Thursday Three Hundred: Stephan Sardone Selling Stunning L-Streets Reno

Parting is such sweet sorrow. At least it is for us at CandysDirt when one of our favorite homebuilders puts his sensational reno on the market.

Stephan Sardone, owner of Sardone Construction, took the L-Streets house at 10229 Linkwood Dr. in Lake Highlands to the studs and reimagined the space entirely. What emerged is extraordinary—we’ve written about it twice, here and here.

“We essentially demolished its entire insides and redesigned it into an open concept that maximized every inch of the home,” he said. “We were able to fit three full bedrooms and two full bathrooms—and the master bath is really large—as well as an incredible open living space and nice-sized kitchen.”

To make this house happen, Sardone partnered with Larry Paschall of HPD Architecture in Oak Lawn. Together, they totally overhauled the 1,320-square-foot interior. They moved all interior walls, changed the layout of the space, and created a vaulted ceiling with wood beams by pushing out a gable on the roof.

Sardone’s abode served both as a home for him and his wife, and as a contractor showcase to show potential clients just how to create a smart, efficient design. It was a no-brainer to choose it as today’s Thursday Three Hundred. It was listed Friday by Michael Cassell at Gilchrist & Company Real Estate for $379,900.

The exterior is almost unrecognizable compared to its former state. Changes include a new pewter travertine porch, landscaping, custom windows, fresh gray paint on the bricks, and a new front door.

What you can’t see with the naked eye is the energy efficiency of this residence. Sardone included low-e windows, foam insulation, a gas water heater, programmable thermostat, radiant barrier, tankless water heater, low-flow toilets, and a 13-15 SEER air conditioning unit in the reno. Additionally, the landscaping uses drought-tolerant plants for low water needs and rain/freeze sensors on the in-ground sprinkler system.

“With this size house and some of the efficient and creative designs we’ve incorporated, we should reduce the energy bill to below $50 a month,” he said.

What was once blah is now brilliant. This modern design marvel showcases amazing design concepts and high-end, trendsetting features. The open concept kitchen has chef-grade, stainless steel appliances, a large island that seats eight, penny accent tile on one wall, and windows that look into the backyard. In one of the “before” photos above, you can see workers pushing out the roof’s gables to create that vaulted ceiling. It adds such a spacious, airy feel, and the wood beams lift the eye upwards.

Sardone incorporated lots of thoughtful details, like wall insets, recessed lighting, and hardwood floors, throughout the house.

The master bedroom, which measures 15-by-11, has  LED lights canvassing the ceiling for a subtle glow (and low energy use). Its walk-in closet is made for perfect organization, with a custom Elfa system from The Container Store, but the huge surprise is in its bathroom, an oasis of relaxation.

The master bathroom could be its own story—Sardone fit in maximum splendor in a small space with dual sinks, marble counters, and tiled walls and floors. The freestanding soaker tub in the separate shower/wet area at the end of the room is pure luxury.

The second and third bedrooms and second bathroom are beautifully renovated, as well. Sardone started his career with a business he founded called Tile Fast, and you see his expertise in those floor-to-ceiling tiled walls. Laying the white subway tiles vertically is an unexpected twist that looks chic.

The backyard is a festive, fun area with a stone patio with built-in firepit, large tree, and landscaping alongside the separate two-car garage. The modest amount of green space means low water requirements and maintenance.

Sardone summed up all he did for for this home’s transformation: “I took what was a house crammed full of doors and short ceilings and opened up the living space with a vaulted ceiling and a few beams about 10 feet up—we wanted to show a few things with this Arts and Crafts style house: you can do a lot with only 1,320 square feet; you can do even more with a great design/remodel company.”

We couldn’t agree more—this L-Streets reno is sure to get snapped up soon!