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Hollywood Heights Tudor: A Designer’s Vision Realized

Preserving History: A Masterful Renovation of a Hollywood Heights English Tudor at 707 Cordova, Dallas, TX

Stunningly Renovated 1933 English Tudor Home in Hollywood Heights, Dallas
It is a rare and remarkable find to encounter a home that has undergone such a beautiful, thoughtful renovation, yet so lovingly retains its cherished original details. This extraordinary Saturday Six Hundred feature brings us to a captivating English Tudor residence located at 707 Cordova Street in the highly sought-after Hollywood Heights neighborhood of Dallas. This particular property stands as one of the finest examples seen in years, showcasing how to impeccably transition a 1933-built home into the twenty-first century while profoundly honoring its rich historical origins. Far too often, the term “renovation” implies a complete gutting and redesign of the interior, stripping away all inherent character in an attempt to mimic new construction. However, this is decidedly not the ethos of Hollywood Heights, nor the approach taken by its visionary owners.

“When you choose a home here, it’s primarily because you deeply appreciate those unique original details that tell a story,” explains Emily Larkin, a highly accomplished interior designer who, along with her husband Ben, undertook this magnificent transformation. In a move that is increasingly uncommon in today’s renovation landscape, the Larkins made a conscious decision not to alter the original footprint of the home or expand its square footage. This mindful restraint, coupled with Emily’s innate talent for interior design, allowed her to expertly maximize every inch of existing space, creating an environment that feels both expansive and intimately functional.

A Dream Discovered: The Larkins’ Journey to 707 Cordova

The Larkins had long harbored a dream of residing in the historic charm and vibrant community of Hollywood Heights. Their search led them to this particular Hollywood Heights English Tudor, which, beyond its undeniable architectural appeal, boasted an irresistible feature: a charming two-story guest cottage. It was at this moment they knew, unequivocally, that they had found their home – a canvas ready to be transformed from its dated state into a truly dreamy abode, reflecting their sophisticated taste and deep respect for history.

The presence of the guest cottage proved to be the ultimate deal-sealer for the couple, especially for Emily. As a successful interior designer, she envisioned running her business directly from home, craving a better work-life balance than her previous high-rise office afforded. “I was working in a high-rise building and hardly ever saw my husband,” Emily recounted. “The moment we saw that guest cottage, we knew this was the house for us! It offered the perfect solution for both our personal and professional lives.” This separate yet integrated space not only provided an ideal home office but also promised versatility as a private guest suite or a creative studio, making the property uniquely appealing.

Before & After: A Glimpse into the Transformation

The following images capture the essence of the Larkin’s renovation journey, highlighting the dramatic yet respectful changes that brought 707 Cordova into the modern era while preserving its timeless soul. Each ‘before’ image tells a story of dated aesthetics and underutilized potential, while the ‘after’ photographs reveal a triumph of design, functionality, and historical sensitivity.

Original entryway of 707 Cordova Street before the renovation, showing dated finishes and potential.
The entry of 707 Cordova before renovation, showcasing its original, untouched state.
Renovated entryway of 707 Cordova Street, now bright, inviting, and harmoniously blending modern touches with preserved historic details.
…and the entryway after renovation, revealing a bright and welcoming first impression.
Original living room of 707 Cordova Street before renovation, with older decor and less defined space.
The living room of 707 Cordova before its remarkable transformation.
After renovation, the living room of 707 Cordova Street featuring elegant design, improved lighting, and a cohesive aesthetic.
…and after Emily Larkin infused her magic touch, creating a truly inviting and stylish space.

Beautifully staged living room in the renovated 707 Cordova home, showcasing comfort and design.

Interior view of the sophisticated living area with elegant furnishings and a cozy fireplace, post-renovation at 707 Cordova.

Dining room of 707 Cordova Street before renovation, appearing cramped and dark.
Before renovation, the dining room of 707 Cordova felt small and somewhat crowded, lacking contemporary appeal.
Transformed dining room at 707 Cordova Street, now featuring a bright, airy ambiance with modern lighting and tasteful decor.
Today, the dining room exudes brightness and an inviting airy feel, perfect for entertaining.

Stylish interior corridor or hallway in the renovated 707 Cordova home, connecting various living spaces.

Another view of the elegant interior at 707 Cordova, highlighting sophisticated details and finishes.

A beautifully decorated reading nook or seating area, showcasing thoughtful design in the Hollywood Heights Tudor.

Interior Elegance & Exterior Enchantment: A Collaborative Masterpiece

While Emily meticulously orchestrated the interior transformation, infusing each room with her signature blend of elegance and practicality, Ben dedicated himself to cultivating the exterior. Over the years, he has artfully turned the surrounding grounds into a series of enchanting gardens, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop for the historic home. The renovation itself focused on three primary areas: the master suite, the kitchen, and the guest house office space, each receiving a comprehensive and thoughtful upgrade.

The Heart of the Home: A Kitchen Designed for Modern Living

The kitchen renovation stands out as a testament to Emily’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to functionality. “I measured down to the very inch in the kitchen to guarantee that absolutely everything had its designated place,” Emily explained, emphasizing the precision involved in her design process. “I made it a point to ensure that every single cabinet served a distinct purpose.” This intensity in planning resulted in highly customized solutions, such as a seamlessly integrated trash can pull-out and even a clever pull-out drawer specifically designed for dog bowls. In a home of this vintage, where space optimization is paramount, Emily’s philosophy shines through: every element must be maximized and inherently functional. The result is a kitchen that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a highly efficient and joyful space for culinary pursuits.

