A Modern Craftsman Gem in the Heart of the Heights

Owners: Kendra and Trent Bridges

Years of Residence: Two years; purchased in December 2021

Discovery of the Perfect Home: Kendra and Trent discovered their dream home with their real estate agent, Caroline Bean, at Compass.

Enchanted by the Heights: The couple was drawn to the neighborhood's quaint charm, its central location within a bustling city, and its proximity to a vibrant array of restaurants, bars, shops, and the scenic Heights Boulevard walking/running trail. The majestic live oak trees that grace the area were the perfect cherry on top.

Modern Craftsman Elegance: The home exudes a modern craftsman style, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Historical Snapshot:

• Year Built: 2013
• Architectural Style: Craftsman
• Original Site: Yes
• Original Owner: Rhonda Dupree and Jeffery Bailey
• Number of Owners Over the Years: Two

A home tour showcasing the charm of this modern craftsman residence will delight visitors and inspire those who appreciate the timeless appeal of a carefully curated home in one of Houston's most iconic neighborhoods.

This home is generously sponsored by Mary Wassef, Circa Real Estate 

PHOTO CREDIT: TK IMAGES https://www.tkimages.com

Festive Winter Wonderland Decor

Owners: Samantha-Anne and Robert Nadolny

Year of Purchase: 1.5 years ago (purchased and renovated for 60 days before moving in)

How They Found Their Home: Robert discovered it while scrolling on real estate websites late at night.

Neighborhood Attraction: The couple was drawn to the vibrant Heights neighborhood with its character, excellent walking paths, local shops, restaurants, and easy highway access, all contributing to the appeal.

Personal Style and Home Style: The home exudes classic southern style with a formal setup and a soft, neutral color scheme complemented by bold seasonal decor. The decor primarily features greys, whites, and mixed metals, allowing seasonal transformations that integrate with the existing neutrals.

Home History:

• Year Built: 200 Victorian
• Type of Structure: Two-story Victorian
• Previous Uses: All residential
• Original Architect: Unknown
• Original Site: Yes
• Original Owner: Thomas Gribble (unconfirmed)
• Number of Owners Over the Years: 3 known

Noteworthy History: The home has a rich history, having been a part of previous home tours and featuring original local craftsmanship. Many visitors, including neighbors, friends, contractors, and more, have stories to share about the house's past.

Physical Description of the Property:

• Architectural Description: Two-story Victorian
• Stained Glass: No
• Number of Porches: 2 (front and back)
• Original Color Scheme: Taupe and blue
• Current Color Scheme: Grey and white
• Siding Materials: Wood
• Foundation Type: Pier on beam
• Name of Architect and Builder: Unknown
• Surprises During Renovation: Repairing numerous wall holes from previous decorations and infrastructure removal

Renovation Efforts: The owners completed interior and exterior renovation, excluding structural changes. Their efforts included painting all surfaces, refinishing cabinets, adding marble work, window coverings, and more.

Renovation Anecdotes: Renovating during their first year of marriage presented challenges, particularly choosing the right shade of white paint. It's almost as tricky as wedding planning, but it strengthened their relationship.

Landscape Design: Robert handled the landscape design, with only one emergency room visit due to a garden shear incident.

Art and Awards: The home has yet to receive any awards or recognition.

Favorite Part About Their Home: The owners love the space for entertaining, especially the spacious kitchen area for hosting events and parties. They also enjoy relaxing with their cats and watching birds on the back porch.

Holiday Traditions:

• Favorite Part of the Holiday: Decorating for the holiday season
• Main Tradition: Hosting a huge holiday party called "Merry Everything" that celebrates the season's diversity
• Samantha Anne's Tradition: Decorating a tablescape in the formal dining room, incorporating their wedding china and napkins into the decor

Holiday Decorating Style: The couple embraces a winter decor scheme with green and white colors, metallic accents, glitter, bows, sparkly accents, and festive wood and greenery. Their decor creates an ethereal winter wonderland. 

