Tanglewood is, well a tangle. This first planned development in Edwards Ranch was designed to be thoroughfare free to keep outside traffic to a minimum. Still, I will occasionally meander through its network of tree-lined lanes to get from University Drive to Hulen Street as I did recently when it occurred to me that the essential character of this Near Southside neighborhood prevails in spite of the numerous new builds over the years. If anything, the generally high quality of these constructions and their respect for setbacks have made the enclave posher and more desirable.
And for the purist, there is still a sizable inventory of Midcentury Modern Ranch abodes for fans of the genre, including this fine specimen, located on a large oak-shaded lot on one of Tanglewood’s most desirable streets at 3200 Spanish Oak Dr. Built in 1958, the three-bedroom, two-bath house has been respectfully maintained and renovated to its flawless move-in-ready condition — and unsurprisingly, it’s already snatched up.
The so-called “Ranch style” was the first mainstreaming of what came to be called open concept, which is perhaps why this style of living still looks livably modern. Some of the updates include the rustic scraped oak floors, which run through the entirety of the 2,134-square-foot house. One living room wall has been veneered with stone brick. The offset fireplace solves the TV placement dilemma. The large bank of nearly floor-to-ceiling windows creates another axis, framing the living room/ dining room and offering sun-drenched views of the back garden.
The kitchen is a total rework with grey painted cabinets which match the new steel appliances giving the space a modern monochrome vibe. A cozy booth consisting of a pair of banquettes creates a breakfast nook.
The spacious primary suite is roomy enough for a sitting area and large screen TV. The room benefits from cheery backyard views. Like the kitchen, both baths have been given bright redos with high end fittings and fixtures.
The large backyard of the 67-year-old residence is graced with old growth trees. The koi pond adds a touch of serenity and a putting green is a quaint additional bonus…