What makes a good neighbor? Not building to within an inch of minimum setbacks for starters. Considered design decisions respectful of your older neighbors is another goodwill gesture. None of this is accidental at 4713 Pershing Avenue, a 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath house with a lot of heart. In another twist, the 2700 square foot house is the home of listing agent, Seth Fowler and his family. In 2010 Fowler was working for Village Homes which allowed him to customize and cull details which had worked on prior builds. The exterior borrows charming elements from the 20’s and 30’s bungalows scattered through Arlington Heights. Painted shingles and painted brick, and window boxes bestow an instant vintage look. The front garage preserves back yard but its presence is mitigated by a custom painted cedar door and a decorative dormer which also serves to conceal an awkward roof line.
The open plan is family friendly with occasional nods to tradition and formality. Entering, the open plan is masked by a vestibule with a formal dining room on the left. An attractive powder room features 18″ square Italian marble floors and a marble counter topped free standing sink cabinet. Oak hardwoods run throughout.
Pale pink granite top the custom kitchen cabinets. As a cook, I appreciate the practicality of the deep undivided farm house sink. The open plan with kitchen open to the living area and breakfast nook, suits this young family perfectly.
The living room centers around a gas fireplace with custom Walker-Zanger tiles. First floor master suites seem de riguer these days and that is one the advantages this new build has over its older neighbors along with sufficient storage space.
The master bath with XL soaker tub and XL shower with bench is an additional dividend. Separate sinks guarantee conflict free mornings.
Climb the stairs to reach a second living area or ‘reading room’ as Melanie, agent-owner Seth’s lovely wife designates the TV and computer free zone. “We have one television.” She says without a trace of (in my opinion) justifiable pride. The second floor houses the additional 3 bedroom and 3 baths.
Every house has its own, usually untold history-why it was built or bought and why it is for sale. This being a new build, it is the story of one very special family, the Fowlers, Seth, Melanie, pretty and precocious daughter Margaret and handsome William, 10, who is autistic. “When we built this house I thought we would be here until our kids were grown.” Says Seth. “We’re seconds from Central Market, minutes from our children’s schools and minutes from work.” Adds wife, Melanie.” “Now we are looking to sell to help William. He needs more room to roam outside and our family goal is to have 2-5 acres not to far away, where he can one day have a tiny house to live and possibly small animals to take care of and all that.” Explains Seth. The Fowlers have become spokesmen, educating the public about autism. Melanie’s book, Look at my Eyes , was written with input from Seth and was designed to be a readable easy crash course for parents with autistic children. Now the lovely, livable, charmer that is 4713 Pershing awaits a new family to write their own, personal history.
Agent Seth Fowler of Williams Trew has listed 4713 Pershing Avenue at $489,000.00
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.
