Sleek Remodel Brings Chapel Downs Traditional Up to Date

Gabe Rounds was living next door when 3239 Whirlaway went on the market. He did a few remodeling projects in North Oak Cliff and was ready for another chance to put his talents to the test.

And while Northwest Dallas is growing in popularity with flippers and remodelers, not every home turns out right. Not every remodeler has the vision to realize a home’s potential.

But that might be Rounds’ gift, as his work on this stunning Chapel Downs home is a revelation. We’re thrilled to highlight this listing from David Griffin & Company Realtor Diane Sherman and her son Vinnie Sherman as our High Caliber Home of the Week sponsored by Lisa Peters at Caliber Home Loans. With its outstanding curb appeal and stylish interiors, we’re certain this home won’t be on the market long. Before you visit it during the open house this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., be sure to call Lisa Peters at Caliber Home Loans to get pre-approved so you can sail through closing.

Jump to see inside this fresh-faced remodeled ranch!

Before we go inside, let’s check out the front porch, which is where you’ll start to notice Rounds’ attention to detail. Most homes built in the 1950s and 60s in this post-war traditional vernacular have decorative iron posts on the front porch. Instead of eschewing this design feature entirely, Rounds gave them an update with a modern pattern and smooth matte paint job. It harmonizes with the picture window looking into the dining room and with the custom front door with modern hardware. It’s updates like these that keep the character of the home intact while giving it a new life.

Inside you’ll find beautiful modern interiors with touches of warmth. “The floors are rift-cut white oak,” noted Sherman. “And unlike many remodelers, he installed the hardwood floors throughout the house. There’s no carpet in here.” That’s good news for those who battle indoor allergens. And it’s no small feat, either, with three bedrooms, a study, two full bathrooms and one half bath all outfitted with new everything. In all, there is 2,320 square feet of conditioned space and upgrades everywhere.

The great room is exceptional and dramatic thanks to the vaulted ceiling, sliding glass doors, and designer light fixture that hearkens to the home’s atomic-era pedigree. We love the custom flat texture on the walls and ceiling, and the painted wood-burning fireplace is perfect. What you don’t see, though, is all the new wiring, HVAC improvements, upgraded Low-E windows and doors, and the craftsmanship that went into it all.

“He was very careful to bring in more natural light, so he installed sliding glass doors and added new lights,” Sherman said.

We love how the floors go so perfectly well with the Latitude contemporary kitchen cabinetry. There’s just enough texture and visual interest to make it enjoyable, but not so much to be a turnoff.

“All of the spaces speak to each other,” Sherman said. “He paid a lot of attention to continuity.”

And we can see it in the kitchen, which got a serious upgrade with new stainless steel appliances — a Bosch dishwasher, Samsung range, and Whirlpool French door refrigerator — solid surface counters, and textural backsplash.

But it’s the master suite that has thrown us for a loop. The bedroom is large and feels open, but it’s the bathroom that’s a real stunner. There’s more beautiful custom cabinetry in the same pattern as the kitchen, but in here it is topped with beautiful marble, dotted with modern and sculptural fixtures, and swathed in even more marble tile of different cuts and sizes. It also features a very European-style “wet area” with a dual shower and oversized soaking tub.

If you’re looking for a home to put your stamp on, this one is the perfect opportunity. The backyard is a total blank slate and is ready for your garden Pinterest board. And the patio is just large enough for a table and an umbrella, with plenty of covered area for your grill. Obviously, we’re thrilled with the work that Rounds has done on this home and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

“He wanted to do something special with this home,” Sherman said.

We think he did. If you agree, this stunner of a Northwest Dallas ranch is on the market for a cool $419,900, making it beautiful and budget-friendly to boot!