When considering an older property, what defines move-in ready? Renovated kitchens and baths? Yes. Refinished hardwoods? Of course. New HVAC, plumbing roof, and electrical to prevent unpleasant, and expensive surprises down the road? Yes, PLEASE. A 1924 Craftsman bungalow at 2712 College Avenue in Ryan Place ticks all of those boxes. Freshly painted with a new front porch, the 1,765-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath cottage beckons with loads of curb appeal.
The plan, far from being closed and dark, is open and airy. Windows have been replaced with new energy-efficient models — another expense spared potential buyers. Original hardwood floors look brand new.
The dining room is located at the heart of the house. Original pocket doors can be glimpsed in the opening to the master bedroom. Exposed, white-painted, shiplap in the kitchen looks oddly modern. It would be more accurate to say that the kitchen has been replaced rather than updated. Cabinets, appliances, and surfaces are all new. I love the practical, deep under-mount steel sink, but wish the stove were gas.
The master bedroom is carpeted and is part of a true master suite. Attractive blue bathroom cabinets have twin sinks. A long clerestory window illuminates the room without compromising privacy.
A modern subway-tiled shower stall is kitted out with fashionable fixtures. Beyond is a spacious walk-in closet — a luxury in a house of this vintage.
A second bedroom retains hardwood floors and craftsman doors. It has an attached, thoroughly updated bath with the original long slipper tub.
Perhaps less appealing as we enter the dog days of summer, but sure to be useful in the fall, is the brand-new deck, large enough for outdoor dining and grill. So what’s the downside? The property is located at the south end of Ryan Place, and the street is a bit of a mixed bag. And parking is listed as “other,” which of course means no garage. Still, the trend is the buyer’s friend, in that most of the houses on the block have been well cared for and there are spruce new houses going up.
The house listed by USRealty, a commission-negotiable service that saves the seller money without the hassles of sale by owner. The property may be seen through RE/MAX DFW Associates and is being offered for $370,000.
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt.
