Historic Prairie Reinvented Into a Highland Park Luxury Craftsman

You would have never given 3816 Miramar Avenue a second look a few years ago. It was a 1915, plain-Jane, Prairie-style home that had been remodeled multiple times. It would have inevitably faced the wrecking ball if it were not for buyers that saw the potential and knew who could fulfill their vision. They hired the architectural team of Domiteaux & Baggett to reinvent this home entirely and make it into a luxury Craftsman that takes your breath away.

Before we get into the fantastic renovation, there’s an interesting bit of history on one of the former owners.

A well-known railroad man, W.G. Crush lived here until 1943. He is credited with the establishment of the Katy Railroad’s Highland Park Station. Yes, there was a railroad station in Highland Park!

“When we met with the owners, they knew they did not want to tear down the home,” Mark Domiteaux said. “They were very involved in the research and wanted this home to be all it could be. We had them look at resources like California architects Greene and Greene’s work at the turn of the century, and that inspired what you see today.”

Domiteaux worked with The Robert Hopson Construction Group to turn this home into what is now a timeless luxury Craftsman. When they got started, they quickly realized they’d have to gut not only the entire interior, but also rebuild the exterior.

Domiteaux reminded me that during the Depression era, homes were seldom built to the highest standards as money and resources were scarce. Unfortunately, the brick and mortar on this home were disintegrating.

“We stripped it all off and rebuilt the house better than it ever was,” Domiteaux said. “We got the opportunity to make the house what it wanted to be originally.”

The front door was custom crafted (look at those beautiful decorative wood inlays on the interior side) and moved over. Domiteaux used sources in California that made original tile and used solid cherry wood throughout the home.

An exciting aspect of this 6,955-square-foot luxury Craftsman is that it is non-toxic. The materials used in the home are allergy-free. There are five bedrooms, three bathrooms, three powder baths, and my favorite — a pajama lounge. Thanks to Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate listing agent Stephen Pryor for that term! It’s a lovely little sitting room right between the master suite and the playroom.

It’s always interesting to find out which room the architect likes best when they have a dream job like this one.

“I like the central living area, where the dining area, bar, and pantry come together,” Domiteaux said. “We have a series of layers with glass cabinets, a banquette, and I like that whole transition. The owners allowed us to show them what this house could be, and they were so enthusiastic to carry everything out.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This home was created for family living. The present owners have several children, so it needed to be kid-friendly. There are lovely touches like window seats throughout the home, and an entire renovated attic complete with a reading nook and bathroom that is perfect for sleep-overs.

The backyard is large enough to have a swarm of kiddos swimming and playing touch football at the same time. It’s, of course, also an excellent space for the adult side of the family to entertain friends!

Pryor has this reinvented Highland Park luxury Craftsman available for $4.795 million.

Realtor Tour: Feb. 26, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes, and any house designed by Clifford Hutsell knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com