Get This Eastwood Midcentury Ranch Before It’s Gone

Don’t be surprised if this 1955 Eastwood Midcentury Ranch is gone by the time you read this because it’s the best buy I’ve seen in ages. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a design updated by architects Martin Medina and Paola Mendoza, this home is exactly what many young buyers are looking for today. As only the second owners, they preserved period features that Midcentury enthusiasts love and replaced those they don’t, like shag carpeting!

Of course, architects recognize potential and are certainly never at a loss for visualizing possibilities. “The layout was modern and efficient,” Medina said. “We loved the color of the Roman split brick fireplace, and I realized it could be a house that grows with you.”

According to Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s listing agent Bess Dickson, the fireplace brick is a color you only find in 1955 homes in Texas and California. The original owners had a warm custom-tinted mortar with a hint of Southwestern pink created, so it’s quite a unique feature.

“We really wanted to keep the integrity of the midcentury era,” Mendoza said. ”When we first saw the house, it was filled with turquoise shag carpet and wood paneling that did not let the true character really shine through. But it has original steel-cased windows you hardly ever see today. It was already open concept, and we really liked the kitchen layout. With the pass-through, it feels like part of the living area, but guests don’t see any kitchen mess. You can still be working and part of the conversation.”

The kitchen cabinets are original and solid wood. The couple simply oiled them and added new hardware. There are original Formica countertops with custom wood edges, a deep rectangular sink updated in period style, and original treaded linoleum flooring. If you are a stickler for originality, it does not get much better than this.

As if it’s not enough to have a move-in-ready Midcentury Ranch, there’s a bonus. The terraced backyard features a modernized artist studio converted from the original garden shed, a rear-facing detached garage with alley access, and a custom patio connecting the spaces that’s ideal for entertaining or quiet evenings outdoors.

Mendoza and Medina spent part of the pandemic creating shou sugi ban siding for the garage and art studio. If you are not familiar with the term, it’s a traditional Japanese technique for preserving wood by charring its surface with fire. This not only creates a durable, low-maintenance finish, but it also protects the wood from rot, insects, fire, and water. “It was a labor of blood, sweat, tears, and love,“ Mendoza said.

“It is the perfect small house for a young couple or young family,” Medina said. “We have access to Hexter Elementary and can easily walk to coffee and restaurants. You would not have to move as your family grew. Having a flex space in the back is great. The family can visit and have privacy, or you can have an office or studio there. I continue to have a vision for this house and have sketched several plans for the backyard and expansion. I may pass on my sketches to the buyer!”

Dickson has this Eastwood Midcentury Ranch at 10324 Lake Gardens Dr. available for $600,000.

Open House: Sunday, January 11, 2-4 p.m.