Splurge vs. Steal: Two Sweet Spots in Lake Highlands’ Laurel Valley

If you’re looking for a Lake Highlands address with over 2,000 square feet, the Laurel Valley neighborhood is a good bet. Located near Walnut Hill Lane and Audelia Road, it’s close to the north shores of White Rock Lake and offers easy access to Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway. 

We’ve found two lovely Laurel Valley houses for today’s Splurge vs. Steal. Both were built in the early 1960s, beautifully updated, and move-in ready. Which one do you like best? 

SPLURGE: CORNER LOT WITH CURB APPEAL

The beautiful two-story charmer at 9638 Broken Bow Rd. sits only a block from White Rock Elementary and is situated on an interior corner lot. This home has four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bath, two living areas, two dining areas, and 2,767 square feet on two stories, built in 1962. 

The cozy front porch is framed by new cedar accents and Austin stone. Upon entering, the two-sided stone fireplace is an impressive feature, dividing the living and dining rooms. Love the vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors, and updated kitchen with granite countertops, tumbled stone backsplash, breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances. The downstairs master retreat offers plenty of space to unwind and its ensuite features an oversized frameless glass shower, jetted tub, and dual sinks. The backyard has a new horizontal wood fence, patio, and mature trees.   

This Laurel Valley home was listed Dec. 27, 2017, by  Melanie Martin and Renée Barfoot of The Associates Realty for $649,000.

STEAL: UPDATED WITH CONTEMPORARY STYLE

For those wanting a one-story in Laurel Valley, the house at 9421 Dartcrest Dr. is totally renovated and sits pretty with great curb appeal. This home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas, and 2,066 square feet, built in 1964. 

Inside, the vaulted, beamed ceilings and skylights make the rooms feel light and bright and new hardwoods look fantastic. In the living room, the fireplace surround looks contemporary and chic. This room is open to the kitchen, which features a large breakfast bar, marble countertops, glass subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The large master has new carpet and sliding doors to the backyard. Its ensuite is equipped with a new frameless glass shower and vanity with dual sinks. The secondary bathroom is also updated with a new shower and vanity. The small backyard is low maintenance and could use some TLC, but it does have a vine-covered arbor and a privacy fence. 

This home was listed Aug. 8 by Michelle Avila with Investment Club Realty for $489,900, reduced to $472,900.