Come On Over

Meet the Heights Homes on Display This Spring

Five homes, both historic and new, open their doors to visitors April 6-7.

By Abby Ledoux March 14, 2019

734 Arlington

Back in 2014, this historic bungalow, circa 1915, was not a home but a house—and barely one at that. Still, the Seeburger family saw through the vacant, neglected property with no running water or electricity and a steel cage around its front porch; three years later, an extensive design and build process realized the potential they saw. The home's history is preserved through original hardwood floors, windows, doors, shiplap, light fixtures, and a sink; added items include reclaimed wood from an old farm house, a salvaged leaded glass window, and century-old doors.

Photography by Dave Seeburger

807 W. 13th

The West family moved to their '40s bungalow in 2012, charmed by the sense of nostalgia it evoked of owner Harvey's childhood in Central Texas. Eventually, the family more than doubled the original footprint to 2,300 square-feet through a thoughtful expansion that maintained much of the original floor plan and important architectural details—a common refrain for historic Heights homes adapting to new life with growing families. The West home also boasts a standing seam metal roof, custom stained glass gable windows, and rainwater collection tanks.

Photography by Courtesy of Houston Heights Association

1238 Waverly

This thrice-renovated 1920 bungalow is home to the Netherland family, who bought it in late 2010. Then, the home had already grown from to bedrooms to three, and the Netherlands added a family room, kitchen, and master bath to the back of the house in 2013. They renovated again three years later, adding elements of bright, coastal homes they loved from trips to Seaside, Florida, like higher ceilings, an expanded dining room, and a wine loft. Outside, they added a covered dining area with stained glass made by the homeowner's father, plus a fresh herb and vegetable garden with a bubbling water fountain and a swimming pool, playset, and in-ground trampoline for their daughter.

Photography by Courtesy of Houston Heights Association

1427 Waverly

It's clear from the get-go that this is the modern home of the bunch—a palate cleanser, if you will, to the quaint, century-old bungalows found on the rest of the tour (and in the rest of the neighborhood). Still, there are nods to the historic vernacular of the Heights, like the varied-width fiber-cement siding on the second floor, which houses the Wolfshohl's bedrooms and floats above the ground floor, clad in metal panels and a wooden rain screen. A large southern side yard and a separate, quiet courtyard carved into the first floor allow for maximized outdoor living.

Photography by Benjamin Hill

1539 Rutland

This late Victorian home—built before 1920—on an oversized lot was on the verge of demolition in 2013 before HDT Builders stepped in. A year later, the historic rebuild captivated the John family, empty-nesters drawn from the 'burbs to a more convenient life in the Loop. When it came time to build their gardens, the homeowners took inspiration from time spent living in Surrey, England, which can be felt through flagstone steps, a smattering of plants and flowers, and a small courtyard.

Photography by Kelli John

It's time once again to ooh and aah over other peoples' homes. The annual Spring Home and Garden Tour from the Houston Heights Association is back on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 to showcase the history and transformation of the neighborhood.

A $20 ticket grants you access to the five homes on this year's tour, which range from a 1915 bungalow to a newly built modern dwelling. Homeowners open their doors from noon to 6 p.m. both days, and a bus shuttle to each tour stop is included in the ticket price. Purchase tickets online and pick them up from the Heights Fire Station at 107 W 12th St. during tour hours, or get them in-person at Buchanan's Native Plants, Jubilee, and Noted.

Here, get a sneak peek at the five properties on display next month.

Historic Houston, The Heights, Home Tours, Design

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Meet the Heights Homes on Display This Spring

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