This home generously Sponsored by Jane Byrd Properties International LLC

Holiday decor by: Round Top Collection

A Timeless Family Haven with a Rich History

Owners: Brie and Scott Kelman

Years of Residence: Purchased in 2012, Moved in January 2014

Community Recognition: 2014 Community Improvement Award (HHA residential renovation)

Discovering the Perfect Home: Brie and Scott found their charming home through a friend's real estate venture. The house was part of the "wholesale market," the previous owner's children were eager to sell it, presenting an opportunity they couldn't resist.

Love for the Neighborhood: The Kelmans were initially drawn to the Heights neighborhood, having lived in a smaller cottage nearby. The neighborhood's character enticed them, with century-old live oaks and its proximity to the Heights Blvd trail.

Personal Style and Home Layout: The Kelman's home reflects a traditional style with a family-friendly, open layout. They love hosting parties and designed their space with gatherings in mind. Original shiplap accent walls divided light windows, and transoms add character. The house maximizes its square footage, and a screened-in porch allows enjoyment of Houston's climate.

Home History:

• Year Built: 1920
• Type of Structure: Craftsman
• Original Architect: Believed to be from a Sears catalog
• Original Site: Yes

Property Description:

• Architectural Features: Craftsman style
• Windows and Door Styles: 1-over-1 original windows with 6-over-1 in the addition
• Stained Glass: None
• Porches: 2 (original front porch and a screened-in back porch)
• Original Color Scheme: White
• Siding Materials: Original teardrop wood siding
• Foundation Type: Pier and beam
• Architect and Builder: Creole Design (Sam Gianukos) and P&G Homes (owner: Dave Seeburger)

Renovation Highlights: The Kelman's renovations restored and expanded the neglected home. Working with the Historic Commission had challenges, but the result was worth it. The couple was heavily involved in choosing every detail of the house.

Awards and Recognitions:

• 2014 Houston Heights Association Community Improvement Award
• Featured on Houzz's list of the Most Popular Homes
• Houzz Tour: From Shocker to Stunner in Houston
• CultureMap articles about their incredible restoration and defiance of teardown recommendations
• Featured on Houzz's list of Exterior Makeovers showing how details matter

Favorite Home Aspects: The Kelman's love the inviting porches, a front room graced by Brie's grandmother's 1886 Steinway piano, the original shiplap, an open layout, the kitchen island, and the overall warmth of their home.

Holiday Traditions: Decorating for the holidays is a favorite tradition for the Kelman family. They embrace classic and quirky ornament choices, infusing the home with festive spirit. It's all about organized chaos during the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Holiday Decor Style: Organized chaos

Holiday Designer: Brie and Scott Kelman handle the holiday decorating themselves, adding their personal touch to the festivities.

 Houzz Article: Houzz Tour: From Shocker to Stunner in Houston 

1. Houzz: 25 of the Most Popular Homes on Houzz 
   (scroll to #15)
   
   
2. Houzz: Houzz Tour: From Shocker to Stunner in Houston 
   (original Houzz article, written by Houzz’s historic preservation expert
   
   
3. CultureMap: Defying Houston's teardown craze, these miraculous home remodels and rebuilds keep history alive 

   
   
4. CultureMap: Defying recommendation to tear down eyesore, Houston couple pulls off an incredible restoration 

   (this is about our experience with the Historic Commission)
   
   
5. Houzz:  7 Exterior Makeovers Show How Details Matter
   
   

A Classic Heights Bungalow for Festive Gatherings

Owner: Christin Chandler

Years of Residence: 3 years

Discovery of the Perfect Home: Tim Surratt showed the lot and home to Christin Chandler, making it a match made in Heights history.

The Heights' Magnetic Charm: The Heights neighborhood, with its iconic Heights Boulevard, proved irresistible to Christin. Its walkability to restaurants and shops adds to the allure.

Personal Style and Inviting Space: The home's style is centered around the love of entertaining. The 1912 home was restored by Bungalow Revival and expanded to create a spacious environment for gatherings with family, friends, and colleagues. Houston's climate allows them to open doors and windows, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Historical Roots:

• Year Built: 1912, Restored 2023
• Architectural Style: Bungalow 
• Original Site: Yes

Property Description:

• Stained Glass: Yes
• Porches: 3: a front porch, side porch, and back porch
• Original Color Scheme: White
• Current Color Scheme: Soft green and black
• Siding Materials: Cedar
• Foundation Type: Pier & Beam
• Name of Architect and Builder: Bungalow Revival

Unforeseen Challenges: The renovation journey presented unexpected challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal Touch in Renovation: Christin took an active role in the decorating process, including selecting tiles, lighting, flooring, and furnishings.

