I admit that I had to go outside the city limits this week in an attempt to be a value-forward real estate shopper. I discovered Bella Flora, an affluent Benbrook addition within Tarrant County and only 26 minutes (18 Miles) from downtown Fort Worth.
There are many strong reasons for the short commute. At the top of the list is the quality of life. Benbrook has a livability score of 86/100, which is considered exceptional. Crime rates are 34 percent below the Texas average. Lots in the addition are sizable — most are over one acre. And then there are the schools. Bella Flora has access to Aledo schools rated an astonishing 9/10 by GreatSchools.org.
Prices for houses in Bella Flora range from $600,000 to $1.6 million. Our listing is at the low end of that range. Curb appeal is perhaps misleading to describe a house with such a deep setback. But the manifestation of quality is evident at first sight beginning with the long walkway leading to the front door. Or the prodigious use of native Texas stone in the curvaceous retaining wall, planting beds, columns, and exterior walls.
The area does lack what we often call charm, looking a bit sparse, in need of 20 years of generous and judicious tree planting.
Inside we find more native stone. The plan is about as open as open-concept gets — not to everyone’s taste, I know, but again, think family and wanting the wee ones ever in one’s sight. The 3,146-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bath house is barely nine years old and still looks brand new.
The angled hearth and chimney add definition and opens up interesting options for furniture placement. Ditto the island that defines the kitchen with a small dining area tucked into a corner. Hardwood floors run throughout the space. A bank of doors with over-door transom windows at back maximize light and frame views of the acreage, creating a perfect spot for a long dining table.
The kitchen is fully stocked with high-end appliances including two 30-inch built-in ovens, six-burner gas cook-top, a built-in microwave, and a deep farmhouse sink.
The largest bedroom continues the hardwood flooring. Did I mention that this is a one-story? You might assume from the exterior profile that there are two floors. I like the attached wardrobe — a useful augmentation to the large closet. Doors, millwork, and bath cabinets could be upgraded with a well-chosen paint color. The bath has twin sinks, a water closet, a separate shower stall, and a slipper tub illuminated by a glass block window. Floors are scored stained concrete.
A bonus room could function as a media room or home office, or even a fourth bedroom if needed. The house also boasts a full laundry room with a sink.
The covered back porch is made cozy with a built-in fireplace. The extensive back garden offers many options for future landscape upgrades with room for a pool and tennis courts. The two-car garage is discreetly located at the right side of the house reached by a winding drive. Water and sewer are off-grid with an aerobic septic system and water well. There is a neighborhood association with a small annual fee of $500.
Laura Spann of Briggs Freeman Sothebys has the listing for 12500 Bella Vita priced at $609,000. Status is currently Contract Pending.
