Everyone knows funky Little Forest Hills, the Austin-esque neighborhood just east of White Rock Lake with its eclectic houses and active residents. Right at the entrance to the neighborhood, on the corner, is 8600 Forest Hills Blvd., “a hip take on a craftsman,” says listing agent Jacob Moss.
The house is “charming and captivating,” a “wow” factor at the start of the neighborhood. It’s a relatively new build. Home builder Jeff Baron built the house in 2020 as part of a development at the neighborhood’s entrance, separating it from Forest Hills.
While the exterior is nothing but charming, the interior finish out is pretty standard. There are quartz counters, a cast-stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and an open floor plan. But it’s comfortable and livable, with plenty of opportunity to shape it into your own. The main house has three beds, three baths, and almost 1,900 square feet; but what really sets this place apart, says Moss, is its separate full quarters.
Above the garage is a 545-square-foot studio. It’s finished out with a full bath. There are spaces to install a refrigerator and a range for a completed guest suite; the current owners have it set up as a home office. “Here you can actually escape the comfort your home to get an environment where you can get work done,” Moss says.
The lot as a whole leans into the neighborhood’s outdoor sensibilities. The property has expansive—and picturesque—front and back covered patios, plus an outdoor firepit.
You’re not going to have massive homes with no backyard in Little Forest Hills. People value spending their time outdoors, Moss says, and the surrounding area is walkable.
This is another major selling point of the property. While there’s plenty of appeal in surrounding neighborhoods like Lakewood and the M Streets, Moss warns first-time buyers and long-time Dallasites to not sleep on this side of town.
“There’s a lot of really good value on the east side of the lake.” The house is just five blocks from the Dallas Arboretum. White Rock Lake and its trails are walkable, as is barbecue joint Smoky Rose and its massive outdoor dining space.
“It’s a fun area to live in,” Moss says.
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