Retired Houston Couple Replaces Starter Home With Forever Home
Susan and Charles Elder’s roots run deep in their neighborhood outside of downtown Houston. They moved into a starter house there in 1981, just six houses around the corner from the house Susan grew up in and one street over from where her paternal grandparents lived. The Elders have lived at the same address ever since.
But while the address numbers never changed, the house sure did. Over the years the Elders renovated four times, always in an effort to open up the 1955 ranch house and bring in more light. It never felt like enough.
After raising their two daughters and then retiring a few years ago, the Elders embarked on one last renovation, this time taking everything down to the dirt lot and building a house with everything they had ever wanted, all while preserving the memory of the address at which they’ve spent their lives together.
How much did the renovation cost?
Terrific project! Congratulations everyone!
Fantastic remodel!
Beautiful spaces, wonderful choice of that Granite slab! Wow... WOW
I adore the retractable blinds.
Wonderful ideas - easily adaptable - highly useful yet tranquil spaces - everything the owners wanted in a perfect footprint. The color palette is proportioned to the spaces. Lucky owners... wonderful architect.
Beautiful! We used the Neolith material for our huge kitchen island too, with a similar steel plate underneath the overhangs. Can't say enough good about it as a durable surface.
From the beginning I knew there was an amazing story to be told full of rich history and wonderful memories. It's nice to be able to share this exceptional story through Houzz TV. This was by far the most challenging and rewarding home that I have built.
“The house grew up”... what a great expression...
Charles. It was an such an honor to work with you both
on this project. Best, Jeff
I love the story that the video and the article tells about your lives and your experience in putting together your “Happily ever after home”. I especially enjoyed seeing your family photos starting from when you were young. I also loved participating in your project. I feel like we have become a part of your everyday life and actually part of the Elder extended family. Jim
Beautiful project with excellent thoughtful design and execution! Kudos to all!
Could you please discuss the 2 distinct celing treatments used in the project. Bead board tongue groove painted wood or vinyl (guessing ??) and smooth level 5 dry wall? Looks like the structural beam is the dividing point for the break in materials in great room? What was the thinking and or compromises in using the two different materials in the project? Thanks in advance for your answer!
Gorgeous home! I love all the natural light.
Simple and humble design but it is very elegant - love the house. It's bright and spacious. I want this house to be my inspiration in making may forever home.
The dramatic Italian granite on the wall with the orange stove-I'm very envious. Just wonderful.
A Beautiful Building!
What an airy and spacious home for such a relatively small footprint. I love the openness of the main living space. I'm sure the overall minimal/modern aesthetic and integrated automation make this an easy home to live in, very similar to what I'd like to build for my own retirement eventually. Well done!
I would love to see more of the
master bath: shower only? Tub and shower?
Beauiful, good for you, enjoy your space and retirement!
you have done well, living your intention!
I was so relieved to see the retractable blinds! At first I thought it looked like they were living on their front lawn! I love that they just "went for it" and got the modern look they truly wanted. standing, with a long, slow clap
I love this home! Thank you for sharing.
I'm in awe of this home! Love.. love... love!
I love this home! good job by everyone, especially the architect and builder who were able to accomplish what the couple's vision was. Great job! and yes, the backsplash was my favorite!
truely amazing
I am not usually a fan of contemporary design, but this is a lovely home for a lovely couple. So much light. Beautiful job!
a beautiful house, a creative designer and excellent remodel...
Whatta way to go, I envy you guys... Beauty at its best.... Please enjoy.....
This was wonderful, the people, the design, the work, everything. I am finding myself in the same transition period as this couple with a little caveat though, our home is too big for just the two of us. I am thinking ahead whilst also wanting to stay. While we have a lovely renovated master bed and bath, it is upstairs. I am 60 and very fit so there is no problem yet. Our home has a main floor bath, bed and formal living that is connected on one side of the house. I have thought of gutting that whole section and creating a second main floor master. But I have also thought of doing what this couple did, but not tearing down just building a new modern ranch like theirs. I have always used Houze for inspiration books and products, now I will consider them a reference for labor too.
