A Historic Storybook Tudor Full of Surprises

This classic Hollywood Heights historic storybook Tudor offers the best of both worlds.

Those of us who value preservation also want to live in a home that has been updated. And now we want even more from our homes. We want them to multi-task for us, and boy does this home do that — and more.

Benjamin and Kathryn Sarpong have lived in this historic storybook Tudor since 2004. That’s not only a testament to the house but also to Hollywood Heights.

Plenty to Love About Hollywood Heights

People fall in love with the neighborhood. I’m a bit biased, however, because I’ve called Hollywood Heights home since 1990. Everyone is helpful and friendly. We have big Halloween, Easter, and Christmas celebrations that draw people from all over Dallas. Every street has developed its own culture and traditions. In other words, newcomers feel instantly welcomed.

The first thing that attracts buyers to Hollywood Heights is the appearance of the neighborhood. We have the most extensive collection of stone-embellished Tudor cottages in America.

There are also Spanish Eclectic, French Eclectic, Minimal Traditional, and Craftsman homes. You’ll even spot two rare Pueblo Revival houses. In 1989 the neighborhood received a conservation district designation. That means no sleek modern house will go up next door to one of these classic homes.

“It’s the best neighborhood on the planet, Kathryn said. “We’re going to miss it. It’s one of the things that kept us in this house for so long.”

The Sarpong family has lived in this historic storybook Tudor for 17 years, moving in when their youngest was only six months old. Over the years, the Sarpongs have done more than you could ever imagine.

“There’s barely a square inch we have not redone,” Kathryn said. “While we really love the historic exterior, we live in a very modern way.”

Working with Brian Gream, the Sarpongs have done everything from relocating the staircase and raising the pitch of the roof, to remodeling the kitchen and adding the coolest playhouse you’ve ever seen.

“You know it’s a good working relationship when you keep hiring the same contractor,” Kathryn said. “Bryan had the design inspiration for the playhouse. He said it would look amazing, and it does. Although both kids are in their teens now they still hang out there.”

As I said, people are looking for homes that multi-task. They must have a home office, a study space, play areas, guest quarters, and enough room for privacy as well as gathering places for family and friends.

This two-story storybook Tudor has 2,782 square feet with five bedrooms and three bathrooms in the main house. Of course, there’s that ultra-cool playhouse.

In addition to all that, you’ll find guest quarters attached to the garage. This is a perfect space for a live-in nanny, visiting relatives or friends in town for an extended stay. Oh, and that excellent swimming pool is exactly what we all want leading into summer!

“Im going to miss this house and the neighborhood,” Kathryn said. “It’s a very warm, comfortable home. It has enough room to get away from each other, but it’s a manageable size, and really easy to clean!”

That’s important to the family. You may know, Kathryn as Dr. Saprong, owner of the Metro Paws Animal Hospitals. There is generally a revolving door of furry shedding friends, so easy to clean surfaces were a must.

We’re living in an era where our homes mean more to us than ever and must meet so many different needs. It’s rare to find a historic house that meets them as well as this one does.

Allie Beth Allman listing agent Joe Kacynski has this historic storybook Tudor, at 802 Monte Vista, listed for $920,000.