minute. There are 2,696-square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder bath in this completely rebuilt charmer.
“I can tell you, we realtors tour these 1980’s single family detached homes all the time,” Hurt said. “You have an expectation because of the exterior and the time it was built. This was completely unexpected—it was jaw dropping. You see a totally different product when someone is redoing a home for themselves, like this one. The upgrades and changes are so thoughtful.”
“When I purchased Asbury, it was my own listing,” Johnson said. “I was getting ready to show it and I thought, I want this! My children had moved out and into their own homes and it was time for a transition.”
There was no question Johnson would enlist Luby Ryan’s to help with the project . The two were good friends and had worked together on a prior remodel.
“It was not my first rodeo, so to speak,” Johnson said. As an agent I’m in and out of houses all the time so I had a good idea of what I wanted from the start. We communicate really well so when Lisa says I need to do something, she’s right!”
Although the home is very much a custom build, with exceptionally high finish out and great storage, remember Johnson is a Realtor.
“I was always aware I would sell someday and move on to the next project, so I made choices that would appeal to a broad market. I’m all about resale, no matter where it is, so that was always in mind,” Johnson said.
It was a significant remodel that included, opening up many walls to create the large space that works so well for our lifestyles today. Even the front door was moved, to open directly into the living area.
“My favorite part of the house is that open concept living area,” Luby Ryan said. “There can be multiple activities going on, and everyone can have a separate space, but still be together.”
The ability to easily entertain weighed heavily in the design of the home. Johnson is a consummate hostess, known for her Downton Abbey watch parties, and with five grown children she’s often putting together dinner for 21 at a moment’s notice.
Johnson has picked out her next project and we can’t wait to see what she and Luby Ryan come up with. What this means for you: is a move-in ready home in the heart of the Park Cities, IF you are on your toes, that is.
“So many people want the lock and leave lifestyle this home provides,” Hurt said. “It crosses markets, from families with babies, to empty nesters.”
Hurt is holding an open house on Sunday from 1:00-3:00 PM. If you’re looking, let’s hope it’s still available!