I have one very important question. What was the budget for this project?
I do not typically like modern houses, but this one is so thoughtfully designed & personal I have to say it might be one of my favorites!
Beautiful home!
Absolutely stunning! Thanks for the video.
Great story and beautiful home. What was the entire project cost? There are so many ranch houses like the starter, and so many people who would like to completely remodel them. What does it take, money-wise?
So pretty! A thoughtful rebuild that sounds like it fits the feel of the neighborhood.
I love this home and the story that goes with it!
just great!
Looks like a European boutique hotel
This was refreshing with intuitive planning toward downsizing and at the same have your home contoured to present and future living needs and desires as age and physical bodies contiunue to transform to another stage in life.
what was the budget for the project?
I watched this video and really connected with the couple’s vision. Just wanted to say the granite wall slab used on the kitchen wall is absolutely STUNNING!!! Awesome job!!
Houzz has a very special knack for identifying people who can really tell a story about their spaces. This home, design, and atmosphere are exciting while simultaneously comforting. LOVE IT!
Just beautiful! I would like to know more about the "forever" master bathroom. I want to remodel my main floor bathroom and I am always looking for aging friendly ideas.
Happily every after home, indeed! Love everything about this home. It's bringing to life all the features I've dreamed of in my retirement home. Eager to hear ballpark budget bc as a recent retiree, am ready to start planning my happily ever after house.
This is the first modern house that I've seen that I like. It's very inviting.
This is one of my favorite videos you have featured<3 I love the story and I love the home they have created. Visual through Houzz is the only way for many of us who are not able to verbalize our thoughts. Great creation!
This is just stunning, love all of it!
Absolutely stunning house, I have two questions, what is the square footage of this home, and more importantly where are the air handlers for the AC units.
It is perfect! Brilliant design and fabulous execution. I love it. Congrats!
Love this house and the design with all the light - congratulations on a superb job done by everyone
What's not to love!!! So admire them and their story!
I, too, am curious about the budget on this beautiful home. Loved so many aspects of this design and decor.
Wow - I don't even have words. This project and story is extraordinary.
You two are inspiring. The architects and builders and everyone involved get a standing ovation. Just a beautifully orchestrated project with an incredible end result. Wish we lived in Houston.
My husband and I will be retiring in the next few years and are looking to do the same thing (only we will be purchasing an older home somewhere to renovate). We have no children and our jobs have dictated a somewhat nomadic life. It is so encouraging to see this transformation and it gives us hope to find and create our forever home.
So inspiring. Enjoy your home and thank you for sharing.
We too would love to have an idea budget so we plan accordingly.
Great story! May I ask: What brand was used for the automated window shade system??
What was the budget for this project? Beautiful home! Love the natural light!
I am inspired. Love the design and the finishes. GREAT JOB!
What an absolutely gorgeous home! I think it takes a lot of living and a little age and wisdom to really understand your own needs in a home. I wish I had understood my own taste better when we built our home in 2003, because it's changed substantially since then. They have created, in my opinion, a perfect home!
Was the garage eliminated?
Beautiful. I am so happy for this lovely couple to live in this amazing space. Great job by the builder and architect!!! Bravo!!
what is the name of that concrete looking tile?
Can you give information about the two fireplaces?
There are no words. Most beautiful home I have ever seen! Many Kudos to the architect and owners. Perfection personified.
Beautiful home. I'm sure you have inspired the neighborhood too. Thank you for sharing your story.
I am so impressed with the attention to detail in this home, right down to the slide out towel rack in the bathroom cabinets. What a great adventure. After a lifetime of raising a family, you have the beautiful home to celebrate being a couple again. Congratulations for a job well done!
The thought that went into this project, not just from an energy standpoint, but livability, ease of cleaning and daily enjoyment was just amazing. To each his own...to me, from the glimpse we can see of the next door home, this wonderful proportional to the area home would be welcome in our 50 plus years neighborhood of mostly older ranch style homes, as much a pleasure to drive by as to live in.
