Classic, Updated Craftsman in Sought-After Vickery Place

Homes in historic Dallas neighborhoods are selling like hotcakes, mostly for the reason they were preserved in the first place: character. These areas fit a human scale that has long since been rendered incompatible with modernity, but still, that comfortable nostalgia makes them all the more desirable. 

And while East Dallas is already phenomenally popular, the Vickery Place area is coveted even more so, thanks to its prime location near Greenville Avenue, it’s fantastic proximity to downtown Dallas, and the walkable nature of this neighborhood, originally platted in 1891. What’s really great is all of the investment happening here now, with families buying up homes and taking the time and care to bring them up to today’s standards. An absolutely stellar example of this is the beautiful one-story Craftsman bungalow at 5417 Willis Ave.

Like many homes from the era, this 1930-built listing from Kyle Brinkley of Brinkley residential has a gracious, large front porch. The classic, neutral paint scheme on the exterior is absolutely pitch perfect. Some renovators get in trouble with this, taking too many chances with adventurous color schemes that can become a major turnoff to buyers. This, however, is inviting and interesting without being overpowering. 

Once inside, you notice the grate care taken to preserve the original pine hardwood floors, which have a warm, grounding effect to the recently remodeled public areas of the home. Notice the gas fireplace, the fresh white paint throughout, and the designer light fixtures in the dining room, which opens to a very stylish kitchen. An oversized doorway between the living and dining room extends the sight lines of the home, which is a perfect compromise between modern open floor plans and more historically appropriate ones.

And this three-bedroom, two bath home doesn’t scrimp on size, either. There are 1,686 square feet throughout, plus a separate laundry room. Brinkley listed this adorable Vickery Place bungalow for $584,900, and wouldn’t you know — it’s already under contract. I can see why, with all of the upgrades in both bathrooms, plenty of parking, and the handsome backyard with a brick patio.

And then there’s the kitchen. I love the cabinetry, with the slate blue base cabinets topped in granite, and the open shelving over the stainless steel range. There’s so much storage, plus a sunny window box, classic subway tile backsplash, and a built-in microwave. I also love the tile pattern, which gives it a bit of a contemporary edge.

This home has a great little master suite, and I am trying to be OK with the fact that there’s a frameless glass shower in the master bath, but no tub. Yes, the second bath has a tub, and it’s a standard size, but at this price point, the absence of a freestanding or claw-foot tub is noticeable.

However, the second bathroom is quite the looker that I forgive the transgression. Check out the very on-trend encaustic cement tile on the floor! And the furniture-quality vanity adds the perfect amount of texture and interest!

And of course, the backyard is perfect, with a basketball goal over the two-car garage, the large brick paver patio, the trees that offer plenty of shade, and grassy spots to play catch or simply lay back and daydream.