This latest time capsule house — from friend-of-the-blog real estate agent Robert Searcy — is a mid century modest jewel box of a house at just under 1,400 sq. ft. Listed at a mere $110,000 — this Houston, Texas time capsule home is a sight for sore eyes. Impeccably kept by its original owner — this house is chock full of glowing wood paneling, stunning tile work, original window treatments and retro cool appliances — like the fold-down electric burners, above. Let’s step inside…
What a lovely exterior — note the three cut-outs in the brick masonry sheltering the front door… and how about the long low planter built under the bedroom windows to the left. This is a small, “simple” house — but the detailing is wonderful.
From the listing:
Meticulously maintained mid-century modern ranch designed by Herbert Caldwell & custom built by current owner. Open flowing layout with staggered living areas and open dining with oversize sliders to expansive deck & lavishly landscaped backyard. Loaded with cool period details such as bullet lamps, unusual vintage flip down cook tops, pristine original tile baths & hardwoods under carpet in BRs. An architect designed quality home with character in an up & coming close in historic district for less than rent!
- Price: $110,000
- Bedrooms: 3
- Baths: 2 full
- Garage: 2 car attached
- Year built: 1956
- Square footage: 1,375
- In Glenbrook Golf Course Community
- Other amenities: dishwasher, disposal, microwave, electric range and oven, electric washer/dryer, gas heating, A/C, fenced back yard, deck, brick veneer exterior.
Our tour begins in the kitchen — which is light, airy and welcoming. This galley kitchen makes practical use of every bit of space — and comes complete with warm wood cabinets and a fabulous vintage laminate pattern that doesn’t stop at the counter top, but stretches up the wall as a back splash, as well.
On to the dining area of the kitchen, where one can eat their meals bathed in natural light from the generous patio door and enveloped by the warm wood paneling. Such a cozy place for a cup of coffee, don’t you think? Start paying attention to all the darling shutters used throughout this house.
Just past the eating area, is the family room. The floor plan of this house is wonderfully open and spacious looking for its modest size.
The formal living room — painted a cheery soft aqua — continues the house’s theme of open space with large windows allowing natural light to pour in.
Notice also, there is not an excess of color in the interior design of this house. The lovely woods are the starts, accented by soft whites and blues, for the most part. It’s “less is more” — but still very cozy.
On taller windows, the charming louvered shutters are stacked.
The double bullet sconce lighting is consistent room-to-room, although the sconces are black in the living areas (against the wood walls) and brushed brass in the bedrooms.
Day beds put together at 90-degree angles — mid century interior design and decorating versatility at is best. And yum: Ethan Allen Custom Room Plan furniture.
The bathroom is filled with lovely tile work, original features and even a vintage shower curtain and towel set. A beautiful space.
We don’t get to see much of the second bath, but it also looks to have impressive built-ins and decorative tile work.
The exterior and plantings also look like they were lovingly maintained. The tree — with the deck designed around it — is terrific.
We sure hope that this mid century modest gem of a house will be discovered by someone who will cherish all of these wonderful original details — and continue to take care of them — preserving them for another 50-60 years.
To buy this house…
- Here’s the listing for this lovely 1956 ranch house.
- Here’s the listing agent Robert Searcy.
Thanks again to Robert and to TK Images Real Estate Photography for permission to feature these photos here on Retro Renovation.
Our other stories from Robert Searcy and his time capsule listing — YUM:
- 1957 “Swankienda” house — 24 photos.
- 1957 “Sputnik” house — 15 photos.
- How to sell a mid century house full of original feature — we hear from three experts.
erin moureau valdez says
This is a beautiful home!!! I lived in this neighborhood as a small child. In my opinion the neighborhood is fine, however, there are other neighborhoods, apartments and shopping centers nearby that aren’t so great. Also, the schools are not very desirable. With that being said, I am still surprised to find a house so close to downtown for that price.
Connie says
LOVE this ranch and all it’s orginality! The owners did “right” by this home. Hubby and I have looked at a 1965 Ranch very similar in style to buy. He and I will have disagreements…he will want to upgrade and I want to leave it as it is….especially the pink bathroom!
Kat says
I am intrigued by the bullet lights pointing at the ceiling. Does anyone have a similar setup, and do you have photos with natural light (the photog here obviously used a light setup for these pics)? I’d like to see if the effect is too diffuse, or if it’s nice and warm.
Javier says
I currently live in the Houston area and would love to live in this house. I’ve been looking for a good mid century home at the right price, found one but the deal fell through. I may be forced to buy new (10 years old or so) and am wondering if anybody on here has renovated a new house to look MCM. any thoughts or ideas on where to begin? I don’t mind new on the outside but walking into the 1960s once they hit the front door. perhaps that’s the next trend….
TappanTrailerTami says
SWOON! I agree – this is one of the BEST yet! In case anyone here is a vintage travel trailer lover – if you can’t or don’t own one of those, this house is the next best thing with all that glowy birch cabinetry and glowy birch wall panels! I’m a huge knotty pine fan, but immaculate vintage birch is just as good, and I think under appreciated.
tammyCA says
I love vintage trailers! Never had one, I don’t even recall being in one, but have always loved them…especially the ones with the warm birch wood interiors (didn’t even know what the wood was ’til now). I still have a Huell Howser VHS tape of the teardrop trailers and there was one 1930s one that I fell head over heels in love with…again, the warm wood. Now, I wonder if there is a connection to the memory of my dad’s old boat that I absolutely loved, with all the smooth glowy warm wood!
tammyCA says
Lovely! This house feels like a warm hug to me…the glowing warmth of the wood countered with the accents of aqua is gorgeous. This home was loved and I hope the new owners will love & preserve it to. Gosh, I love wood shutters and have a small stash in the garage I found at a thrift store for “someday”.
Gracie says
I think this price reflects how close it is to Houston Hobby airport… I bet it can get loud… although I wouldn’t mind at all! This is the proper way to do paneling! Too bad “The 70’s” never got the clue!!!
JKaye says
I’ll clarify that to me it’s the best time capsule yet because it is slightly bigger than our ’59 ranch. It would move us up from 1.5 baths to 2 full baths, and from a one-car garage to a two car garage, and give us a couple hundred more square feet. And, a privacy fence. And it’s in better shape. At a price a few thousand less than our house. Too bad it’s four states away.
JKaye says
This is just about the best time capsule house yet. The landscaping is nicely done, the backyard is attractive and private, and the interior seems tasteful as well as comfortable. Some of the decorative touches seem more from the 80s or 90s, maybe, but well executed. The price makes it a real steal.
RetroSandie says
Oh what a beautiful, beautiful home!! It is super stunning all the way around from the gorgeous walls, to that soft aqua paint. Ohhhhh, I could move in as is!!!! Someone in the household must have been a painter as I noticed lots of brushes in the Ethan Allen bedroom. Perfect place for a craft room! I surely hope the people that do buy it keep it as is and appreciate everything that’s there. It’s a jewel! Love all of the furniture, too! My love of pink would fit right in! LOL 🙂