Modern, functional kitchen with custom cabinetry and elegant finishes in the renovated 707 Cordova home.

Close-up of kitchen details, showing high-quality materials and smart storage solutions.

Spacious kitchen view at 707 Cordova, featuring an island and ample counter space for entertaining.

Another perspective of the kitchen, showcasing the flow and integration with other living areas.

Elegant kitchen appliances and thoughtful design contribute to the luxurious feel of the 707 Cordova renovation.

Detail of kitchen shelving and decor, reflecting the tasteful aesthetic of the renovated Hollywood Heights Tudor.

Open shelving and carefully curated items add personality and charm to the kitchen at 707 Cordova.

A serene bedroom view, showing the comfortable and elegant design in the renovated 707 Cordova home.

Master bedroom with natural light and inviting decor, a key feature of the Hollywood Heights Tudor renovation.

Cozy and bright bedroom space, demonstrating thoughtful use of color and texture.

A second bedroom or guest room in the renovated 707 Cordova, offering comfort and style.

Celebrating Vintage Charm: The Master Bathroom

The commitment to preserving original details truly sets this home apart, and the decision to retain the vintage master bathroom was a cornerstone of the Larkin’s renovation plan. “You simply don’t encounter these types of bathtubs very often anymore,” Emily noted, reflecting on the uniqueness of the fixture. “Our friends affectionately refer to it as ‘bathing on a stage’,” highlighting its distinct, elevated presence. While the iconic tub commands center stage and the timeless vintage tile remains perfectly intact, the sink and toilet were thoughtfully updated. This careful blend of old and new elements ensures that the bathroom functions seamlessly with modern needs while celebrating its historical roots, creating a harmonious and truly unique space.

Vintage bathtub preserved in the renovated master bathroom, blending historic charm with modern updates.

Luxurious master bathroom with a vintage clawfoot tub and contemporary fixtures, epitomizing the blend of old and new at 707 Cordova.

Ben’s Horticultural Haven: The Enchanting Gardens

For the past six years, the lush and meticulously curated gardens have been Ben’s dedicated domain, a true labor of love that perfectly complements Emily’s interior artistry. He has transformed the outdoor spaces into a series of inviting retreats, adding multiple graceful Japanese Maples that provide year-round beauty and shade. Among his most cherished creations is a secluded secret garden, complete with a tranquil fountain, offering a peaceful sanctuary. This outdoor haven, reflecting years of dedication and passion, is one of the features the couple admits they will dearly miss as they prepare to move on.

Beautifully landscaped backyard with lush greenery and mature trees, showcasing Ben Larkin's garden design at 707 Cordova.

Property Overview: A Perfect Blend of Space and Style

This exquisite Hollywood Heights English Tudor spans a comfortable 1,724 square feet, offering three well-appointed bedrooms and two elegantly renovated bathrooms within the main residence. Complementing the main house is the invaluable two-story guest cottage, a versatile space that truly enhances the property’s appeal. The downstairs features flexible living space, ideal for relaxation or creative pursuits, while upstairs offers a private bedroom or an additional dedicated office area. A newly renovated bathroom in the cottage ensures complete comfort and privacy for guests or seamless functionality for a home-based business. This unique combination makes 707 Cordova an ideal home for modern families or professionals seeking both charm and practicality.

The exterior of the charming English Tudor home at 707 Cordova Street, featuring classic architecture and curb appeal.

Inviting front porch and entrance of the Hollywood Heights Tudor, highlighting its architectural beauty.

Another angle of the home's exterior, showcasing the meticulous landscaping and traditional charm.

Charming guest cottage exterior, offering additional living or working space.

Interior of the guest cottage, showing a versatile living area suitable for various uses.
Upstairs area of the guest cottage, ideal as a private bedroom or dedicated office space.

Acclaim and Recognition: A Featured Home

The exceptional quality and thoughtful design of this Hollywood Heights English Tudor have not gone unnoticed. The home was prominently featured on the prestigious Hollywood Heights Home Tour three years ago, a testament to its significant appeal and the success of its renovation. Since then, the Larkins, being endlessly creative individuals, have continued to refine the interior and expand upon their enchanting gardens, ensuring the property constantly evolves and improves. Their dedication to design excellence has also earned the house features in several highly respected publications, including The Dallas Morning News, Style Me Pretty Living, and most recently, a coveted spot in Better Homes and Gardens Cottage Style magazine. These features underscore the property’s status as a benchmark for historic preservation and contemporary living.

Your Opportunity to Own a Piece of Dallas History

Discovering a Hollywood Heights English Tudor that has been so thoroughly and impeccably renovated, all while meticulously safeguarding its wealth of original details, is truly an almost impossible feat. Yet, here it stands, ready for its next chapter. This property represents not just a house, but a lifestyle – a perfect fusion of historic charm and modern functionality within one of Dallas’s most beloved neighborhoods. At an incredibly competitive price of $689,000, this residence is, without a doubt, an absolute steal in today’s market. We highly recommend contacting David Bush Realtors listing agent Joe Kacynski immediately to arrange a viewing before this unique opportunity passes by.

Open House: Sunday, April 8, 1-3 p.m.

Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager for more than 25 years and a professional writer for 20 years. Karen is the mother of a son who’s studying music at The University of Miami. An ardent animal lover, she doesn’t mind one bit if your fur baby jumps right into her lap. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com