Elmwood Cape Cod Transformed From Dumpy and Downtrodden to Darling

Every now and again, a house undergoes a total transformation. Not your average flip, these changes take downtrodden properties and make them shine.

Our Tuesday Two Hundred shows off its total rejuvenation with a top-to-bottom renovation. The house is unrecognizable from its previous state (“before” photos after the jump). What was once an eyesore is now one of the prettiest houses in the neighborhood.

Located at 1622 Melbourne Ave. in Oak Cliff, this Elmwood Cape Cod will charm your pants off with lovingly restored period details, high-end newer features, and an overall look that feels chic and approachable.It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,585 square feet on one story, built in 1948. All this for well under $300K. This house won’t last long!

When this home last sold in July of 2015, it was in rough shape. The owners show off their imagination, creativity, and design chops with its restoration and updates. This Elmwood Cape Cod is nestled under an original Tennessee Farm Dairy oak tree — this entire neighborhood used to be pasture, and has gently rolling hills just six miles south of downtown Dallas.

The nearest major intersection is W. Illinois and S. Edgefield avenues, and this property is a short walk from the Rugged Branch of Cedar Creek and its lush greenbelt. It’s also a short distance from Elmwood Parkway, a 16-acre park with trails, playground, picnic tables, and an outdoor basketball court.

The exterior of this Elmwood Cape Cod went from an overgrown mess with unappealing curb appeal, to something that looks like a dollhouse. Painting the chimney and trim white accentuates the architectural detail and a turquoise front door is the perfect pop of color.

Inside, the appeal only broadens, with restored original hardwood floors everywhere except the bathrooms and designer touches everywhere. The living room in the front of the house features a refaced fireplace with a new mantel and funky tile surround, recessed lighting, new ceiling fan, and an on-trend gray-and-white palette that extends throughout the home. All the windows are now new and low-E, and there’s a new air conditioner, tankless water heater, and crown moulding, updated electrical, and updated plumbing.

The kitchen includes a butler’s pantry, rare and wonderful in a house this size. The space feels modern and fresh with lots of white Shaker-style cabinets, quartz countertops, a stainless steel farm sink, Carrera Marble backsplash, a pot filler, and high-end stainless steel appliances, including a gas range.

Two of the three bedrooms offer walk-in closets, another rare feature in this Elmwood Cape Cod. The bathrooms are dreamy, with Carrera Marble, quartz countertops, and beautiful tile treatments.

In back, the backyard is a bit of a blank slate, with a new wood privacy fence, mature shade tree, and a brick-paved seating area.

This home was listed Feb. 24 by Miriam Mier with William Davis Realty for $275,000.