Expanded Winnetka Heights Craftsman Doubles Down on Historic Charm

When James and Tori Hallahan moved here from California, their relocation specialist was touting the suburbs. A friend who was also a Realtor introduced them to Oak Cliff, and they fell in love with this two-story Winnetka Heights Craftsman.

“We came from Oakland,” James said. “So, we needed a vibrant, diverse neighborhood with something going on all the time.”

Sporting oak trees and pecan trees, Winnetka Heights is beautiful. It was not just the house that captured their hearts, though. It was also the neighborhood and neighbors.

“In California, I lived in the same apartment for five years and never talked to a neighbor,” James said. “Here in Winnetka Heights, people came over with a roast, pies, and cookies. We didn’t have a car when we first moved here, and someone offered their spare car. It’s the warmest place I’ve ever lived.”

The couple also lucked out with their 1920 Craftsman. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was in perfect condition, having been recently remodeled with a 1,375-square-foot addition, almost doubling the home’s size. The welcoming front porch is typical of the neighborhood and one reason it’s so tight-knit. Everyone hangs out on the front porch in Winnetka Heights, making it incredibly easy to meet your neighbors.

Inside, the remodel included updates to the fireplace while retaining the Craftsman-style bookcases flanking it.

“We call this our analog room,” James said. “We put records on and watch the sun rise or set. The whole house is wired with speakers, and I love being able to turn music on in one room and have it playing in another. We have the music on a timer, and it sets the energy for the day. It’s the heartbeat of the house.”

Directly across from the living room, French doors reveal the home office. The only thing the Hallahans had to do was add their own decorative fingerprints to the house. They embraced existing colors like the deep blue dining space that leads into a stellar kitchen with Carrara marble countertops and cozy built-in banquette seating. It’s clear where the clever addition was made as you step down into a secondary living area featuring a wet bar and direct access to the backyard.

The addition allowed for a private second-story primary suite accessible by this second family area. It includes a walk-in closet, double vanities, and a soaking tub.

“Each room is really a sanctuary,” James said. “We do yoga in the peach colored room every day. It totally changes your mood when you walk into it. We went into the house with intention, the priorities of our life and lifestyle, and we’ve never had that much space before. It’s been like taking a mood board and creating it in real life.”

One of the unexpected events the Hallahans experienced was snow one winter. Coming from Oakland, they’d never lived where it snows.

“It was like a winter wonderland,” James said. “We joke that it shut down the city, and we can’t wait for it to happen again!”

If you are looking for one of the most welcoming and convenient historic neighborhoods in Dallas, and a truly move-in-ready home, this Winnetka Heights Craftsman is calling your name!

Sarah Roberts with Real Broker, LLC has 209 S Windomere Ave. available for $784,900.