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Lake Highlands Home Reborn A Renovation Story

9659 Leaside Dr. in Lake Highlands - Exterior Front View

Discover the Grand Transformation: 9659 Leaside Dr. Reimagined in Lake Highlands

There’s an undeniable allure to witnessing a home’s complete metamorphosis, especially when accompanied by dramatic before-and-after photographs. We’ve uncovered such a stunning project nestled within Lake Highlands’ coveted “L Streets,” where experienced renovators have masterfully transformed a dated residence into a beacon of modern living. This comprehensive renovation at 9659 Leaside Drive exemplifies how a thoughtful vision, combined with meticulous execution, can breathe new life into an older property, crafting an open-concept haven with a clean, contemporary aesthetic that truly stands out.

This week’s featured property, affectionately dubbed our Thursday Three Hundred pick, is located at 9659 Leaside Dr., a prime address conveniently situated near the intersections of Walnut Hill Lane and Plano Road. This sought-after locale provides easy access to local amenities, reputable schools, and a vibrant community atmosphere that makes Lake Highlands one of Dallas’s most desirable neighborhoods.

A Vision for Modern Living: Opening Up 9659 Leaside Dr.

“The core vision behind this particular house flip was to dramatically open up the interior spaces. We are firm believers in the appeal and functionality of open floor plans, which enhance both daily living and entertaining,” explains Kenneth Huggins, a seasoned Realtor with Skyline Realty. Huggins is not only a real estate expert but also a dedicated mentor, guiding families through the house-flipping process via the family-owned Huggins Family Real Estate. “The ‘L Streets’ area holds immense popularity within Lake Highlands, and our goal was to create a home that is entirely current, meeting and exceeding today’s aesthetic and functional expectations in this competitive market.”

Originally constructed in 1959, this charming single-story home spans 2,312 square feet, offering four comfortable bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two distinct dining areas, and an inviting sunroom. Its robust mid-century foundation provided the perfect canvas for a modern transformation, balancing respect for its history with an eye toward future living. To truly appreciate the scale of this project, let’s take a moment to review some of the pre-renovation photos, which vividly illustrate the home’s journey from its original state to its current splendor.

Before the Transformation: A Glimpse into the Past

Dated Living Room Before Renovation at 9659 Leaside Dr.Original Dining Area and Kitchen Before Transformation at 9659 Leaside Dr.Vintage Kitchen Appliances and Cabinetry Before Remodel at 9659 Leaside Dr.Old-Fashioned Bathroom Before Modernization at 9659 Leaside Dr.Exterior Rear View of 9659 Leaside Dr. Before Renovation

For 52 years, this property was a cherished one-owner home, until it was acquired by Christopher Haney in 2017. As the “before” photographs strikingly reveal, the interior spaces were characterized by compartmentalized layouts, aged finishes, and an overall aesthetic that had remained largely unchanged since its construction. It was a home yearning for a modern touch, a complete re-imagining to unlock its full potential and bring it into the 21st century. The vision was clear: to create a brighter, more expansive, and infinitely more functional living environment.

The Renovation Unveiled: A Seamless Blend of Style and Functionality

And transformed it was! The extensive renovation encompassed both aesthetic enhancements and crucial structural and mechanical upgrades. New hardwood floors now flow gracefully throughout the main living areas, offering warmth and durability. A custom two-sided, stacked-stone fireplace serves as a magnificent focal point, adding both elegance and architectural interest. Beyond the visible upgrades, essential foundation repairs were carried out, alongside the installation of a brand-new HVAC system, ensuring comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind for years to come.

The most impactful change undoubtedly stems from the strategic removal of multiple walls in the common areas. This bold architectural decision has created an exceptional, fluid connection from the inviting front living space, through the spacious dining area, and into the gourmet kitchen. The elegant fireplace now acts as a natural, yet subtle, divider, defining zones within the open expanse without sacrificing the airy, connected feel. This thoughtful design fosters an environment perfect for family gatherings, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying the spaciousness of modern living.

The Heart of the Home: A Gold Star Kitchen

The kitchen, a true highlight of this renovation, truly earns a “gold star” for its exquisite blend of on-trend features and highly functional layout. Designed with both aesthetics and culinary prowess in mind, it boasts a versatile two-sided island, providing ample counter space for meal prep, casual dining, and entertaining. Gleaming granite countertops complement the crisp white Shaker-style cabinets, which offer abundant storage. A state-of-the-art gas cooktop and a sleek, contemporary hanging vent hood complete this sophisticated space. Throughout the kitchen and adjacent living areas, recessed lighting provides bright, even illumination, accentuating the clean lines and modern finishes.

