This Colorful Craftsman in Oak Cliff Has a Story, And It’s a Good One

The story on this house is as cute as the house itself.

It all starts with the owner prior to this one. She lived there for over 25 years and made this house so colorful, eclectic, and special. Not a shocker, she was a creative.

In fact, she was one of the creatives of Wishbone Studios for years, along with costume designer Stephen Cudje and set designer Michael Benson. That’s right, the color palette at 422 S. Marlborough Avenue was not only picked by a professional, but it was also picked by a two-time Emmy Award-winning professional.

So, yeah, we’re feeling pretty confident in that color scheme.

Loves Realty’s Audra Smolinski said the blue on the exterior was inspired by the then owner’s travels. She called it a Moroccan blue. LOVE IT.

First of all, it’s striking.

Second of all, never in the history of ever has it been easier to give someone directions to your house. ”It’s the blue one on your right.” If you pass it … how could you possibly pass it?!

When the new owner moved in, she didn’t touch a color palette-y thing. She freshened up the paint, but was just as in love with the rainbow inside as I am. Smolinski said the kitchen is original to the house and there’s room to refresh or redo. Sometimes it’s hard to mess with an original, you know?

One thing that was updated was all the unfun, mechanical stuff like the foundation, HVAC, and solar panels were added…all the big tickets stuff your sensible self just got way too pumped about.

One of the things Smolinski loves the most about this one is the European Cottage vibes it gives off. She said in the rambling garden there are chunks of terracotta mixed into the mulch for little pops of color and teacups on posts for a bit of whimsy. It’s just such a FUN house.

And finally, the neighborhood is catching up. Smolinski said recently a little community has sprung up including a voluntary HOA that hosts local get-togethers at nearby bars and restaurants.

As if this house doesn’t sell itself on complete and total charm alone, there’s one more thing to consider. In this location, you’re a quick bike ride away from Bishop Arts and the local arts magnet school.

Smolinski said those are two reasons the owner moved there – the arts magnet and Bishop Arts. She and her son have absolutely loved the heck out of the house.

This little craftsman charmer at 422 S. Marlborough Ave., which I’m starting a petition to call Blue Boy, was literally just reduced to $375,000.