Bouncing between Fort Worth and Dallas on a near daily basis as I do, I am reminded of a sign that used to taunt commuters on the then four lane, car-clogged Central Expressway year ago — “If you lived here, you would already be home”. Such musings often occur at the inevitable mid-point clog betwixt Dallas and Fort Worth. Perhaps I should quit fighting traffic and stop to have a look at a wonderful Arlington neighborhood loaded with gorgeous homes that remains, to this day, still a bit of a sleeper.
Just north of I 20, is the small and relatively unknown community of Dalworthington Gardens. The aristocratic sounding moniker masks rather humble beginnings. The unincoroprated township of some 2300 souls, was established in 1934, as a subsistence homestead project during the Great Depression, under the authority of the National Industrial Recovery Act. Nowadays, like many North Texas localities, Dalworthington Gardens prospers and Briggs agent Moses Druxman, tells me the median home price here is nearly $500,000.00. His listing at 3605 Blossom Park Court boldly proclaims this new prosperity. And oh, what you can get for your pennies.
And the pay-off for going off the beaten track? A lot of house — 4727 square feet, for the near bargain price of $749,900.00. Compare to Frisco, or even Aledo. Beautifully landscaped, with cypresses taller than the rather grand structure, built in 2004, Blossom Park Court doesn’t have the cold ‘little chateau on the prairie’ look of many new builds. The mature trees at each side the home’s obscure symmetrical wings.
The opulent impression of the exterior is sustained in the interior. Ceilings soar to double height in the principle living area and are overlooked by a curvaceous gallery. In addition, there is a real discipline in materials. Floors are either polished limestone or maple. Maple is also employed in the subtly designed cabinetry.
The kitchen is loaded with extras like chef grade appliances, a water filter, warming drawer, wine refrigerator and dual dishwashers.
The kitchen looks into a secondary casual living area. Spaces are cleverly planned. Notice the tray ceiling which defines the area and the sleek rounded bar with columns which serve to define the kitchen.
The master bedroom is on the ground floor, with the remaining three bedrooms upstairs. All have tray ceilings which add lift to the rooms.
The master bath is replete with carefully planned design details. Vanities are placed within arched niches with a play of curves in the bath and vanities. The oval lit recess in the ceiling and the mosaic pattern in the floor give the bath a luxury hotel ambiance.
The residence has a total of three living areas one of which is ideal for a media room. There is, in addition, a home office with ample file storage space.
The back yard has a classically shaped pool with stone decking. Together with the landscaping, the back garden recalls a Mediterranean retreat. When the mercury is a lot higher than it is right now, I would be hours closer to a dip in this classically shaped pool. Of course, few would know where I lived when I responded, “in Dalworthington Gardens, darling.” But you know what they say: if you have to ask…
Listing agent Moses Druxman of Briggs Freeman Sothebys International has priced 3605 Blossom Park Court at $749,900.00
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.
