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Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Buying a house is no easy feat . From wrangling with the mortgage to the move itself, it can be a nightmare even to consider. But the challenges with home ownership are often offset by the pride of having a place to call your own, a site with its own history and character. It’s rare to say that your home has the legacy of a local legend behind it, but the next owners of this Galveston gem will have that luxury. Frank Billingsley, Houston’s TV weatherman of over thirty years, has a house now up for sale on Galveston Island.
Designed by New Orleans architect Leland Vandeventer in 2007, the 1,684-square-foot home replaces an 1856 residence that burned down on the same lot. As a result, the property has features like a tankless water heater and a smart temperature-controlled AC.
While the home boasts modern amenities, it hasn’t lost the quaint charm of the period that inspired it. Victorian-inspired details include a New Orleans Garden District-style brick patio, Beautiful crown molding, a period left-side staircase, and reclaimed heart of pine wood floors restored to their former glory.
The resort feel of the home was crafted by interior decorator Jerri Mullican, who creates interiors for the nearby eastern shore neighborhood of Beachtown. The Victorian architectural style of the abode contrasts with the chic resort-style interiors, captivating visitors with the historic sentiments of old Galveston while highlighting the new. High-end finishes sit below the windows, and unlike traditional Victorian houses, the property is hurricane-proof with storm-resistant windows and roof, making this a truly unique find.
With three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, the estate is ideal for a family beach home, a permanent residence, or a summer getaway. Designed with entertaining in mind, the kitchen and dining room (with an additional dry bar) are perfectly suited for dinner parties or summer gatherings. Move your guests from the interior to the outdoor porch for a spring brunch; the lattice porch provides privacy while letting the island’s sunlight into your cozy nook.
The outdoor amenities can’t be skipped over, either. With an updated, automatic door, the tandem garage has plenty of room for storage. The backyard is fully fenced and has a sprinkler system. In its entirety, this home sits on 2,244 square feet of land—giving the residents an enormous space to make their own.
Currently listed at $750,000, this gem is nestled away on the Galveston East End, which makes it a prime location for easy access to the beach, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and the Historic Strand District.
The beautiful, bright pastel wood exterior makes this home stand out on Galveston’s East End. The property provides the best of a period estate while giving its lucky owners the benefits of a modern lifestyle. Living in a home with such a rich past would allow you to make your own mark on it, leaving your own little piece of history behind.
1726 Avenue L is listed by Douglas Elliman Realty licensed associate Eric Gage.
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty
Image: TK Images for Douglas Elliman Realty