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old windows.” approach. They have two ovens side-byside — a modern number and a fabulous red oven that can’t be much newer than the house. The sink is original, although it has been updated, and the wood floors were taken from what used to be the sleeping porch upstairs.

Both owners kept many of the original doorknobs, some of the original lights and as much of the original wood flooring as possible. Both houses also contain a before-telecommunications device that runs from the kitchen to the upstairs hallway, although it’s not clear how either operates.

There are also elements of the homes that have been tweaked or “sensitively restored” throughout the years.

Glenda Finnegan says 5422 was remodeled by the previous owners, Rick Fowler and Mike Handley, who had to undo some of the previous renovations and redo some others. House 5450 was updated in 2004 under the skillful supervision of historic architect Daron Tapscott.

“It’s got good energy in here. The sun is just so pretty, the way it comes through these old windows.”

Major renovations transformed the upstairs sleeping porches in both homes, where, pre–air conditioning, people used to open the windows for breezy slumber in the Texas heat. The sleeping porch in the Finnegans’ home has been remade into a giant closet someone could get lost in. Smith and Miller’s home now boasts a roomy bathroom and office.

The Finnegans’ kitchen now features sleek, modern appliances that would make the Cooking Channel jealous, such as a commercial Wolf oven-stove combo and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Smith and Miller’s kitchen has been redone with a different

Smith and Miller’s backyard has seen major overhauls since the old days. When Pink lived there, it looked almost identical to her sister’s backyard, which still features a long brick driveway leading to the garage. The house at 5450 now has a small pool in the shade, a carport and a media room where the garage used to be.