Editor's Note: Houston is loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap Editor-at-Large Shelby Hodge snoops through some of our faves and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.

6607 Kury Lane

Having finally been introduced to Timbergrove Manor, the quiet inner-Loop neighborhood just west of the Heights, I feel that I've found a quiet community where budget-conscious home shoppers can make their dreams reality. The ranch style houses, carefully-manicured lawns, tall trees and large lots offer big bang for the buck, a great neighborhood for young couples looking for starter homes and those looking for a permanent foot in the city's quickly escalating housing market.

A perfect example of what can be done with these 1950s-'60s ranch homes is this one nestled on Kury Lane. Matt Junger, who moved to Houston after 10 years of renovating houses in the Atlanta area, took on this project in early summer and has created an appealing, comfortable home.

He took the house back to the studs, replacing electrical and plumbing, putting in new oak flooring and adding enough square footage for a spacious family room and master closets and baths not often found in homes of this era. He took the house, built in 1954, from 1,984 square feet to 2,470. The detached garage, which took up much of the backyard, was demolished and an attached garage added.

Walk through: Passing through the small front entry, you arrive in the light-filled living/dining room where Junger has raised the center ceiling to 9 feet and enclosed the brick mantle in wood cabinetry. Just beyond is a nice ante-room that leads to the den. This addition features 10-foot ceilings and overlooks the nice-sized backyard.

To the right of the living room is the galley-style kitchen, completely refitted with cabinetry and appliances and with lots of natural light that flows in through windows on two sides. The breakfast area leads from the kitchen to a hallway with good-sized walk-in pantry, a guest bathroom and on to a spacious laundry room. The entry to the garage is here.

To the left of the living room are the bedrooms. The master, with a raised center ceiling, features a spacious bath with double vanities, soaking tub and steam shower and separate water closet. Two walk-in closets stand between the bedroom and bath. This unusual amount of space is possible thanks to the additional square footage.

The two guest bedrooms, the center one ideal for an office or baby's room, share a Hollywood bath with double sinks.

Love: The neighborhood is quiet and well-kept and not 10 minutes from the bustling action of Washington Avenue.

Fresh: Completely redone, literally taken back to the studs, this house is bright and fresh, enjoying the charm of a mid-century home with all the conveniences of modern day.

Bonus: While not a multi-acre Memorial-area lot, the green space is ample, plenty of room for backyard barbecue parties, perhaps a swimming pool.

Needed: The new owner will have to provide the fridge and the washer and dryer.

Square footage: 2, 470.

Asking price: $499,900.

Listing agent: Rebecca Wilson with Greenwood King.