This home is beyond beautiful. May you continue to build more wonderful memories in your oldnew space! I especially love all the modern details and technology that was obviously meticulously designed and executed. Houston is also my home town.
Oh my !!!!! We did the exact same thing !
After hiring a company to repair foundation and slab issues, and they left us with a disaster, we were left with no choice to tear our house down and start over. We also pulled out all the footings and dirt - filled it back with 36 tons of fill and started over. We had added on a master wing 2 years earlier and we kept the new part. We had lived there ever since our marriage in 1976 and raised our 2 daughters there. It was scary at first and everyone said we had lost our minds but in the end it was perfect and we are so happy with the outcome.
Our home now is open and airy and we love coming home every day. Lots of ideas incorporated in the design were found on this website and filled my ideabooks. Thank you houzz !!!! I finally have my dream home and we are so very fortunate we were able to see our vision come to fruition.
Absoulty beautiful! Very thought out and I can only imagine what the neighbors think! Great Job!
A beautiful story of growth in both family and home. Congratulations on this wonderful "Happily Ever After"
Beautiful home, light and airy. I'm not sure about all the big windows facing the street. I know they have shades for the evening, but it would be like living in a fish bowl. I think I would do something for a little more privacy. The kitchen granite is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Enjoy your new home!!
beautiful transformation, pretty much a new build. What is the square footage of the new home?
I LOVE the contemporary "barn" door, especially because it's almost flush with the wall, with a minimal gap. That means less noise.
I want to find that barn door hardware!
Very nice job. However, I can't think of any reason why they made the hall to the guest area so narrow unless they were copying hallway that existed in the old house. Also, occupational therapists will tell you how dangerous falls are for older folks. Hence, step up to office area is probably not a good idea.
Love the vision to fruition!
Lovely bright home but where is the storage for boots, hats, coats, handbags, umbrellas, etc. for anyone who comes through the front door? What are the garage-to-house entry and the entry from the back door like - are they more practical?
Is there a floor plan available? Very nicely done!
Beautiful Job! By all parties involved.
Wishing them many happy healthy years ahead.
Is it possible to provide the name of the grey lounge chair and ottomans in the living room? Whole things is stunning; floor plan, finishes, furniture, kitchen, bathrooms. So special.
We are in a similar time of our lives and thinking of building a house rather than renovating. As others have asked: (1) Cost per sq ft? and (2) any hope of a house plan? Thanks
gorgeous home, love all the thought that went into the design by owners and architect . Not sure I agree it fits the neighborhood, but still love the design. Great job getting all they had wanted in design and usable space. Love the simplicity of the interior art and furniture, adore the granite and stove!
Omgosh! Love this home. It's beautiful! Best Wishes!!
What a beautiful story and your home is fabulous!!!
Beautifully thought out design. Love the minimalistic spaces. Having designed and built a large home from the ground up I understand what it takes. I see so few homes that have a well thought out design. Very nicely done! Side note: I would love to see smaller homes, 1,500 square feet or less, featured. After living in a 900 square foot home for 9 years, then to a 29' travel trailer for 4 years while building a 2,800 square foot home I lived in for 20 years, now to a 1,700 square foot home, I realize we use about 2/3 of the current space we live in as do most people. I want less to maintain and less overall footprint on the earth ie, raw materials used, power, land use, etc.
get what they wanted in the same place they have raised their
children.
Really well done! As a realtor, I often see newly built homes in neighborhoods where they don't fit in...the architecture is completely different and I just don't understand! It also takes them longer to sell! Love that the homeowners were focused on that, in redesigning their home.
This is a AWESOME IDEA! This home is gorgeous! I don't know the cost but the thought of getting to stay in the same place and redo the home is great! Every thought out nook is perfect! I love it!
Gosh I loved this story! So inspiring to see this couple's dream home come to life and to really understand that the connection with Architect and Builder are SO important. Cheers.
