Over in Greenland Hills, right off Greenville Avenue at the corner of Vanderbilt and Worcola, there’s a house that on the exterior fits right in with the neighborhood. But it’s ever so slightly different and that’s what makes it truly stand out.
It’s a Georgian amid a rash of Tudors so that’s a little something exceptional. The red brick is unusual as well. The pop of blue on the shutters, door and awning are the perfect contrast to the red brick and cream-colored window casing, fascia and eaves.
But the biggest difference between 5554 Vanderbilt and most of the original homes in the neighborhood is a detail you can’t even tell from the front. It’s a two story. And it always was.
A two-story built in 1939 made Dave Perry-Miller’s Frada Sandler wonder if perhaps this was the home of a builder back in the day. She grabbed her tweed hat and cape and set off to the local library to crack the case. Turns out, it wasn’t. But in a bit of a full-circle plot twist, it was owned by a commercial real estate broker whose office was on Greenville Avenue, next door to where the Taco Cabana sits today.
At this point in the story, you’re probably kicking your seat out from under you as you ascend to give Sandler a standing ovation because seriously, that’s some real estate dedication right there.
Well, Sandler said, when you’re passionate about a house, it shows. Needless to say, she is very passionate about Vanderbilt and who wouldn’t be?
It’s been wonderfully updated and well-cared for. The most recent owner was, as Sandler describes it, a respected interior architect.
The light walls are creamy and soft and soothing. The contrasting trim is wonderful as well. Not too dark, just a few shades darker for a sophisticated look. Let’s take a moment to hallelujah that when they went gray, they also took into consideration those gorgeous honey-hued floors. They steered clear of blue-gray and kept it real with gray-beige. Praise hands.
One of Sandler’s favorite features is all the natural light afforded by the wall of windows. One of my favorite features is that entire primary shower completed with 2×2 inch tile. What a look. It’s different but, just like the rest of the house, in the best, most subtle way possible.
One more detail we can’t overlook is that knockout pool out back. It was added in 2001 and, of course, the backyard is perfectly landscaped including an arbor covered in Wisteria that will come into full bloom — and likely blow your mind — this Spring.
If you’d like to take a look at this three-bedroom, three-and-one-half bath house, stop by this Saturday, February 6 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Or give Sandler a call and she’ll offer a personal tour. She has 5554 Vanderbilt Avenue listed at $770,000.
