Masters of Flip: Nashville Stone-House Makeover

Music City house-flippers Kortney and Dave Wilson take on a neglected ranch home on a large lot in an up-and-coming neighborhood, transforming a dated house with a maze-like layout into a family friendly abode with loads of light and (hopefully) plenty of resale potential. Can the couple juggle budgets and deadlines to turn a tidy profit?

By: David L. Haynes

Shop This Look

Secret's Out

Kortney Wilson is a real estate pro with an eye for design. Her husband and business partner, Dave, knows a thing or two about construction. Together they have a passion for seeking out forlorn and neglected houses in and around Nashville, transforming them into beautiful homes then placing them back on the market to realize a healthy profit. Flipping houses can be risky business, but this energetic and dedicated couple seems to have found a formula for success. Check out this example of their handiwork in an impressive renovation featured in Season 1 of their HGTV series Masters of Flip.

The Bronte Project

BEFORE. This house was sorely in need of some love, but Kortney and Dave immediately saw potential. Drawing cards included the distinctive stone exterior, hardwood floors, a desirable location and a lot that was huge relative to other homes in the neighborhood. The home's interior would reveal the real challenges.

The Bronte Project

AFTER. The exterior gets a simple refresh with new landscaping, bright green trim, newly wrapped columns and improvements to the porch and entry.

Before

After a quick tour of the interior, the consensus was that the house was charming on the outside, ugly on the inside. Dark paneling, dated tile surfaces, acoustic tile ceiling and old fixtures were in evidence throughout. Dave and Kortney purchased the house for $190,000 with a plan to put $120,000 into renovation.

After

A key feature in this room was the abundance of windows. New hardwood flooring, a light neutral palette, contemporary furnishings and updated lighting help transform this space at the rear of the house into a cheerful living area.

Expansive Vision

Walls were removed to create a more open floor plan with better flow between the kitchen, dining room and living spaces.

Cozy Corner

This flex space at the rear of the house offers additional room for additional seating and entertaining.

Before

The wood paneling in the living room, wall-to-wall carpeting and old fireplace surround were among the first things to go during demolition.

After

Removing the wood paneling and fireplace surround revealed the original brick. The fireplace unfortunately could not be made functional but, with fresh white paint and accessories still becomes a visual focal point in the main living room.

Rustic Chic

Kortney and her team staged the home to give it a contemporary rustic look as seen in this revitalized dining area.

Free-Form Space

The home's kitchen had been a narrow galley with an awkward layout and dated appliances. The new kitchen is open, light and efficiently laid out. The actual footprint of the kitchen is not overly large, but the openness and high ceilings help give the space a dramatic look.

Neutral Palette, Clean Lines

Highlights in the visually understated kitchen include a large island, white stone countertops, new glass-front cabinets and contemporary industrial style pendant lights.

Simple Elegance

The master suite was reconfigured to include two large walk-in closets and a grand en suite bath.

Simple Elegance

As elsewhere, the color palette in the master was kept simple and eye-pleasing, featuring grays, white, beiges and natural wood.

En Suite

Gray stone tile, a dual vanity, updated lighting and modern styling create an elegant bath fully coordinated with the master bedroom.

Before

A second bedroom, just off the kitchen, offers a blank slate for Kortney and her team.

After

Before

Dated tile, stained grout and very pink walls weren't exactly making for a spa bath experience.

After

The small bath gets a fresh update in pale blue – with white subway tile, marble top vanity and updated fixtures.

Before

Another nondescript bedroom offers Kortney and crew a chance to get colorfully creative.

After

A pink ruffly bedspread, luxurious window treatments and pale blue-and-white chevron accents give this bedroom a decidedly feminine feel.

Running the Numbers

Kortney and Dave purchased this home for $190,000 then invested $120,000 in renovations. Based on the size of the lot, nearby comps and the level of upgrades, they listed the house at $450,000. The final sale price: $445,000 – realizing a net proceed of $135,000.

Masters of Flip

Masters of Flip: Nashville Stone-House Makeover

Shop This Look

Secret's Out

The Bronte Project

The Bronte Project

Before

After

Expansive Vision

Cozy Corner

Before

After

Rustic Chic

Free-Form Space

Neutral Palette, Clean Lines

Simple Elegance

Simple Elegance

En Suite

Before

After

Before

Before

After

Before

After

Running the Numbers

Masters of Flip Featured Videos 1 Video

Soaking in Luxury: Master Bath Flip

Related Pages