Everyone loved this house. I thought it was okay. I actually preferred the 1996 version. This one is too cold. awkward windows in bedroom do not invite privacy. And open plans, I predict, will become less popular as people realize how hard it is to keep everything neat. The spaces ooze into one another with no definition but furniture, and the proportions seem wrong, too big. Bu maybe people no longer cook or dine at home. I also wonder how it fits with the other homes on the street -- the size might be right, but if it is a neighborhood of mostly '60s houses, this might not be complimentary. I'm not against modern design in general -- I've liked a couple in Houzz quite a bit. But it is so hard to make modernism warm and enveloping and that's what I need my house to be.
What a touching idea to have all workers sign a beam. I think I would like the Elders very much. Thoughtful design, build, and owners.
Thank you. An absolutely agree!
This house is amazing. Love all the windows and technology you have put into the house.
Assuming you have the land, what does it cost to build a home like this?
One of the best projects I have seen! Congrats to the architects and builder.
Always curious, can you give us a rough-range of the psf cost of renovating the original structure..I'm in the N East, guessing it would approach $250+/ft here...TY
Looks great! Such a tasteful and completely fresh remodel. It would be so helpful to include budgets in these articles. What did this remodel cost? What was the general breakdown of costs?
I love this clean, clear and open design ! Congratulations
Beautiful home. How many square feet? Where did the garage go?
We love the home, but I echo what many have said.....how much? "How much" puts everything into perspective. In California, a high tech home would run $300-$400 a foot to build, plus your wonderful furnishings.
In Canada it would cost approx. $800 K to build brand new.
I love this home, just would have made it a bit warmer. I for one, loved the flow and the design inside and out. Most people in 2019 do not live as people did in 1965 and this modern design is absolutely gorgeous. How much was it to tear the old home down and then rebuild? Houston is a lovely city with many different neighborhoods. I hope they are enjoying their new home.
Is the inside ceiling wood or something else? Beautiful home!
RD Architecture I think you could retire off the sale of the set of plans for this house! This is my idea of the perfect home - retirement or not. Congratulations all around. This goes to show what a great client/pro team can do. Just like the Millers and Saarinen/Girard.
I guess I'm in the minority, but I don't particularly like the house. Some of it is attractive, no doubt; but I certainly wouldn't want to live there. It has a kind of modern sterility that I don't find attractive.
I am floored! Absolutely incredible : ) Well done!
It would be helpful for those of us without unlimited budgets to give an estimate of the cost of this project like Wall St Journal Mansion does once a week with all the remodels they feature.
I love my ranch home, is where my kids grew up. We had a fire in 2004, and would have loved to do something very simular. Unfortunately hurricanes and budget didn’t allow that. Now that I been here for a while I’m ready to make a change.
What was the cost and,
time frame to get this project done?
Marilyn Mooney
Absolutely Stunning! Congratulations on your next chapter.. From the spaces to the lighting a wonderful sensibility!! Best Wishes fr BusaHomes & Naplex Construction LLC
love it my house is in the bay area california more than 100 year old we have a good size backyard 6000 sqft everybody like it and give us a advise to build a big house my house is very small 1050 square feet but i love the style you guys have it but i can't afford more loan so we wanna do just change a exterior color if somebody give advice what color we do for house i really appriciate it
Where would I find the black dining chairs?
Stunning. It has everything..I so love, love the openness and clean minimalist look. it's inviting and stylish!
Bunny Zilling, REALTOR
Murrells Inlet SC
This is beautiful. I could live there! I don't think this was an affordable remodel. However, it is terrific. I like this couple's attitude. Don't just retire and wait to die. Live it up! Love it.
What a beautiful transformation!
Interesting project, but the automation will be obsolete long before the house is. As for the comment that some people are "afraid" of contemporary design, I would like to point out that just because someone doesn't like contemporary design and architecture, does not mean they are "afraid" of it. One should never judge people's tastes, they are very personal.
