Completely Rebuilt Ranch in Forest Knoll Estates is Quality From The Foundation Up

 

David Griffin Realtor Janelle Alcantara wants to make something Swarovski crystal clear: This Forest Knoll Estates home is not a fix and flip like you see on HGTV. According to Alcantara, it’s a complete rebuild of a house, making the results virtually new construction. 

“The house was redesigned, moving the kitchen to a new location,” she said. “On a slab foundation, this is something that most builders would not even consider. However, this builder has a vision.”

That vision has earned this home at 4057 Hockaday the title of High Caliber Home of the Week presented by Lisa Peters of Caliber Home Loans. Alcantara said she’d be remiss if she didn’t note that the rising tide that is lifting the real estate ships across Dallas-Fort Worth has reached Forest Knoll Estates. 

“There is a $1.9 million house almost complete next door to 4057 Hockaday, and a $1.9 million house directly behind it. There are two new builds starting this month within a stone’s throw from 4057 Hockaday. Now is the time to buy — when the momentum of new construction has taken hold, but the home prices are still affordable,” Alcantara said. “And, if you don’t think that $950,000 is affordable, call Lisa Peters to find out how new loan programs make this kind of purchase a reality.”

 

From the outside, this one-story ranch has some contemporary-leaning flair. Inside, it’s a total transitional, with finish-out you’d expect from a pricey new build, but with the entertaining-friendly floor plan a 1960s ranch offers. The home is full of designer lighting and contemporary finishes, from the beautiful front door to the sliding barn doors separating the office from the formal dining room and the sunny formal living, which has easy access to the lush backyard. It’s fascinating to see such a well-done remodel — staged, to boot! It’s a credit to the builder, Alcantara said.

“He is remaking our 1960s neighborhoods. He has a strong aversion to McMansions, and believes that the solution to the epidemic of 6,000-square-foot new builds is to reimagine the original houses that created the character of these beautiful established neighborhoods,” she said. “Keeping the original footprint of the house means that the backyard remains large and spacious. Too often now, we see lots that are so overbuilt, that the house overtakes what would have been a nice backyard.”

Agreed, but don’t take that to mean that this house isn’t sizable. Clocking in at 3,361 square feet with four bedrooms, four full and one half bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage, this home is a great size for entertaining, with a wonderful flow, too.

“An architect was hired to create a new floor plan for the house, one that serves and functions for the way we live today. Most builders would open the kitchen to the living area — that’s mandatory. But if you stop there, you’ll be left with a family room that is in the front of the house — not in an ideal location,” Alcantara said. “So here, the kitchen was moved to open to the area that once served as a garage. The old kitchen became a lavish and spacious dining room that is open to the formal living area.  This afforded a dedicated office/study space and a private guest suite.”

It’s an ingenious use of space, and it allows more natural light to pour into the family room and kitchen thanks to the wall of sliding glass doors and vaulted ceilings. The kitchen features beautiful walnut cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a beveled subway tile backsplash, and tons of extra storage in the oversized, eat-in island. It’s the kind of finish-out and attention to detail you’d see in a home priced at twice what 4057 Hockaday is listed for. And that stone fireplace adds tons of warmth and texture to the family room, which also has plenty of built-ins so you can store your belongings and minimize clutter.

 “The master bedroom was also moved to capture views of the backyard,” Alcantara added, noting that the sliding glass doors offer access to the backyard patio. “Tile imported from Spain creates the uniquely modern master bath.”

But this house is not just a pretty face, she said. “All of the components of the house were replaced, both above and below the foundation. Here, the new owner will feel confident that they are not moving into a new house with old house problems. The plumbing is new, the wiring is new, and the roof is new. The house has high-grade foam insulation that not only encapsulates the attic but also is sprayed into the walls for high energy efficiency and an acoustic barrier between rooms. Even the sewer line to the street has been replaced!”

What a great accomplishment this week’s High Caliber Home is. “This is truly one of those houses that you have to experience,” Alcantara added. “The photos do not capture the essence of the home.” If you want to see it in person, she’ll have it open this Sunday, Nov. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m.