Landscaping for Privacy and Pets: A landscaper hired by Bungalow Revival designed the outdoor space, focusing on creating privacy and a haven for the homeowner's three dogs.

Favorite Feature: Christin cherishes the flow of her home and office, which offers an inviting and functional space for both work and leisure.

Holiday Traditions: The annual Christmas Eve celebration is a cherished tradition for Christin. This festive gathering, filled with family and friends, is known for serving a sumptuous spread of Italian Sausage.

Holiday Decorating Style: Christin's love for bright colors and beautiful ornaments shines through in her holiday decor.

This home is generously sponsorred by Stratos Title 

A Warm and Eclectic Craftsman Home with a Worldly Touch

Owners: Kate and Colin Langston

Years of Residence: 11 years; purchased in 2012

Realtor: Bob Medeiros from Heights Coldwell Banker Realty

Charming Neighborhood Appeal: Kate and Colin were drawn to the Heights neighborhood due to its walkability, proximity to downtown, and easy access to cultural attractions like theaters and museums. Kate's childhood connection to the area through her aunt and uncle, who lived in Woodland Heights, only deepened their love for the neighborhood.

Personal Style and Home Aesthetics: The Langston's home exudes comfort and eclecticism, showcasing their well-traveled life. Their space is filled with mementos from overseas travels, family antiques, and items they've collected and built together.

Historical Roots:

• Year Built: 1912
• Architectural Style: Craftsman
• Original Site: Yes

Property Description:

• Architectural Features: Craftsman with gabled dormers
• Windows and Door Styles: Original single-glazed craftsman windows, transom over backdoor, and windows that flank the fireplace in the front room
• Porches: Large open front porch
• Original Color Scheme: Yellow with white trim and green window trim
• Current Color Scheme: Green with white trim and brown window trim
• Siding Materials: Cypress
• Foundation Type: Pier and beam
• Architect and Builder for Additions: Kelly Thompson-Frater (architect), Don Broman (builder)

Renovation Highlights: The Langstons have taken on various renovation projects, including a 400-square-foot addition to the back and a complete kitchen renovation involving designer Crystal Reeves and builder Don Broman. The restoration uncovered hidden treasures, such as kids' handprints on the kitchen floor and original kitchen and ceiling wallpaper, which they framed and displayed in their home.

Do-It-Yourself Enthusiasts: Kate and Colin have tackled most home improvements. Their projects include remodeling the master bathroom and half-bath, splitting the original primary bedroom into a bedroom and office, building furniture, and more. Kate's landscaping skills have transformed their front yard with the help of Colin, who gets a new tool for every project completed.

Renovation Anecdotes: Notable renovation experiences include a year of planning for the kitchen layout, leveling the front yard by removing 12 inches of soil, and creating indoor and outdoor furniture, all adding personal touches to their Craftsman home.

Personal Touch in Landscaping: Kate takes charge of landscaping and curating the garden from Buchanan's and Joshua's nurseries.

Neighbors: The Langstons cherish their close-knit community and enjoy gatherings, such as Chili Cookoffs, crawfish boils, White Linen Night, porch parties, and more. They maintain a group chat with neighbors for easy coordination.

Holiday Traditions: The Langstons treasure the holiday season for the opportunity to build memories with loved ones. They host Christmas Eve at home, following a candlelight service with Pictionary and Dutch Blitz games. Holiday traditions also include:

• Walking their dog Claymore through the beautifully decorated neighborhood.
• Attending The Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre.
• Watching A Christmas Story on repeat.

Holiday Decorating Style: The Langstons have collected ornaments from their world travels, which they use to decorate their tree, reminiscing about their adventures. Their home reflects their eclectic and well-traveled style; the holiday season is no exception.