Inspiring! What a refreshing declaration of the benefits of custom building. Retirees are increasingly gaining confidence in asserting that their needs for their home are different. Custom building is the only way to avoid settling for a less-than-ideal solution. Congratulations on realizing your dream with the help of Houzz.
A touching and inspirational story. Good luck and much joy in your perfect home!
What a privilege to have been involved in the design, engineering and fabrication of the custom cabinets and furniture in this beautiful home. In my 40+ years in business I have never worked on a project that was more of a collaborative effort. The home owners, the builder, the architects and us at Jim Farris Cabinets all worked together harmoniously from the beginning to make every detail on this home just perfect! I'm sure you have heard the saying, "Less is more". That really sums up this project. I have to tell you that the simplest looking details on this project really stretched my design and engineering skills. As you watch the video and scroll through the photos I hope you can appreciate "Less". Thanks again, Charles and Susan, for choosing us to play a such a vital part in your "Happily ever after home"!
excellent work. congratulations. beautiful house
Many thanks to all who have posted such lovely comments about this home. It was truly a pleasure working with Susan and Charles, our amazing design team, and all the highly skilled trades whose blood, sweat and tears built this home. A piece of our hearts will forever live in the collection of happy memories for which this home is responsible.
Incredible transformation! Love this home!
There are many questions about the cost to build
this home. Ultimately,
our clients drive the cost of their project with the decisions they make
regarding the scope of the project, the quality of materials used, the amount
and complexity of architectural detailing and the skill level of the contractor
and subcontractors. We cannot disclose specific clients' budgets, but in
Houston, Texas construction costs on a custom home build of this scale and
quality, on a suburban site, can range between $300-$400 per square foot, not
including design fees, furniture and decor.
Awesome house design, definitely challenging to build but the planning and thinking that went before the shovels in the ground shows through. I have a question regarding the integral baseboards. Is this a design feature that hides wiring, piping, etc or provides some other positive effect other than being so beautiful?
OMG! I love, love, love this house! The first Houzz house that I could see myself living in. When we built our house in Costa Rica, Houzz did not exist so I cut out pages from architecture magazines of things we liked and that is how the house was designed. Our architect listened and delivered. I learned things from her and she learned things from me.
Beautiful story, stunning renovation! Great job all!
It's rare to see new houses that reflect the way the owners really live, as this house does. From the abstract art on the walls to the granite slab "backsplash" in the kitchen and to the overall design of the space, the owners tastes are made manifest through the deft hands of the architects and the builder. It's also rare to see quality materials used everywhere, in each detail, as sensitively as in this new space. And it's rare to find a 'not so big house" footprint in a lofty high-ceilinged open design. People often feel insignificant in a space where the ceilings are higher than 9'. In this space, however, the area rug, the fireplace, the light wood floors--all of the human-level materials--anchor the space. I would have preferred a lower ceiling at the peak of the roof-ceiling to foster a more "settled in" feeling and a more relaxed "lie-on-the-sofa-for-a-nap" aura. But the owners appear to be thriving in their fresh, new, modern and minimalist space.
This is how two people retire successfully. It has so much quality , breathing space and at the same time beautiful "togetherness" of two special people. The house has been created with love and mindfulness. Compliments to the architect for a stunning execution of her clients wishes. Wishing them many many years of beautiful living. Wilna Schnetler from Roodepoort, Gauteng in South Africa.
Wondering what the overall cost for this project was
Well done! Love all the light. I believe this is the street I lived on growing up : )
We're ecstatic with the attention this home has received. Please reach out to us through our Houzz profile with any questions you have about this project.
Just click on our PRO icon to the left!
Loved seeing Kathleen on Houzz! Beautiful home! Congratulations!
Oh, my, my—perfection!
I love it :) It inspires me to do the same to our home. Thank you so much.
love your art, care to share where you found such great art?
WOW. So lovely--and I especially love that they didn't have to move to get what they wanted. Just great. :)
The storage, automation, clean lines... this is pretty much design perfection. What a fantastic job the whole team did. This may be one of the best homes on Houzz and it isn’t even my design aesthetic, but the planning and execution was phenomenal.
