I set the bar pretty high when it comes to properties I think are worthy of our readers. I try to think a lot like the French, who we know are supremely selective. A home has to have historical or architectural value, or a great story. Or, it has to be so beautiful that even a French woman would love it, like our Inwood Home of the Week, a gorgeous University Park modern French farmhouse at 2708 Daniel Avenue.
Some builders get it right, every single time. They know what buyers want today. They want a semblance of a traditional layout, coupled with an open floor plan in part of the house, while also retaining some intimate areas. They also want a bit more than a white box, so you have to add detail that warms a house up and makes it feel like a home. Fairmont Homes ticked every single one of those boxes when they built this 5,248-square-foot University Park modern French farmhouse this year.
Back to women — you know one was involved when you see a house like this. Sorry guys, but we can tell. Builder Collin Fahrenkopf brings more than just his own sense of style and building skill to the party. His talented wife Meagan is the interior designer on his projects and responsible for all of that lovely finish-out and those lighting selections. Just look at the kitchen backsplash, the hardware, and the light fixtures!
There was extraordinary attention paid to detail in this modern French farmhouse. Women also understand kids are going to live in any home in University Park with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a powder bath, so they never neglect the laundry room and understand the value of custom lockers in the mudroom. A house must be beautiful, but when it comes to kids, practicality counts.
Fahrenkopf not only used white oak floors he also added oak to the family-sized kitchen island and rustic beams to add that necessary warmth.
The master suite is downstairs with a sizable master shower. You know the kids will endeavor to wash the dog in there, and the dog will no doubt grow to love showers as this one has dual shower heads and a body sprayer.
Another thing that makes me notice a home is if it is staged. Granted it’s because I’m a stager by day, but frankly, no one wants to see an empty house regardless of how beautiful the architecture or design. Potential buyers want to understand where and how furniture fits into a home and let’s face it, they are purchasing a desired lifestyle as much as a house. The Staged Collective did a lovely job on this modern French farmhouse. I think they hit all the right notes of sophistication and comfort that make this home resonate with buyers.
When laying out any home in the Park Cities, you have to be mindful of the fact kids need yard space, and adults like to entertain. This modern French farmhouse sits on a 211-foot-deep lot and was situated on the property to offer plenty of green space. A pool is an easy add if that’s in your plans.
Compass Real Estate listing agents Piper Young and Breah Brown have this beautiful University Park modern French farmhouse listed for $2.065 million.
After the Thanksgiving holidays — if it is still available of course, they plan to hold an art event. You may have noticed all the fabulous artworks in the home, including that iconic John Wayne piece by artist Steve Lawrence! We are betting you could convince the artists and the stagers to sell you everything so you can move right in. I know that’s what I’d do!
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com.
