In contrast to the precision of its rather limited exterior landscaping (above), bold motifs of twisting vines (top) and wind-waving palm fronds (middle) add some garden to a garden variety 1963 rancher in Glenbrook Valley, even if it’s just on the wallpaper and draperies. Tended and tidy, the property popped up on the market two weeks ago; it has a $198,500 price tag. It’s located 2 blocks south of Sims Bayou and 2 blocks north of Bellfort St. on a central street in the neighborhood, Houston’s only outside-the-Loop historic district.

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A slightly recessed front entry opens into a foyer and hallway with tile flooring that passes connecting living and dining rooms at the front of the 2,303-sq.-ft. home.

What’s under the dense pile carpet? Parquet flooring burnished by time makes an appearance in the kitchen, where the appliances are newer:

Counter seating splits to flank the kitchen’s open end by the informal dining area and family room, both paneled:

The space sits at the crossroads of (more) carpet and parquet:

There are 3 bedrooms. Here’s the master suite:

A built-in vanity’s location outside the master bathroom keeps the shower’s steam beyond a door:

One of the secondary bedrooms has a built-in desk:

The other scores corner windows and a door into the (shared) hallway bath:

An added covered patio runs across the back of the home, connecting the back bedroom to the garage:

The driveway bends slightly toward the 2-car garage at the back of the fenced 8,508-sq.-ft. lot, giving the remaining back yard an arrowhead shape.

The laundry room is in the garage, outside the patio gate:

• 7623 Montglen St. [HAR]