Just when I think I’ve cracked Fort Worth — especially in-the-loop Fort Worth — I make a discovery. This week, it’s a handsome house in Meadows West at 6512 Havenview Court. And there is great value here. On a sprawling corner lot with a long, brick-edged walkway leading to the pedimented capped entry, the house has real presence. And the shocker? You can have all 4,310 square feet of this house for the bargain price of $129 per square foot.
I admit to having been a bit snarky about what I call 1980s vintage, Junior League Georgian. But with the passage of time, some houses from this era are aging rather well. Helpful is the listing description of the lot: “heavily treed.” Also helpful is the involvement of a capable builder, Dan Thomas. However, there is such a personal, restrained treatment in the disposition, in the façade and details, that I suspect the presence of a client of taste. Missing? Pomposity and pretension.
A Palladian triangular pediment supported by columns encases a curved framed front door. The central, main bay is symmetrically flanked by two stepped back wings. And the small arched window on the second floor above the entry has shutters that look as if they could actually close over the span of the opening.
Lovely Entry. Reminds me of my own 1920s vintage house where a handsome staircase meets an arched dining room. Deal-maker for me. The elephant in the room? Rooms? The downstairs really wants hardwoods throughout. That’s the decorator in me, wanting to refine and perfect. And at this price, over time, bit by bit, a family could take all of this on.
Rooms are nicely proportioned. Ceilings and dado are classically trimmed out. The monochrome scheme — down to the neatly tailored curtains — gives the room a cool elegance. However, the light fixture needs an upgrade.
The plan is open, which will probably please more buyers than it will displease. Personally, I think closing the living room to the family room would give the floor plan more formality.In all, the four-bedroom, four-and-one-half-bath home has three living areas. The family room is one third larger than the formal living room at front.
The oaky cabinets in the eat-in kitchen look a bit dated, perhaps, but the quality is there. Prime and paint. And it’s all here. Double ovens, two sinks, island, nearly 40 feet of prep space.
The family room sports built-in cabinetry and a fire fueled by propane tank with a year’s supply of gas. Down the corridor from the family room is the master bedroom suite and an office with built-in shelves. The office has a closet so it could be counted as a fifth bedroom.
The landing creates a third living area with media cabinets. The second floor contains two more bedrooms and a work out area.
The a covered patio overlooks an impeccable, elegantly fenced backyard with plenty of room for a pool. Another fillip is the three-car garage. The roof, HVAC, water heater, windows, driveway concrete, and carpet downstairs have all been replaced within the last five to six years. As we go to press, the house is under active contract. But for those looking for value and plenty of space, Meadows West is definitely worth a drive through.
Marion Snipes at Virginia Cook is offering 6512 Havenview Court for $550,000.
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.
