Last year our homes took on a new meaning. They became a sanctuary and a safe haven. They also had to perform at new levels.
Suddenly they were fulfilling every family member’s personal and professional needs. We demanded a lot more — and now we expect it. In addition to the former perks that are now considered necessities, we want character. That big white box is passe.
That’s why I was so excited when Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate agent Karen Fry sent me this captivating contemporary house with a rare covered pool. Yes, I said covered pool, but don’t scroll to the end or you’ll miss half the drama!
This captivating contemporary home combines modern elements such as vaulted ceilings, angled windows, and skylights, yet it’s clear the builder had respect for the rambling ranch-style homes of the 1950s. It’s possibly the best of both worlds for our current challenges.
From Good to Great
Built in 1980, the present owners took a good flip and elevated it to great.
“They did everything to an intelligent degree,” Fry said. “One of the things the owners have appreciated is that it’s understated from the street, and so powerful when you walk in the front door.”
One of those smart decisions was to turn the formal living room into a sizeable and bold dining room. Who doesn’t want to have dinner in front of a fireplace? It adds a whole new dimension to your dining experience, and formal living rooms are also passe, so this is a win-win.
Of course, you are going to spend most of your time in the large open-plan living area. It was fitted with an overhead projector, so “Netflix and chill” hits a dramatic new level.
One Sweet Primary Suite
The first-floor primary suite is a jaw-dropper. It’s enormous with one of the best bathrooms I’ve seen in ages. You could easily host a party in the wet room area alone.
“The bathroom and closet are bigger than some New York apartments,” Fry said.
The 5,414-square-foot floor plan of this captivating contemporary include another large first-floor bedroom with a fireplace. The second story has two bedrooms with a shared bath. That brings our count to four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a powder bath.
All-Season Swimming
But the deal sealer is the covered pool.
I can count on one hand how many I’ve seen in Dallas in decades. If there were ever a pandemic party pool, this is it.
“You can use the pool 365 days a year,” Fry said. It’s heated for winter enjoyment, and even in those dog days of summer, you’re shielded from the piercing rays of the Texas sun. The sides were removed to create airflow, which was another intelligent move. Access is directly off the breakfast room, so this is yet another fabulous entertaining space.
The house must have been a custom build for someone that threw parties constantly because the big terraced backyard is a party paradise. There’s even a treehouse!
Fry has 11626 High Forest Drive offered at $1.479 million. It’s only been listed for a few days, and I fully expect it to be sold by the open house this weekend because captivating contemporary homes with covered pools are a find!
Open House: Sunday, February 7, 1 to 3 p.m.
