There are so many homes in Plano that look just like the last one. Behind their brick exteriors they have two-story foyers, tile floors and beige carpet, dark wood cabinetry and granite counters. Master suites with the same vanities, the same jetted tubs, and the same shower. I could be describing hundreds of homes in West Plano alone.
And then I came across 1712 Lake Side, the very definition of different among tons of homes that look exactly alike. And while I don’t love everything about this 2,523-square-foot one-story Spanish-inspired home, I like how daring it is in a sea of plain Jane builder-grade homes.
Built in 1974 in Plano’s Country Place neighborhood, this four-bedroom, three-bath home is marketed by Dee Dee Dahlberg of Keller Williams Central for $290,000. It’s been on the market for just four days, and I’m sure they’ve had a lot of traffic.
While the palm trees are a little weird, I love the front gate and courtyard in this Spanish-inspired one-story. Imagine a long teak table with lights strung back and forth, perhaps some cool aggregate or decomposed granite on the patio, and some potted plants. This is a great spot for an outdoor dinner, or for having a cup of coffee. The carved double front doors are beautiful, too, and add plenty of character.
Inside you’ll see a spacious living area with huge windows that look out onto the backyard pool. The vaulted ceiling has tongue-in-groove paneling, adding some depth to the room. I am a little put off by the beige carpet and wacky ceiling fan, but those are easy cosmetic fixes. The gray paint is a winner, though, and would look great with transitional furnishings. Imagine some cool floor-to-ceiling gauze drapes around those windows. That would add some softness and drama to the room.
The kitchen is modern with some color and flair, thanks to the glass tile backsplash and blown-glass pendant lights. I like the layout of the kitchen, which has a good-sized breakfast nook, stainless steel appliances, built-in oven and microwave, and a large pantry with glass-front door. The counters aren’t your standard builder-grade granite either, and we’re happy to see solid-surface counters make a comeback.
The master suite is where things really get interesting. The bedroom, which looks out onto the backyard through three large windows, is a decent size at 17×12. Look past the wacky ceiling fan and see the potential in this room. Put in some hardwood floors, paint the walls a neutral gray or green, put in a cool four-poster bed or even a canopy bed and add some romantic draperies and it will get an instant style boost. The master bath is large with an oversized shower and a jetted tub, as well as walk-in closets with custom organizers. You won’t be able to miss one of the most interesting aspects of the bathroom — the pebble-style floors and backsplashes. Talk about Zen!
One of the things you can’t not love about this home is the lovely covered back porch and beautiful pool. This is the spot to spend summer afternoons! It really caps the unique aspects of the home and gives it a huge selling point. What do you think?
