Only 22 miles east of Dallas, turn back time and find an utterly charmed, turn-of-the-century Forney historic home. Sitting on 2.337 acres with big shade trees and lots of landscaping, it has original features married beautifully to more recent updates. Very few of these grand historic homes remain in Texas, especially in such pristine condition.
Located at 303 S. Center St., this house was built in 1890 in the then-booming town of Forney, which had seen its first settlers in 1847. It belonged to the family of John A. McKellar and was called “McKellar’s Mansion” by locals. In fact, this property remained in that family until the 1970s. The painstaking maintenance and care taken with it is obvious.
“It’s just off the downtown area of Forney and it’s a park-like setting with mature trees and a historic barn on the property, which would be perfect for parties or socials,” said listing agent Dee Evans with Ebby Halliday Realtors. “The rooms in these kinds of houses go on and on and you can turn parlors and sitting rooms into what you want, like a game room or study.”
This home has five bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bath, six living areas, and 5,460 square feet on two stories, as well as separate guest quarters.
This is the perfect house for someone who appreciates its 1870’s details, like seven wood-burning fireplaces with antique mantels and Rookwood or Trent tile surrounds, leaded glass doors with transoms, stained glass windows in the style of Lewis C. Tiffany, layered crown molding on tall ceilings, high base boards, and gorgeous oak hardwoods with ebony inlay. A formal dining area features stunning crystal chandelier and leaded glass window transom.
“This house has been painstakingly loved and well maintained,” said Evans. “They’ve saved the feel and style of the home from that era, but updated it with modern amenities that enhance the house, like custom window treatments and art lighting.”
The renovated kitchen features granite countertops, double-height custom white cabinets, a large island and breakfast bar, upscale commercial-style stainless steel appliances, including double gas ranges, dishwasher, and venting. In the corner, a brick accent wall adds to the authenticity and the kitchen opens onto spacious a breakfast area.
A large home office, second family room, flex spaces, bonus rooms, and large auxiliary and guest bedrooms are a few of this home’s many selling points.
The massive master suite includes a sitting area, fireplace, and hardwoods. Truly a retreat, especially with its totally updated master bath with a claw foot tub, separate shower, and penny tile floor. All of the bathrooms in this house are updated while feeling appropriate for the time.
As if the house weren’t enough, there are the grounds to consider, too. The large windows throughout overlook the acreage that includes a sparkling pool, spa, pond with water features, sports court, a three-car garage, and a storm cellar. There’s a quarter-mile crushed granite walking path that provides trails to wander and explore this extraordinary property.
This Forney historic home is listed by the Dee Evans Group with Ebby Halliday — Rockwall for $949,000. For more information or to schedule a private showing, call Dee at 972-772-1366.