Stunning Open-Concept Living Area with Stacked Stone Fireplace After RenovationModern Kitchen with Granite Countertops and Shaker Cabinets at 9659 Leaside Dr. Bright Dining Space Seamlessly Connected to Living Area at 9659 Leaside Dr. Spacious Living Room Flowing into Dining and Kitchen Areas at 9659 Leaside Dr. Contemporary Gas Cooktop and Stylish Range Hood in Renovated KitchenElegant Kitchen Island with Ample Seating and Prep Space at 9659 Leaside Dr. Inviting Sunroom with Abundant Natural Light at 9659 Leaside Dr. Modern Master Bedroom with New Carpeting at 9659 Leaside Dr. Luxurious Master Bathroom with Dual Vanity and Frameless Glass Shower at 9659 Leaside Dr. Custom Tile Work in the Walk-in Shower of the Master Bath at 9659 Leaside Dr.

Private Retreats: The Master and Secondary Bathrooms

Stepping into the master bedroom, you’ll immediately notice the plush new carpeting, offering a soft, luxurious feel underfoot. The adjoining ensuite bathroom was not merely updated but thoughtfully expanded to create a true spa-like experience. “We intentionally made that bathroom significantly larger than its original footprint and meticulously opened it up to craft what we envision as a master suite paradise,” shares Huggins. This expanded space now boasts elegant, large-format tile work that exudes sophistication, a spacious frameless glass shower featuring custom tile treatment, and a stylish vanity equipped with dual sinks, providing both functionality and a touch of luxury.

The secondary bathroom mirrors the consistent contemporary design, also featuring a chic dual vanity and an array of updated fixtures and finishes. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a cohesive and modern aesthetic throughout the entire home, enhancing both comfort and property value.

Outdoor Living and Enhanced Security

The exterior of 9659 Leaside Dr. has also received considerable attention, with enhancements designed to elevate both security and lifestyle. The property now features a new electrical gate, offering convenient access while significantly boosting privacy and security. A sturdy wood privacy fence encloses the backyard, creating a secluded oasis perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Beyond the fence, a generous expanse of grassy green space invites outdoor activities, providing ample room for children to play, pets to roam, or for simply enjoying the Texas sunshine. These outdoor improvements complement the stunning interior, making this home a complete package for modern living.

An Irresistible Opportunity in Lake Highlands

This meticulously renovated residence at 9659 Leaside Dr. was officially listed on June 29 for an attractive price of $380,000. Representing an exceptional value in the highly sought-after Lake Highlands area, this home offers an unparalleled blend of classic charm and contemporary luxury. With its open floorplan, high-end finishes, and prime location, it stands as a testament to thoughtful renovation and an ideal opportunity for discerning buyers seeking a move-in-ready dream home.

Bright Entryway and Hallway with New Flooring at 9659 Leaside Dr. Spacious Dining Area with Modern Lighting and Hardwood Floors at 9659 Leaside Dr. Close-up of Custom Stacked Stone Fireplace in Living Room at 9659 Leaside Dr. Stylish White Shaker Cabinets and Granite Countertops in Kitchen at 9659 Leaside Dr. Modern Bathroom Vanity with Dual Sinks and Contemporary Faucets at 9659 Leaside Dr. Renovated Secondary Bedroom with New Flooring and Paint at 9659 Leaside Dr. Another View of the Spacious and Bright Sunroom at 9659 Leaside Dr. Detail of Custom Tile and Frameless Shower Door in Master Bath at 9659 Leaside Dr. Backyard Green Space with New Privacy Fence at 9659 Leaside Dr. New Electrical Gate for Enhanced Security and Access at 9659 Leaside Dr. View of the Renovated Exterior and Landscaping at 9659 Leaside Dr. Spacious Living Area Leading to the Dining Room and Kitchen at 9659 Leaside Dr. Modern Interior Design and Finishes in the Main Living Area at 9659 Leaside Dr. Recessed Lighting and Clean Lines in the Renovated Interior at 9659 Leaside Dr. Bedroom with New Carpeting and Abundant Natural Light at 9659 Leaside Dr. Updated Secondary Bathroom with Modern Fixtures and Dual Vanity at 9659 Leaside Dr.