Absolutely amazing house. Love it
i'd love to have info on the couches (vkm248@yahoo.com)
I understand that there are many questions people have. Please send those questions to our Houzz account so the TEAM might help. Tryon Homes ... https://www.houzz.com/pro/tryonhomes/__public and RD Architects ... https://www.houzz.com/pro/rdarchitecturellc/rd-architecture-llc
All the Best - Phillip
Oh Susan and Charles, I am so happy to see this and get a real tour of your space. It was an absolute joy working with you on this project, and though our part in your grand vision was small, I had a blast meeting you, discussing your dream and hearing about your plans. One day I will get down there to sign that beam!
Bravo to everyone involved with creating such a stunning and inspirational home. Beautiful and functional.
Just moved to this neighborhood and I've been admiring this house when bike riding with my family. What a treat to get to see inside & what a great story. Love that the house wasn't taken down to build another mega-mansion. And really love all the windows. The neighborhood is great for people watching. Would love to do something like this to our ranch one day...but as the cook of the family, the cooktop must also face the action.
WOW! BEAUTIFUL! LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS HOME! I'M SO INSPIRED.
THIS!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this house...it inspires me as a designer, and it makes me want to get started on designing the home I've had in my head (and heart) for years.
Hope to see it one day!
Phillip
What a great and lovely story. I'm still learning how to use houzz but I'm amazed that people can search for an architect here and almost effortlessly have a finished home as beautiful as the Elder's Houston home. The home is almost as beautiful as the couple. Congrats.
Hi See ... They are Intermede 2-position from Roche Bobois.
Stunning
How would an elderly person reach those lights in the cathedral ceiling to change them? Anything too high would be dangerous. I suppose one could hire a professional to do that...curious if maintenance was thought out. It is dangerous for elderly people to get on ladders.
Holy Cow!! This is so amazing. It is like the universe came together: 2 inspired homeowners with a clear vision, an amazing architech, a builder who is great and doesn't mind getting stretched, all the other talented trades.
I am in awe.
Sleek, clean and inviting! We love the deep thought you have put into your home and now you can sit back and enjoy. Wondered where you got the sail cover and posts in the back yard?
What a great story and congratulations to the Elder's for making their vision and dream come true. "What was once old is now new again.." Kudos for staying in the original home and helping revitalize the block with the new , bright home. I'm sure it has given many neighbors ideas! Thank you HOUZZ!
Beautiful.
We live in Houston Texas, I inherited a 1950's home from my mother. The Houzz channel helps me to find a realistic way to transform this home into a modern space to share with family and friends.
This story is so touching from so many variances: The love between the couple, the commitment of the builders and the architects. Finally knowing that they have taken their starter home together and transformed it into their final dream home.
Excellent team work on this beautiful project--design through installation, the results speak for themselves.
What a beautiful story!! I actually teared up a couple of times. You can tell how much you truly love your home.
What a beautiful home! I love how your professionals listened to you,
plz plz provide me its floor plan and also tell if the floor plan is available somewhere .waiting for ur urgent reply
Dear My Virals,
Please contact us privately through our houzz profile if you are interested in the plans.
Magnificent transformation. I want this home too!
Love Love Love this house.
Beautiful floor plan and the natural light is spectacular. Amazing architect !
Beautiful!
Fabulous home and gorgeous art collection! Thank you for sharing!
What was the lot size for this home?
The lot was 70' wide.
Just magical!
Love this!!!!
So in love with this home! I have saved the video in hopes of using information and ideas later...wonderful project.
Completely not my taste and yet this house is a wow for me! The details in this home are incredible.
Okay Wow!!!
Absolutely a stunning renovation!
This is a perfect home me and my wife love it...
beautiful house they worked nicely My wishes to them and happy life
Well done. It is a great ‘blueprint’ of ideas that can be traditional/transitional as well as contemporary in a more neutral sense. I will keep this ‘adventure’ in my files! Special home.