Fresher, Cleaner, Greener: Down by the Waterhole, a Willowbend Redo

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10509-willowgrove-02Pansies in the planter and fresh paint inside and out help perk up a 1955 Willowbend Ranch-with-carport that’s been overhauled since its purchase in June 2013 for $205,000. The refreshed version — with new kitchen, tilework, landscaping, and pigment-coated brick — sprouted on the market earlier this month, asking $379,900. Is the redo worthy of a $174,900 lift?

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The listing mentions a little extra square footage, perhaps connected to moving the washer and dryer inside — but doesn’t specify where in the floor plan either lies. A giant mirror strategically placed in the living room (above), however, does give the appearance of twice the space.

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Open the new entry door on the home’s western front and you’re smack in the living room. The updated interior’s original brick barrier blocks any free-range roaming between living and dining rooms even if you can see across the divide. Here’s a similar view of the semi-combo space and its half-vaulted ceiling before the work:

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The kitchen’s transformation resulted in this look, with new appliances, cabinetry taken to the ceiling and stone accents around the corner sink’s cornered windows . . .

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compared to the previous ceramic setup:

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Down came a wall and up went an arch between the family room and kitchen . . .

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where an island with bar seating replaced the previous layout’s service window:

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Here’s how the smoother flow goes now in the opposite direction:

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Previously, a closet, light-filtering interior screen, and squared-off doorways were part of the program:

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The home logs in at 1,449 sq. ft. in its listing, with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The master bedroom gets windows on 3 sides:

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The high-and-horizontal window provides a clue that this secondary bedroom is at the front of the home:

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New decking adds more living space outside:

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Before a new fence enclosed the 11,718-sq.-ft. lot, this was the back lot’s back lot:

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Although the Willow Waterhole conservancy project amasses most of its domain west of nearby S. Post Oak Blvd, a stretch of Willow Waterhole Bayou runs just past this property’s treeline. Trafton Academy’s campus is across the culvert, which runs south-by-southwest, paralleling the street in front of this home located north of Willowbend Rd.

Will it Flip?

6 Comment

  • I live about 1/2 mile from this house I have never liked the front the front needs a total face lift area is great . It is about 50k to 65k overpriced it is only 1400sqft

  • Even 205K may be too much for this place. No garage, the schools are not the best (Children at Risk gives Westbury HS an ‘F’) and it’s in the 1% flood plain (flood insurance may be costly due to Biggert-Waters).

  • Except for new exterior color, I like the house prior to the renovation. Including the backyard. That is a very nice, overlooked neighborhood in Houston.

  • I couldn’t help but wonder…where did they stash the fridge?

  • Beautiful remodel. All the renovations improved the flow and function of the house, including great lighting and open concept. A steal for the price!

  • I have been by the house. This house is perfect for an up and coming family. Easy access to all major roads and super quite neighborhood. Perfect blank slate for a gardener!!