Jaw dropping. I know the real estate market is cooling after strings of successive years on boil, and that mortgage interest rates approaching 5 percent present a new challenge for buyers, but I was astonished to see an enchanting cottage in the heart fashionable Fairmount at 1213 Carlock Street for less than $200,000. Also unbelievable is that this two-bedroom, two-bath bungalow, chock full of curb appeal, has been on the market for six months.
And the house couldn’t be more on trend. The stained shingles covering the front gable are stained the color of one of Benjamin Moore’s colors of the year, a rich, spruce, green/blue. Bowers of roses spill over the low metal fence. Paired doors under the symmetrically disposed porch suggest a duplex past. In fact, the history of the 1,200-square-foot cottage is a little murky. Tarrant Appraisal District gives the house a 1924 date, however the owners have documents suggesting a date of 1899.
Inside, the coffered ceiling and uniquely framed dining room entrance look almost cubist in design. Thankfully, the original stained wood frames remain unmarred by later painting. The gorgeous Queen Anne windows and hardwood oak floors complete the vintage ensemble. This is the picture-perfect Fairmount ambience that has lured in so many young buyers in the past decade.
The kitchen is entirely viable with a period farmhouse sink and plenty of storage. Lots of empty wall space could accommodate additional shelving. Notice the great bead board ceiling. I struggled to find something to grouse about in this irresistible charmer. Is the lack of a dishwasher a deal breaker? Not for me. On the reassuring side of the ledger — the new HVAC system.
One of the bedrooms is floored with honey-colored oak hardwoods with an attached bath and its original claw foot tub/shower and pedestal sink. And yes those are separate hot/cold taps. Deal.
The house has so much to offer and would suit young buyers or older empty nesters. And the price — 15 percent below Fairmount’s average per-square-foot price — presents a unique buying opportunity for a first-time buyer to enter one of Fort Worth’s most popular neighborhoods. See it in person at the open house from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 — that is, if it doesn’t go under contract before then.
J.R. Martinez of Kenneth Jones Real Estate has priced 1213 Carlock Street at $199,000.
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt. His own home on historic Elizabeth Boulevard has been featured in 360 West.
