by Eric Prokesh
Splendidly sited, on a high Mistletoe Heights bluff, this historic house was built in 1919 for the legendary Waggoner family of Waggoner ranch fame. It was first owned by Anne Waggoner. The hipped roof, Prairie Style Villa with its strong horizontals and gratifying symmetries, presents a formidable facade to the street. A beautifully landscaped, 1.32 acre lot, with the expected mature trees descending in back to the Trinity River, affords gorgeous western perspectives which can be enjoyed from a large independent viewing deck.
Entering a large reception room, one immediately delights in the well bred proportions and period details. Happily unmarred by capricious renovations, the 4600 square foot, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, house mostly retains its original footprint, moldings and hardwood floors. The ground floor boasts 2 living areas, an opulent dining room, and master suite with surprisingly ample closet space for a house of this date and four (yes, 4!) fireplaces, two of which manage to preserve charming Arts & Crafts tile work.
The updated kitchen with premium steel appliances is open to a large breakfast area and features a full gas stove with a wall of charming red brick backsplash. A full basement provides an area which could easily be adapted into an informal entertainment space and additional storage spaces, as well as what we would do: a wine cellar! The upstairs landing is graced by 2 vintage stained glass windows. The remaining upstairs bedrooms, slightly blemished by the installation of later HVAC and furr downs for ducting would, frankly, benefit from the negligible investment in a revamping.
The enchanting back garden, a private paradise, contains a separate 2 car garage whose wide doors reveal its original purpose as housing for carriages. Talk about original charm, there is an attached 689 square foot guest house with a root cellar. Further down the property lies a small cabin.
An attractive organic form pool with spa and stone fountain alluringly complete the seductive hill top mise en scène .
Listing Agent, John Zimmerman, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, and listing price is $1,495,000.
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, in books and publications including DHome, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and DHome 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.
