Turtle Creek Drive is so super-secret, DCAD doesn’t list it as a street. Instead you’ll find it under Turtle Creek Plaza. But you know exactly where it is. Who hasn’t walked either on the Katy Trail or along Turtle Creek across from the Warrington and seen those houses across the water? They ain’t small so you knew something was up … but what?
You may recall Braden Power’s party pad with the foyer pool, or you may have seen outspoken Heidi Dillon guesting on the Real Housewives of Dallas or maybe you’ve eaten your fill at El Fenix and Snuffer’s, now owned by Michael Karns. Either way, they’re all habitués of Turtle Creek Drive, along with an assortment of less conspicuous socialites, doctors, and lawyers.
If you’re looking for a little hideaway in the trees bordering Turtle Creek with guard geese (geese are mean!) there are currently two options. (Actually three with the newly listed 3816 Turtle Creek Drive.)
3840 Turtle Creek Drive
Douglas Newby is representing 3840 Turtle Creek Drive, a 1960s mid-century home of 3,132 square feet with two full and one half bathroom. On the upside, the property is listed at lot value, meaning the home is FREE … once you buy the $2.8 million 0.58 acre heavily-treed lot. Unfortunately, it likely means this home will meet a wrecking ball rather than a renovator.
It’s a shame as the home is hardly a dump, but these days there’s a decided correlation between wealth and home oversize. The lot meanders downhill before reaching today’s less torrential Turtle Creek (the slope is a result of erosion from when the waters were higher millennia ago). The home isn’t waterfront, there’s one lot separating it, but that home doesn’t block any views, it’s just lawn at this end.
The pool is the perfect place to relax in shaded comfort away from Dallas’ punishing summer sun. Think of the money you’ll save on your 1 million SPF sunscreen. It’s like a vacation home in the middle of Dallas.
The inside of the home sports plenty of glass to further its treehouse sensations. Ceilings are likewise tall with a bit of a vault here in the living room.
The master bedroom really seals the deal for would-be forest rangers. At once massive and invisible, the black fireplace, complete with large TV, sets a great mood without undercutting the views. Best summer camp ever!
Ahhh…
3520 Blackburn
For those who prefer newer construction versus modern styling, there’s the Mediterranean-inspired 3520 Blackburn Street marketed by Jonathan Rosen of Briggs Freeman. Just as the creek has its twists and turns, so does this neighborhood. Five creekfront homes curve from Blackburn and the creek around the corner onto Turtle Creek Drive, this home is the first.
Built in 2006, this home spans 5,255 square feet with three bedrooms, four full and two half bathrooms. If you’ve been waiting, this home just got $76,000 closer to your budget at $2.299 million. At three stories (with elevator), views from the back range from Creekside campground to treetop high-rises.
The downstairs living room is where I’d curl up for winter looking out at bare trees and a rarely frozen Turtle Creek. It’s even got a kitchenette/bar and a full bathroom, so I wouldn’t need more for my hibernation.
Of course when the trees re-greened, I’d want to set up a tent and make s’mores (with a little Woodford Reserve on the rocks). Strangers on the street would be begging to be invited to evening parties or afternoon barbeque parties on this deck.
Upstairs retains the forest views but with a little formality. The living room here has one of three fireplaces in the home. It’s the perfect location for entertaining when outdoors just isn’t cooperating.
The kitchen is as large as you’d like with separate fridge/freezer and a six-burner range with griddle. Out of shot is the second fireplace for family dinners. And I know you noticed all the windows again. This home was smartly designed to ignore Blackburn as much as possible while gulping down the Turtle Creek views.
Up-upstairs is the master suite, fully windowed and fireplaced. There’s an enormous pair of his/hers closets along with a mostly separated his/hers bathroom. There’s also what I thought was an odd room off the master that I thought was perhaps a nursery (which it could be). However, I was told that the owners use it as an office. You see, the owner is a global guy and some parts of the world are having emergencies when the U.S. is sleeping. So rather than stumble downstairs at 2 a.m., the office is handy to the bedroom.
The “hers” side of the bath has its own vanity, bathtub and toilet … as does his. So no blaming any smells on the dog!
Connecting the “his” to the “hers” is the connecting double-headed shower. I mean, isn’t the best time to see your paramour when they’re naked AND clean?
So take your pick. Do you want a mid-century modern or a newer Mediterranean on the water?
Decisions, decisions …
Remember: Do you have an HOA story to tell? A little high-rise history? Realtors, want to feature a listing in need of renovation or one that’s complete with flying colors? How about hosting a Candy’s Dirt Staff Meeting? Shoot Jon an email. Marriage proposals accepted (they’re legal)! sharewithjon@daltxrealestate.com
