Set on a sizable lot, this mid-century ranch house — a little bit “modern”, a little bit “modest” was recently listed for sale in Houston, Texas by one of our favorite retro realtors, Robert Searcy. The home was designed by architect Lucian Hood to have an open floor plan, making its 1,900 square feet live large and stylish. Many of the home’s key features — kitchen cabinets and tile backsplash, bathrooms, living room — are still original. Some of the home’s features need a little TLC, but once a little restoration work is complete, it is the kind of mid-century home that — at the same time — can be both spectacular and comfortable and easy to live in. There’s lots to see thanks to photos courtesy of TK Images, so come on in and take a look, won’t you?
A short while after Robert emailed us the photos of this charming home, we discovered it was already under contract, which led us to ask Robert to give us an idea of what the market for mid-century time capsule homes in the Houston area is like. Robert replied:
The whole real estate market in Houston is red hot right now, but for more unique, interesting properties, it can be a real feeding frenzy! We had five offers in 36 hours. Bidding went far above list price.
This one is a great example of how when people renovate, if they leave the period finishes and just clean things up and update systems, like the electrical, and avoid the latest flavor of the month cosmetic updates, then you can have a showstopper house with a lot of market appeal.
Good to hear, Robert! Yes: Avoid flavor of the month cosmetic updates, Retro Renovators! Here’s an important story to read if you are considering selling a house like this:
From the listing:
- Price: $225,000
- Year built: 1958
- Square footage: 1,893
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
Stunning mid-century modern designed by prominent architect Lucian Hood. Huge 18k+Sq Ft shaded lot w/pool. Vintage mod character preserved w/original cabinetry, cool mod light fixtures, lots of floor to ceiling glass, pecky cypress siding, int brick accent walls & original paneling. Recent updates include roof, elec upgrades & wood flooring. Open layout w/den + study. Great natural light. RARE find for mod enthusiast seeking vintage cosmetic character intact yet w/some system/structural updates.
Yowza — look at that awesome vintage orange sectional. It goes very nicely with the beautiful, warm wood paneling. I’m also digging the display shelves on the brick fireplace.
The exposed brick wall really amps up the textural interest in the space, too. With so many neutral surfaces — wood floor, wood paneling, brick wall — bold furniture like the orange sofa sectional works well in this space.
The bedroom above is a great size and a blank canvas for the new owners. Did anyone else notice that vintage Broyhill Brasilia bedroom set right away? We wonder if the buyers will work the furniture into the deal?
The home’s car port is especially cool because of the beamed ceiling and the secret, fenced-in garden space — complete with palm tree.
Mega thanks to retro realtor Robert Searcy for sharing this property with us and to TK Images for taking such great photos of the property.
Check out our other stories from Robert Searcy and his time capsule listings – you’re gonna love ’em!:
- 1957 “Swankienda” house — 24 photos
- 1957 “Sputnik” house — 15 photos
- 1956 time capsule ranch house — original owner mid century modern Glenbrook Houston home –14 photos
- How to sell a mid century house full of original feature — we hear from three experts.
Dan T. says
Pretty sure that is an original O’Keefe and Merritt cooktop and wall oven! Not every day you see those.
cc says
Put this house in California and it would be 1M plus… I love it and so retro
The price is hard for me to believe , being from So Cal… It just so cool and the furnishing make it… thanks for sharing.
Cynthia says
Oh this is a really good one…I love everything shown in the photos. The light fixture over the breakfast table (photo 5) is so utterly fabulous, I cannot believe my eyes. Congratulations to the buyer, on condition that they keep this house intact or only make changes that are in keeping with the era of this wonderful home!
Marilyn says
Nice house..hope the new owners love living in it. I noticed that the kitchen has the same floor Armstrong Striations as Robert & Caroline’s home….I do believe it is ok to up date interiors…however staying true to the time period….sometimes..it is just not possible to keep everything original. Looks like the pool takes up most of the back yard…not too keen on that…but it is a nice home.
Robert S says
To reply to some of the responses, the hardwoods are not original, the current owners added those. It is also all their furniture, no staging on my part, can’t take credit for that! The house is under contract, we had multiple offers. As is often the case, you get some people through that just want X number of square feet in a certain area, and then we got some people who were drawn in by what I will call “the architectural component.” Ultimately the buyers seem to be in the latter category and want to preserve the look.
Jonny says
Great to hear the new buyers want to preserve the house! Especially since that is not always the case.
Side note, I don’t like to swim, but I’d have that pool anyway, just for lookin’-at!
Rick S says
Pam,
I love the house but love the carport even more. I can imagine a huge party out there with the palm trees and a tiki bar set up. The house doesn’t need to be any bigger with space like this.
rick