Arches have been around for ages, really, centuries. Those curves can be both practical and pretty. In fact, an arch is an architectural marvel. With elegant grace, arches can span distances, supporting their own weight. This dramatic structural engineering is beyond a mere journalism major, but they’ve appeared for centuries.
For example, there’s the catenary arch that somehow employs compression for its strength. Its name comes from the Latin word “catena,” meaning chain and the St. Louis arch is a famous example of a catenary arch, or almost anyway. The list of types of arches, in fact, could fill an encyclopedia. There’s the soft segmented arch, the bell curve, the Tudor, the gothic, the elliptical, the corbel, the shoulder flat, and a personal favorite, the custom.
Whether interior or exterior, a well-placed arch can impact the appearance and atmosphere of a home. So for all of you who sniff as you say, “I like straight, clean lines” in architecture, avert your eyes because here come arches some of us find oh-so-attractive. One might call them lovely, graceful, and elegant, and Realtors have deemed them attached to this week’s daltxrealestate.com spotlighted open houses.
3916 Lenox Drive, Fort Worth
Four arches grace the front of this charming Fort Worth home–five if you count the one over the set-back garage. Even from the sidewalk, a visitor to 3926 Lenox Drive can see just how important an arch can be in providing curb appeal to a house.
Just step inside its 3,574 square feet, and see more of what those arches can do. The living area’s fireplace gains even more importance when it’s flanked by two beautifully curved windows.
With or without arches, there’s plenty to love about this house, starting with the gorgeous trees found in Fort Worth’s beautiful Monticello neighborhood. Priced at $1.599 million, the house features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a 267-square-foot guest house.
The first-floor owners’ suite features French doors that open to the patio, overlooking a spacious backyard, large enough for a pool, should Texas’ summers require one. The second floor offers a game room with a wet bar and fireplace, perfect for entertaining in any season.
Location? It’s situated near River Crest Country Club and Monticello Park.
Listing agents Joseph Berkes and W. Spencer Perry with Williams Trew Real Estate will hold this home open from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
39 Braewood Place, Dallas
Fanlight windows arch across the front of the estate at 39 Braewood Place, located in Dallas’ gated Glen Abbey neighborhood. Also adding to the impressive appeal are the circular drive, striking stairs, and beautiful balconies of this 13,713-square-foot manor priced at $4.5 million.
What’s not visible from the front are the full basement, six-car garage, and elevator to whisk guests to living areas on multiple levels. The first floor features two formal living areas, a formal dining room, a family room, a kitchen, and a breakfast room. Also on the main floor is the primary retreat with space for a sitting area, a luxurious bathroom, a personal washer and dryer, and a guest bedroom with its ensuite bathroom.
Upstairs are more bedrooms, a theater-style media room, plus a game room. A basement — yes, a basement in this Texas home — includes two game rooms, a kitchenette, a wet bar, a bedroom, a full bath, and a wine-tasting room.
This home, listed by Paulette Greene with Ebby Halliday Realtors, will be held open from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
5432 Bent Tree Drive, Dallas
With or without arched touches, this home has a lot to offer, including some fun. Now, it does have arched windows lending a light and bright look throughout this home, but that’s just the beginning of the special touches in this two-story abode.
Built in 1976, 5423 Bent Tree Drive has received a stylish update in the far North Dallas neighborhood of Bent Tree. It offers four bedrooms and five baths in its 7,933 square feet and is listed at $2.99 million.
Entertain the entire book club or maybe all the PTA board in the oversized dining room. Show off the gourmet kitchen with its flashy European appliances, high-end finishes, and deluxe storage space. The family room’s oversized windows and French doors allow a great view of the pool.
Double vanities in an elegant owners’ suite are expected, of course, in a home like this, but this home offers double commodes and closets, too. To add to the glamour and maybe a little mystery, a staircase leads to a private retreat.
Ada Rosa McNeff with Ebby Halliday Realtors will hold this home open from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
