There are some definite requirements for the holidays. Decorations and great food are two of the essentials, but so is a great kitchen to make all the magic happen.

When the family comes over for Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, having a place to brew spiced cider, bake cookies or roast turkey is darned important. The Arlington house for sale at 2209 Sand Creek Ct. stands ready for all the tasks. With clean white cabinets, quartz countertops, herringbone-patterned backsplash and stainless-steel appliances, this remodeled cook’s space is equipped for the seasons and the seasonings, too.

A herringbone-patterned backsplash, open shelving and stainless-steel appliances highlight the updated kitchen.

The 2,029-square-foot house also includes a bright dining area, framed by plantation shutters. It would make a nice setting for holiday gatherings over festive meals for family and friends.

“It’s more special more special than a lot of houses you see out there,” said Realtor Tadeo Aguilera with Funk Realty Group. “This house has definitely more charm and space for entertainment.”

He should know. It’s the Realtor’s own home he remodeled for himself before work necessitated a move east to Dallas.

The living room includes a fireplace and wet bar.

A contemporary chandelier brightens the dining space, part of an open floorplan.

Contemporary Spin on the ’80s

Built in 1986, the updated house combines modern style with everyday living. Aguilera overesaw many of the updates which resulted in an open, light-filled floorplan, now loaded with designer touches and hardwood flooring throughout.

”I’ve updated everything in the house, but still respected the house itself,” he said. “This is not just a flip house. People have taken care of this house ever since it was built.”

The list of updates include such big-ticket items as removing the popcorn ceilings, replacing the sewer line, adding LED lighting and upgraded electrical outlets. The main living area includes vaulted ceilings and a sleek and stylish wet bar. A custom-tiled electric fireplace ensures there’s a cozy spot to hang stockings for Santa to fill. The cool spiral staircase leads to a loft that Aguilera currently uses as his office, but it could be a terrific vantage point to spy on Santa.

A spiral staircase winds up to a loft overlooking the living room.

Places to Relax

With three spacious bedrooms and two full baths, this home offers enough room for relaxing between the holiday get-togethers. The primary suite includes eye-catching finishes and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. Besides the marble surfaces and walk-in glass shower, there’s a deep soaking tub, a perfect place to relax after a day of cooking and entertaining. The two additional bedrooms, styled with pops of contemporary colors, are filled with natural light.

 The house offers fewer worries than many on the market. Entertaining with confidence is a lot easier knowing the entire AC system was replaced and major foundation work completed just two years ago.

Hardwood floors are part of this updated 1986 house.

Cul-de-Sac Spot

All this comes with a certain amount of curb appeal, too. Holiday visitors will admire even before they see inside this north Arlington house that sits on a cul-de-sac. Mature trees shade the front of the house, which includes a covered front porch.

“The curb appeal is amazing,” Aguilera said. “It’s a very inviting home.”

A covered porch greets visitors to this home, located on a cul-de-sac.

The location, of course, allows handy commutes possible to Dallas, Fort Worth and, of course, DFW International Airport, making it oh-so-easy to pick up visiting relatives. Once they arrive, entertainment at Six Flags Over Texas, a Rangers game or a Cowboys game, is only 10 minutes away.

All this comes at less than $500,000. Want to see this house before the holidays are upon us? Aguilera will hold this house open from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Realtor Tad Aguilera with Funk Realty Group has listed 2209 Sand Creek Ct. for $490,000.