You might pass low key, 4729 Washburn Avenue, only one block from River Crest Country Club, without taking much notice. The discreet façade with the two car garage front entrance out of necessity (no alleys in Rivercrest), extends across the 50 foot lot to claim the maximum amount of space for its interior. And yet the original owners, John S. Justin, Jr. and Jane Justin, were undeniably high profile.
John was the owner of Justin Boots. Jane was a well known philanthropist, hostess and writer of books on entertaining. The house’s prodigious storage housed her legendary china collection.
Listing agent Martha Williams of Williams Trew is intimately acquainted with this hidden treasure. Her father, Jack Schutts, was the architect, and her sister, Emily Dunleavy, is the present owner. The subdued front conceals a wealth of richness within and more than 5000 square feet of living. Originally more traditional in decor, Mrs. Dunleavy spent nearly a year and one half reconstructing-reincarnating might be more accurate- the entire residence in a more modern vein. You are going to need to catch your breath when you see this:
The front hall shimmers in fine light gray Venetian plaster. In fact all paint work is nothing short of sensational. Mocha colored marble paves the floors. To the right, behind a door, is a luxuriously appointed coat closet with blue velvet lined walls and banquette. A staircase sweeps the walls of the rotunda.
The living room is beautifully staged with the owners’ retro modern furniture. Subtly stained bird’s eye maple panels with metal reveals frame the fireplace-a design detail echoed in the bar opposite. Hardware and fixtures in the home are of the highest quality.
Wide plank oak runs throughout the first floor. System additions include an Infinity HVAC system, Sonos sound system and other smart house features which can be mastered from a tablet.
The level of luxury continues in the kitchen area which has been given a more modern layout open to informal dining and a second living area. Kitchen counter surfaces are quartz Cesar stone. The reflective mercury glass panels in the cabinet uppers add subtle bling to the mostly white color scheme. I love the unencumbered, free standing mega range. Illumination is provided by clean recessed strips. 
A wall of storage makes up the back of the second living space. A delicious private office hung with rose grass cloth lies beyond.
The scintillating Venetian plaster reappears in the downstairs master bedroom conferring interest and serenity. A view of the soaker pool and fountain can be appreciated from a wall of windows which comprise one of three sides of the atrium which envelops it.
The master suite features separate his and hers baths. Both bathrooms have heated floors. His has a steam shower. Hers has an over-scale deep tub revetted in mirror. The white monochrome creates an atmosphere of glacial luxury.
Upstairs, any of the bedrooms could be an alternate master, large as they are, complete with their own en suite baths. One is painted in powder blue-green strié. Gray Stark zebra pattern carpet covers the floor. The bedroom count is a little complicated. As arranged now, there are three. However, two additional large spaces could be rededicated as bedrooms, including a completely independent suite. Served by an elevator at the back of the house, it is almost a private apartment within the house with its own full bath. It is now being used as an office suite.
Martha Williams of Williams Trew is offering 4729 Washburn Avenue for $2,700,000.00
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt.
