Recently I was asked my thoughts on a neighborhood changing its name. While that story is in production, I will say this: if ever there was a community that should change its name, that would be Farmers Branch.
Why? Because there are some gorgeous homes in Farmers Branch, very upscale, sleek and sophisticated, and the location is stellar: just north of the 635 Loop, convenient to 35E and DFW, especially now that 635 is nearing it’s 2000 year (or so it seemed) completion. I know I am risking the wrath of an entire community, a really great community, but I just have to apologize in advance and SAY IT. And it’s not just the recent negative publicity from that inane immigration ordinance attempt, it’s the tone and inference of the word “Farmer” that has been etched into us all since, well, The Farmer in the Dell:
I say try Ranchers Hollow, or Ranchers Branch. Or how about Farnsworth Branch, borrowing the name of a lovely rural road (probably not so rural anymore) in my native suburban Illinois?
Because look at this sizzling sustainable showplace at 2619 Leta Mae Lane that is for sale in FB and all she has to offer!
This is a very modern, almost futuristic home by Dallas modern architect John Shortall, built by custom home builder Kenneth Schlebach. Talk about a steal, the 2325 square foot home is completely constructed of steel and metal, even up to the interior doors. It is a modern masterpiece, energy efficient and green, with an open floor-plan and beautiful detailing you would see in Preston Hollow or Highland Park with a $3 million or higher price-tag. It was built in 2014, so just one year old. Listed with Grant Vancleve at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, Lakewood.
The home has three bedrooms and two full baths, and all (heated) concrete floors. Why no powder? The owner, a single person, didn’t think a powder was necessary. (Are they? I’m a germ phobic but maybe others agree?) The industrial windows are thermo and seal out cold and heat. Ceilings are soaring with sculptured metal beams, the open rooms divided by beautiful modular, interlocking block sculpture. The yard is a fifth acre with a minimally landscaped backyard that could hold a pool, though methinks this home’s buyer profile is more green.
“The home is built as a home of the future, all steel and studs, no wood, built to last forever,” says the architect, John Shortall. “There is a geothermal system, not your typical AC system, and a fully developed solar system plus foam insulation everywhere, so it’s a very well insulated and green home, very economical to maintain.”
Thus the home met the owner’s strict requirements for modernism and extreme efficiency.
“Plus we had to work around a lot of requirements that FB required, making sure the house fit into the parameters of the development– ie vaulted roofs are not allowed in that development,” says Shortall. “So its an unusual and unique design.”
Can John see himself doing more of these?
“That was my focus,” he says.
The kitchen is a Bultaup that pulls out all the punches and spares no expense –you know those kitchens are among the best and costliest. The appliances are also haute by Miele, Paykel, and Hobart with the Hobart dishwasher featuring a 90 second cycle and the dishes are done. Bam. Oh my, how handy that will be come Thanksgiving dinner.
The home is also fully geothermal with solar panels, and has been prepared for a generator so you will not suffer the indignity of losing power as we did over this past storm weekend which not only fried my PC BUT! sent our alarm system into convulsions until two nice DPD showed up at my door Saturday morning — our Panic Alert panicked.
I guess with this house in Farmers Branch, it’s like buying Hermes at Marshalls. And because it’s in Farmers Branch, the price on this 2325 square foot brand new baby was originally only $1,080,000. Reduced JUST TODAY (for daltxrealestate.com readers!) to $995,000.
So yes, today’s Monday Morning Millionaire saves you $5,000! Go take a nice vacation! You may have to live in Farmers Branch, but you’ll save money and… maybe, just maybe we can launch a name re-branding! Don’t forget: the cheese stands alone!
