Town & Country

Sadly I have nothing to report on the sale of Chez Malaise, but there is some fun news from the wild and wooly world of Kansas City area real estate. Just blocks from the antique mall is a subdivision called Town & Country Estates. I think that subdivision names are generally awful, and the word "Estates" usually signifies the worst of the them, but in this case we'll make an exception.
Enormous lots with enormous ranch houses, built mainly in the 50s and 60s. Including this bad boy with the monster lawn built in 1959. We actually went to see this house when it was held open, only to be greeted by a "property under contract, open cancelled" sign when we arrived. It's way out of our price range, and I don't generally like to look at houses I can't afford, but I totally wanted to see this one.

We learned from another realtor that day that the couple who built it was finally selling to enjoy their sunset years in a warmer place. The first offer came from out of town, sight-unseen, from a buyer who wanted to tear it down. Why a realtor would relay that info to a seller I don't know, but the owners were horrified and turned it down. They went to contract with a new buyer in 3 days.

Apparently something went awry because its back on the market and open this Sunday. It needs some tweaking and updated furnishings, but the basics are all there. Big, generous rooms flowing easily into one another, and finishes that remind me of the lounge at my parents country club in the 70s. It would be fabulous to live in.
I worry a little about Town & Country, and this place especially. A few of these mid-century ranches have fallen victim to bad overhauls, stripped of everything that made them interesting and unique, only to end up as the sort of two story monster house you might find in any new development in any new suburb anywhere.
I wish it could be us. But if not, here's hoping the new owners will love the house for what it is, and that that wet bar in the corner fuels loads of parties for years to come.


11 comments:

Raina Cox said...

Holy z'moley! This is my dream house!

I adore pitched beamed ceilings. The house we're currently renting has them.

I'm stalking a 1970s house with a similar feel online in our mystery city. The city I hope to announce in a couple of weeks.

Mrs. Blandings said...

Oh, this is good. Mr. B has always had a hankering for T&C because of those lots. I do hope this one does not meet a bad end.

David said...

Four bedrooms Mrs. B., your clan would fit perfectly. =)

Raina, I can't wait to find out where you're going, and I hope that it's right into your chosen house!

Karena said...

Town & Country is a beautiful subdivision, and this is part of what makes Kansas City amazing. We have pockets of homes with so many different designs. Of course the huge lawns in parts of Old Leawood and T & C are not my thing right now, with my condominium lifestyle!

soodie :: said...

David, I agree. I do not understand why so many of these MCM homes are getting demolished within the city and big suburban, snap-together, mishmash undefinable and of questionable style are being put up in their place. Seems like there is a new big hole in lot where a house once was every week -- including houses from the 20s and 30s made from solid materials and unique appointments... just gone.

kathleen said...

It would be a tragedy to demolish that house. Hope some good people with sense buy it.

Toad said...

What a great house. I'm unfamiliar with the 'hood, but I must look it up next I'm in town.

hello gorgeous said...

What a beauty, David! I love the fireplace wall. I cannot believe this would be a tear-down. I admire the owners for turning down the offer.

Decorina said...

Good on the owners for vetoing the tear down offer. I only wish my own MCM home were as nice inside...

But the grass farm! It would be beautiful with some updated low water landscaping. Or maybe just install some greens and sand traps.

soodie :: said...

David, did you see this in today's paper? http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/1256315.html

treating THIS house as a tear down. Yes, I know it is a mish-mash of styles, but really... still a beautiful house. And no one in the neighborhood knew, like a dirty little secret. I seriously think once I saw the bulldozers in front of that house, I would have thrown my 5'-2" frame in front of it and let out a blood curdling scream to stop. The fact that it sits stripped, empty and rotting makes me feel ill.

lucitebox said...

Um...I'm not sure if this is the same Town & Country, but I wrote this fictionalized account of a woman who took off from CA. to the Midwest and ended up in Town & Country.

Maybe it will entertain you. Maybe not. Either way--that house is great!

http://www.lucitebox.com/blog/?p=191