Carefully Restored Midcentury Modern Gem in University Manor

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There’s no shortage of beautiful Midcentury Modern homes in East Dallas — you just have to know where to look. In fact, there are quite a few in University Manor, which is conveniently located just off of Northwest Highway near the White Rock Lake DART Rail station. Of course, not all of them are so carefully remodeled as this listing from David Griffin, broker of his eponymous firm. The level of detail and care in the renovation easily makes this University Manor Midcentury Modern our High Caliber Home of the Week presented by Lisa Peters of Caliber Home Loans.

Of course, you can see the sloping rooflines and clerestory windows from the curb of this gorgeous Midcentury Modern, but the beautiful, Zen-inspired landscaping and copious floor-to-ceiling windows make this University Manor home stand apart from the rest of its ilk. 

From the front you can tell that this home is something completely different. The landscaping, complete with custom-poured concrete throughout and a gorgeous koi pond, offers a Zen-feeling environment for you to shuck your bad vibes before entering the gorgeous contemporary front door. You also get a good look at what’s behind that wooden privacy screen — tons of floor-to-ceiling windows that give the foyer views of the koi pond. 

Once inside, the natural light that filters into 7120 Fenton Drive draws your eye to the beautiful museum-finish walls and warm hardwood floors. This combination makes this particular University Manor Midcentury Modern a perfect home for collectors of art and antiquities, easily demonstrated throughout this 2,706-square-foot single-story home.

“This exceptional midcentury home has been in the hands of equally exceptional homeowners, who five years ago did one of the most thorough and painstaking renovations we’ve had the privilege to represent,” Griffin said. “Drawn to the home by its streamlined proportion and corner lot, the current owners have done all of the right things to enhance and preserve the special qualities of the home’s original design and setting.”

The home has seen a renovation and expansion that feels as seamless as it is magnificent. The floor plan, which is partially open and flows easily from one room and view of the surrounding landscape to the next, offers just the right amount of segmentation and purpose. The kitchen is gorgeous, with European-style cabinetry and a floor plan reminiscent of its 1957-built heritage. And there’s no shortage of purposefulness, either, with a fantastic utility room that has tons of built-ins and even a butlers pantry — a definite plus for frequent entertainers.

In all, there are four bedrooms, three full baths, a two-car garage, and a stunning amount of upgrades built into this University Manor Midcentury Modern. Griffin has priced the home at $696,000.

While I loved the landscaping in the front yard of 7120 Fenton Drive, I have to say that it’s the backyard, complete with decking, patio, and copious lawn, that really makes my knees weak. It’s wonderfully suited for those who enjoy entertaining outdoors, for those who are down-sizing from a larger property, for pet lovers who want a grassy spot for their furry friends, and even for families with kids who want to have larger lot. It’s truly a High Caliber Home!

Joanna England is the Executive Editor at CandysDirt.com and covers the North Texas housing market.

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