This M Streets storybook home is a case in point about why preservation matters. You cannot build in character or charm. You just can’t.
Christie and Tom Warrick know that. They were living in Rockwall and decided it was time for a change.
“I had driven through the neighborhood once and told Tom, ‘Someday I’m going to live here,’” Christie said. “We had been looking for three years and decided we needed to be closer. So, we decided to rent and be present for whatever came on the market. We kept being the second offer in.”
When the Warrick’s finally walked into this M Streets storybook house, they knew they’d found their home.
“A home has a vibe,” Christine added. “This one looked like a Hansel and Gretel cottage, and it felt like a hug.”
As I said, historic homes have a character and charm that are impossible to replicate. Generations of homeowners put an indelible stamp on these houses that create a solid sense of place. You feel grounded in a house like this M Streets storybook Tudor. You know you are at home.
A peek back into the Dallas Morning News archives tells the tale. In 1930 this 1927 home was advertised as:
Seven rooms, beautiful hardwood floors, perfect condition, fenced yard, two garages, bargain.
And in 1980:
Best buy in Lakewood! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, in this charming Tudor in prestigious area, fresh paint, 2 patios, trees. Won’t last long at this price. $71,500.
Don’t we all wish we’d been able to buy a home in the ’80s!
But, I must say, I think this 2,328-square-foot, M Street storybook Tudor is still an incredible deal.
When the Warrick’s moved in, they were up for the challenges an older home can present.
“We painted first and lightened it up,” Christie said. “There was dark red paint on the living room walls and thick plush white carpet upstairs.”
They replaced the easily stained carpet with wood flooring, returned a bathroom to its rightful configuration, and did some kitchen updates. Then they added a pool and decking, turning the backyard into a veritable paradise. The original three-bedroom, two-bathroom, one-powder- bath footprint is intact with a central staircase that allows for maximum flow in the home. One of the bedrooms is tucked under a peak in the roofline. It was turned into a nursery, with a dragon mural that will blow your mind. The living room opens onto two side patios and is anchored by a remarkable fireplace.
The Warrick’s are completely happy here but are ready to downsize a bit more. However, they are more than willing to wait for the right buyer. A buyer that understands how special it is to have a house that’s a hug.
Coldwell Banker Realtor Lee Lamont has this M Streets storybook Tudor at 5423 Merrimac Avenue listed for $719,500, which is frankly the equivalent of $71,500 back in 1980, so if you understand historic homes and value their character, you better move fast!
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of all dogs, international travel, good chocolate, great champagne, and historic homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well!
