An East Kessler Bungalow That Feels Like a Vacation Home Year-Round

This week’s Highlight Home of the Week, sponsored by Lisa Peters, Senior Loan Officer with First Horizon, is the perfect choice for summer because it feels like a relaxing vacation home. It’s a quintessential 1930s East Kessler bungalow that’s been updated to the nines, with a separate garage apartment, and to-die-for outdoor living. What more could you want? A great price in a fantastic neighborhood not known for great pricing.

Lush landscaping, stone pavers, and smart exterior paint choices give this home unparalleled curb appeal. “It has the feeling of a house in Carmel,” said listing agent David Griffin of David Griffin and Company Real Estate, “with its exterior charm and multiple courtyards.”

This East Kessler charmer is set among gorgeous, mature trees on a beautiful block, north of Colorado Blvd in Oak Cliff.

“It’s really hard to find a home at this price point with this caliber of updates in this area at this time,” said Griffin. The neighborhood is minutes from Bishop Arts, Stevens Park Golf Course, and the medical district, as well as an easy commute to downtown Dallas.

The entry itself is priceless with a bright blue Dutch door, which is original to the house, along with the beautiful arched window. There are also stained glass windows in the back of the home that remain from the original construction.

The open living-dining area features dark-stained wood floors, which are beautifully highlighted by crisp white walls and elegant built-ins in the dining area. The Colonial-style fireplace is a nice centerpiece for the living area, and likely also hearkens back to the original construction.

The kitchen has had a thorough and thoughtful update in a French country kitchen style, with custom pine cabinetry and white tile backsplashes. Most of the appliances are KitchenAid stainless steel, including double ovens, a refrigerator, a five-burner stove, and a warming drawer.

Griffin commented that many of the buyers touring this property have been responding favorably to the floor plan of this home, in that it is not an open floor plan.

“I think the pendulum is beginning to swing on open floor plans, particularly with the younger generation,” said Griffin.

We’ve made the same observation, and it makes a lot of sense if you consider that most of Gen Z likely grew up with open floor plans, so homes with more separate, defined spaces probably feel like a novelty to them, as opposed to previous generations.

Either way, this floor plan flows well for entertaining, and the kitchen is dreamy!

Speaking of dreamy, the primary suite is quite spacious, with plenty of windows to take in all that gorgeousness outside, and the bath has been done up with luxury in mind, all in marble with a jetted tub and separate shower. The secondary bedroom has direct access to the pool.

This serene private courtyard is perfect for entertaining or enjoying meals outdoors any day of the week. With plenty of shade, it’s a great spot to enjoy even during the summer heat. I love how this property has unique little spots all around.

It’s the perfect time of year to land this oasis — a sparkling pool surrounded by lush greenery. Sign me up. This lovely spot provides a gorgeous view from the primary suite and one side of the home as well as a much-needed respite from the heat. There’s plenty of room for your favorite deck chairs and whatnot for your own enjoyment and the ultimate pool party.

But wait, there’s more! This East Kessler bungalow comes with a separate guest house above the garage, which is fully stocked as a studio apartment with its own kitchen and separate patio. This makes the perfect mother-in-law suite, office, art or yoga studio, or enterprising homeowners could use it as an Airbnb.

With a beautiful, long red brick driveway and garage, there’s plenty of off-street parking when needed as well, and this image also gives another glance at that outstanding landscaping.

This East Kessler bungalow is a showstopper from the street with a lot to offer from both a lifestyle and value perspective. I don’t think Griffin will have much trouble finding a lucky buyer for this gem.

David Griffin of David Griffin and Company Real Estate has 1306 Woodlawn Avenue listed for $795,000.