My Houzz: A 'Home of the Future' Finds Present Perfection
Rescued from the brink of destruction, a 1965 home gets a complete, thoughtful overhaul from a Dallas couple
Artist, freelance writer, photographer, artist, actor, mother, home tour contributor for Houzz and author of the blog La Maison Boheme. Greenman lives in a 1970s Texas ranch house, which she has transformed into a bohemian haven and family home. She loves eclectic, boho style but also has a soft spot for Midcentury modern and Swedish design. Learn more at www.sarahgreenman.com.
Artist, freelance writer, photographer, artist, actor, mother, home tour... More »
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When Mark and Betsy Nanchy first laid eyes on this home, it was stripped to the studs, was missing several walls and had holes in the floor revealing dirt below. Rotting due to years of neglect, the structure was in the middle of a remodel by New Leaf Construction. Built by Dallas' famous Ju-Nel Homes architects in 1965, this home had been an entrant in the New York World's Fair's "Home of the Future" series. The model house had been sponsored by the Formica company, so Formica products decked the home from top to bottom.
Despite the mess, the couple recognized the potential this home had. They had been searching for two years and knew exactly what they were looking for. The large lot, beautiful neighborhood, surrounding trees and midcentury-style interior sealed the deal.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Mark and Betsy Nanchy, dog Pearl and cats Peeps and TJ
Size: 2,485 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, office
Location: Lochwood neighborhood of Dallas
Despite the mess, the couple recognized the potential this home had. They had been searching for two years and knew exactly what they were looking for. The large lot, beautiful neighborhood, surrounding trees and midcentury-style interior sealed the deal.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Mark and Betsy Nanchy, dog Pearl and cats Peeps and TJ
Size: 2,485 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, office
Location: Lochwood neighborhood of Dallas
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by Sarah Greenman
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Ju-Nel homes were commonly built on abnormal-size lots or pieces of land that were not level. This home has four levels to accommodate the lot's steep slope.
The small foyer is designated by a brick privacy wall that provides a peek into the home's great room. The couple chose a piece by Dallas artist Tamara White for their entry.
The small foyer is designated by a brick privacy wall that provides a peek into the home's great room. The couple chose a piece by Dallas artist Tamara White for their entry.
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Ju-Nel homes are known for open floor plans, vaulted beamed ceilings, brick floors and expansive windows. The pine ceilings were an immediate draw for the couple. Initially, New Leaf was going to paint over them, but the Nanchys protested in hopes of preserving the warm feel.
The couple's latest art splurge is this whimsical Don Quixote painting, by artist Vladimir Ovtcharov, in the great room. "Luckily, Betsy and I both have similar tastes," Mark says.
The couple's latest art splurge is this whimsical Don Quixote painting, by artist Vladimir Ovtcharov, in the great room. "Luckily, Betsy and I both have similar tastes," Mark says.
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by Sarah Greenman
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| The fireplace hearth became one of the couple's biggest splurges. "The house was originally designed with terazzo, and we wanted to bring that back," Mark says. The Nanchys wanted to stay as green as possible, so they worked with Glass Recycled, which makes custom terazzo-like surfaces out of recycled materials, like stop lights and vodka bottles. Coffee table: CB2; chairs, area rug: Mitchell Gold: blue vertical artwork: Tamara White |
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| The open-concept kitchen, a rare feature for a home built in the mid-'60s, has access to the great room, the living room and the back patio. The kitchen remodel included white cabinetry, sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances and a gorgeous blue and gray tile backsplash. Tile: Cosmopolitan Mélange, Skylights series, Arizona Tile |
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| A picture window over the kitchen's undermounted sink offers a beautiful view of the side yard. "We both love nature and the feeling of being outside when we are inside. This home allows me to clear my mind and enjoy some real peace," Mark says. |
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| The kitchen leads out to an enclosed side yard and a square deck on the east side of the home. Bamboo, oak, maple and a fern-like ground cover provide shade and greenery. Chairs: Design Within Reach |
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Initially the home was in such a state of disrepair that the couple couldn't access the second level, which consists of two bedrooms, each with its own bath.
Dining table: Z Gallerie; centerpiece sculpture: Viva Terra
Dining table: Z Gallerie; centerpiece sculpture: Viva Terra
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| The great room's open dining area has a peekaboo window to a second-story room. Wood beams frame a view to a sunken sunporch, allowing for ample natural light. |
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Floor-to-ceiling windows make up the front wall of the house and provide views of the front garden. The couple enjoys opening the windows in the morning hours to listen to the birds.
"We've put so much TLC into this place that it pays us back with peace, serenity and energy," Mark says.
"We've put so much TLC into this place that it pays us back with peace, serenity and energy," Mark says.
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| At a time when many homeowners are painting over dated wood paneling, the couple is pleased with their decision to keep the wood intact in the living room. "We like our living area during sunrise, as the larger windows face east and allow the rays of the morning sun to light the room," says Mark. In the evenings, the couple usually adjourns to the great room, which faces west. "We can relax and watch the dog in the courtyard below." Sofa: Room & Board; artwork: Tamara White |
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The couple carved out a small dining area with red leather Eero Saarinen chairs in the corner of the living room that overlooks the side patio. Mark would like to eventually reupholster the chairs with a fabric that's more in line with their original design.
Stripes artwork: Truman Couture; dining chairs: Antiques Moderne; sling chairs: leather, Danish Inspirations
Stripes artwork: Truman Couture; dining chairs: Antiques Moderne; sling chairs: leather, Danish Inspirations
by Sarah Greenman
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The master bedroom is a serene space with soaring beamed ceilings. Natural light filters through tree boughs from the clerestory windows.
Artwork: "Life Form," by Caleb Jack
Artwork: "Life Form," by Caleb Jack
by Sarah Greenman
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The previous master bath was very dark, so the couple asked New Leaf Construction to cut a skylight in the roof. The flood of new light, large soaking tub and frameless glass walk-in shower give this bathroom a luxurious, spa-like feel.
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| The upstairs guest room looks simple and bright, with modern furnishings and white walls to better showcase artwork by Caleb Jack. Headboard: West Elm; sling chair: leather, Danish Inspirations |
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Privacy windows, bright modern art and a tub with jets outfit the upstairs guest bath.
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| An upstairs space that houses gym equipment has a view of the great room below. The room was originally a balcony that was enclosed as part of a bedroom. |
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A small balcony provides the perfect neighborhood overlook and a great place for relaxing among the treetops. The Ju-Nel architects never cut down trees to build their homes; they incorporated the natural landscape and built their structures around existing vegetation.
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Happy homeowners Mark and Betsy sit in front of their hearth with Pearl, their English sheepdog.
See another Ju-Nel home: A Midcentury Gem on a Wooded Acre in Dallas
See more photos of this house
Share your creative home with us!
See another Ju-Nel home: A Midcentury Gem on a Wooded Acre in Dallas
See more photos of this house
Share your creative home with us!
Ideabook published on Dec. 5, 2012.
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We also have a project page on our website that discusses the Nanchy's vision for the outdoor space. You should see the before pictures and how much the exterior renovation changed the look of the entire home!
Cheers!
David Gaona & Christina Thompson