“O” Alert: Back Up to Turtle Creek in University Park for $1.8… Right Across From the Big Boys

I know, I know, you think I’m talking about pitching a tent on a lovely piece of Turtle Creek creekside property on Golf Drive, one of the most desirable pockets of living in UP.

No, there is a house, a very nice house, indeed. English Tudor. One of my favorites. And it is more than liveable. And it’s practically free!

The property is now priced at $1,849,000. Because, frankly, the idea is to move it. And so you are getting a quarter acre of treed, creekside living on the prettiest creek in Dallas for lot value. Proof: two doors down, Booth Brothers, a CandysDirt approved homebuilder (we only have the best!) are building a brand spanking new home on the same sized property that sold  FOR THE DIRT and is now asking $3,995,000. Great builders. Ditto Tatum Brown, also CandysDirt-approved, whose 6629 Golf sold in 2013 for $3.2, THEN was listed with Chad Barrett of ABA for $3,775,000. I’ve heard it was close to that asking price when it sold this summer in a private non-MLS transaction. A large, irregular lot at 6825 golf sold in April through MLS for $3.2. Are you seeing this? 

In fact, this home may be the very BEST INVESTMENT in town. I was talking to an agent the other day about the home she sold, a 22-year-old home that is, in fact, right next-door to me. The sales price was low — little more than lot value — as the buyers plan to either tear down and re-build, or dramatically renovate.

“It’s almost as if homes now have 7-year shelf lives,” she told me.

Talk about shelf life, 6705 Golf Drive was built in 1934!  There is something to be said for that timeless, classic look of a mature home that has been loved for all this time. Really, that is something the young whippersnapper McMansions can not compete with. And even homes built in the 80’s and 90’s do not seem to have the staying power of rock-solid 1930’s construction. Well, this house doesn’t have that fancy schmancy stuff. But it’s probably the best investment for your money ever. Because once you move in a house, it begins to depreciate, like a car.

Move into 6705 Golf and the land will do nothing but appreciate. The house is probably almost all depreciated, so like I said, you are basically getting it for free!

Many families have enjoyed living in this charming stone cottage, raised families, and done wonderful things in life. It is located in the dead center of University park. In fact, the original owners (he was an engineer) came through an open house right after the home was built, got out a map of University Park, and plotted it: 6705 was right in the smack center of town. They wanted to be close to everything, which you are in this home. Originally built as part of Dean’s Row, the home has thick plaster walls, coved ceilings, arched doors, great moldings, leaded glass, and all the original charm that was poured into the home in 1934. But then, when it comes to the places that count, hello: updates! Like the kitchen resplendent with its farmhouse kitchen sink, beamed ceilings, alderwood cabinets, and granite.

Enter a charming little foyer, the step-down living room is on the right, the dining on the left. There is a family room behind the formal living room, which features a fireplace etched with the words, “The Truth Will Set You Free”. That it will, that it will. The family room is all alderwood panelling, also has a fireplace. Then there is the remodelled kitchen with the beams, new appliances, granite, and a farmhouse sink. There is a small writing/desk area and a mud room by the back door that leads to the yard and carriage house/potential garage.

All bedrooms are upstairs, as is the laundry area (which I would make into a closet, easy peasy) accessible from the center staircase. You have a new master that was recently added with a full and dramatic view of Turtle Creek, including a balcony, plus spa master bath (steam shower! Fancy! Heated floors! Even fancier!) and a large walk-in closet. The other three bedrooms include the original master which is Tudored-up and has another pretty stone fireplace plus en suite bath. The other two bedrooms upstairs share two baths that are right next to each other: one is a full bath and the other is a half bath. Each side has its own toilet and sink and the jetted tub is in the middle.

This home is beautifully decorated and the walls are so lovely, either thickly dappled plaster or papered. It has been meticulously maintained. Plus you have the rare, unobstructed view of Turtle Creek that people pine for, and will pay top dollar for. Children or grandchildren can play on the rock ledges and let their imaginations run wild!

This could well be the very best investment piece of real estate in Dallas — University Park.  And Booth Brothers, who own the lot next door, say they would consider selling the south half of that lot to whoever buys 6705 Golf to enlarge the estate to a potential 95 foot frontage from the current 60.

Then, there’s Stewart Lees’s Mediterranean mammoth across the creek at 6810 turtle creek, listed at $12 million. Paying attention now?

6705 Golf is listed with Dave Perry-Miller’s Wendy Harkness and Cindy Bruner for $1,849,000. Like we told ya — what a steal.

O Alerts are those homes you drop everything for and take a gander because they are, well, almost better than O’s!