Sometimes you happen upon reminders of the different courses your life may have taken. Back in 2000, I was in the process of moving to Dallas from California and had settled on a shell townhouse in Oak Lawn on Throckmorton Street. I’d signed the contract and met with the builder to discuss my customizations and high-spec finishes. I’d even put down a $5,000 non-refundable deposit … that really was non-refundable. But 2000s dotcom bust swept me right along with it, delaying my Dallas debut until 2007.
That life not lived would have been next door to 4053 Throckmorton Street, a development whose life didn’t go as planned, either. The first set of townhouses were water-tight albeit slow selling. The second group’s wood frames and Tyvek flapped in the wind for years before being finally finished and occupied. This property is from the first pair, when the builder was much more optimistic.
This riff on a New York brick townhouse contains 2,569 square feet housing three bedrooms with three full and one half bathrooms. There are two generous patio spaces on the ground and main living levels. It’s listed with Susan Bratton with Allie Beth Allman for $669,000.
As the mirror floorplan to “my” corner unit, I could give a tour in the dark.
What I liked about this townhouse was the limestone and brick exterior. It was different. It was classy and classic. It wasn’t the same townhouse floor plan we all know by heart. To start with, the “ground” floor is actually partially underground. This accomplishes a few things. First, the stairs from the sidewalk are in proportion. Second, the ground floor windows were the 3/4 windows seen in townhomes of this type … think Laverne and Shirley’s apartment but with more light and no Lennie and Squiggy. Third, upon entering the home, staircases led up and down, making for a shorter climb to the living level. Fourth, being partially underground means you can get higher ceilings on the upper levels.
The ground floor holds a bedroom and bathroom but also a large walk-out private covered patio. Again, the feeling that the ground floor is more connected to the main living level. We’ve all entered townhomes where the ground floor feels miles away from the living level. It’s all an optical illusion of course, but not having a long straight shot of staircase makes it feel more connected here.
At the top of the stairs, the dining area is to the left with the kitchen slightly behind with views out to Throckmorton Street. As you can see, the design offers plenty of lighting from the kitchen windows, but also from the entry.
The dining room is set for four, but the space would easily accommodate a larger table. Between the kitchen and dining areas is the second patio that gives a central place to entertain as well as bringing light into the elongated space (a problem with many townhouses).
The kitchen is spacious with tons of counter space. I’m guessing the upper cabinets were painted white at some point as that was not the style in 2000 — it definitely lightens the kitchen. Again, reflecting the builder’s exuberance, the kitchen has Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances.
Another thing to like about this design is the placement of staircases. It’s not a single zig-zag through the house. There’s the one in front and then one in the middle that takes you to the top floor. It’s hidden out of sight at the edge of the living room. I do dislike townhouses with sofas resting against an open railing.
The living room is very generously sized at about 20’ x 20’ with tall ceilings. I might ditch the Mediterranean mantle for something shorter and less massive for better TV viewing (I always thought it was out of place in a New York townhouse) … but the rest of the room is ready to go.
Upstairs are the master and second guest bedrooms. They’re both well-sized with en suite bathrooms. You’ll notice the extra touch/expense of hardwoods where most would be carpet.
The master bath has dual sinks and separate shower and bathtub. Having a window is a great, and often unexpected, addition in a townhouse. A new buyer might want to freshen up the bathroom with new over-sink lights, but otherwise it’s ready for your ablutions.
As it turned out, Throckmorton Street was a road not taken by me. But 4053 Throckmorton could be the road you’re fated to take. Who knows, I may stop by and revisit the ghosts of my life.
Remember: High-rises, HOAs and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement. If you’re interested in hosting a Candysdirt.com Staff Meeting event, I’m your guy. In 2016, my writing was recognized with Bronze and Silver awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors. Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make? Shoot me an email [email protected].
