Since Fort Worth has experienced an astonishing 60 percent growth rate in the last 15 years, it’s fortunate that land for development has been made available from in city and adjacent ranch lands and, incredibly, choice undeveloped tracts adjoining older neighborhoods. The estate at 4125 Idlewild couldn’t be more choicely placed, sandwiched as it is between the posh ’07 hoods of Monticello, Rivercrest, and Crestwood.
The development of Idlewild consists of a single street reached by crossing a quaint bridge. Gated at one end, houses of consistently high quality and expansive scale give a certain congruity to the boutique addition built in the late oughts. Jim Harriss of Village Homes has been at the forefront of development in the area and is responsible for 4125, built in 2008.
The forceful front consists of a symmetrical columned main bay and a wing to the left, which houses an office and mudroom on the ground floor and the children’s bedroom suite above. The slate roof nearly gleams and previews the quality of materials on the interior.
A rather smart sitting room/library lies to the right of the entrance, and is one of three living areas in the 5,138-square-foot home. The formal dining room to the left is served by a full bar and butler’s pantry finished in handsome black lacquer.
The floor plan is traditional with a cased opening separating the second downstairs living area while maintaining an open feel. The back wall, a nearly unbroken run of French doors, fills the space with copious light. The chef-equipped kitchen accommodates a large area for informal dining.
Climb the stairs and you arrive at a third informal living area, which is the nucleus of the upstairs floor plan, separating and connecting the bedrooms. Beyond is the children’s suite consisting of a study area and two bedrooms connected by a Jack-and-Jill bath. On the right is a guest bedroom with bath.
The large master bedroom, to the left, is the fourth second-floor bedroom and handily houses a king-size bed, side tables, and sitting area with room to spare.
Commendable materials choices elevate the master bath from run-of-the-mill to custom. Black-veined marble tops the separate sink vanities. An admirable geometric panel ornaments the tub enclosure.
Another flight of stairs leads to an attic floor and a charming under-the-eaves apartment — now a playroom — which could bring the bedroom count to five, having both bath and closet.
Graceful under-portico outdoor living overlooks near mature landscaping. And if you fancy more nature, Idlewild has its own private trail accessed through a small gate which leads to the Trinity River Trail.
Joseph Berkes of Williams Trew has priced 4125 Idlewild Drive at $1.295 million.
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.
