Tudor, Tudor, Tudor: Renovated Stevens Park Dollhouse With Aga Stove for… How Much?

This is one of those Dallas homes worth dropping your fingernail file for. In fact, 1905 Old Orchard is worth dropping about 1,000.

Are we in Pebble Beach? We are right here in Dallas, but in Stevens Park Estates, one of the best neighborhoods in town that has always been a bit of a secret. A good secret where neighbors live, work, and play just minutes away from Bishop Arts District, downtown Dallas, and Uptown.

First of all, it is a very close-knit community: some neighborhood associations have meetings, Stevens Park has “First Friday” happy hours. There is a “toddler park” for kiddos and an annual Easter Egg hunt that has evolved into a full-fledged party over the years. Forget Swiss Avenue, there are more Halloween trick-or-treaters (and better treats) in this area than any ‘hood south of I-30. If you borrow an egg from a neighbor, that egg will be freshly hatched from a backyard chicken. Everyone knows everyone’s pets and kids and in the most iconic blend of artists and intellectuals, the kids roam, playing freely from house to house until it’s time for bed. I have even heard of summertime camp-outs under the stars, reading and bridge groups in this ‘hood. And if you or someone in your family likes golf, well swing the clubs across the street at the Stevens Park Golf Course or ride your bike or take a run along the paved trail.

Life is very, very good in Stevens Park Estates. 

And so comes 1905 Old Orchard with an incredible pedigree of community and structure. The home has housed only four families since it was built, one being a well-known society reporter, Dorothy Fagg, the other a health care executive. The 2,618-square-foot house packs in original charm with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, rich beams and wood: Tudor, Tudor, Tudor. Tucked onto a perfectly manicured and treed .19 acres, 1905 Old Orchard is Architectural Digest material. As much as the exterior of this home reflects its circa-1928 heritage, the interiors are completely 2017/2018. I’m talking AGA stove, waterfall bathtubs, marble and granite, cut-glass doors and windows, scraped hardwoods, travertine tile, and glass knob fixtures throughout. 

In fact, the home is one of the most perfect blends of function and old world charm I have seen in a long time.

Enter through an inviting, unusual entry foyer of glass that creates a bit of drama (as well as weather protection) before entering the actual home. This leads to a sun-drenched living room with vaulted ceilings, crisp light walls and arched doorways — a house signature. The AGA-centric kitchen features a full wet bar, gorgeous granite counters, butcher block island, period cabinetry, tons of storage, and a butler’s pantry.

Then there is the master bedroom, a true retreat. There is a charming gas fireplace, large walk-in closet and gussied up en-suite bathroom. There is even adjoining living space, perfect for an office, study, exercise room, nursery or meditation room.

The home packs in four bedrooms total, with three bedrooms on the first floor, ALL with full attached baths plus a hallway powder room. There is a fourth bedroom upstairs also with full bath that can be as flexible as you want: guests, kids, office, playroom. 

If you are wondering how a home like this can be so charming, look to the architect who oversaw renovation in 2008: Coy Fite. He ensured that every detail – from completely updated electrical and plumbing – to crown molding and original stained glass – was picture perfect.

“In the afternoons when sunlight dapples the living room walls, I feel like I’m living in a fairy tale,” says the current owner. “Whether you are curled up with a book on the couch, or entertaining family and friends, this house has a way of inviting you in to sit and stay awhile.”

That could be why it has had merely four owners. The home is listed with none other than Gailya Silhan at Allie Beth Allman & Associates, for, and I hope you are sitting down or grabbing your checkbook, $639,000.

That does include the AGA stove, by the way.

This home is open Sunday, November 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. Check it out!