This is one of my favorite “favorite homes” for several reasons. First of all, I combed through this house on a recent tour and don’t even think I, Ms. Wordsmith (or is it smythe?) can do it justice. The home was custom built by a couple who — I just have to say it — OVERDID everything. But in a very good way! I have a sneaking suspicion they also went far over budget, but the result is a home that truly made use of every nook and cranny and has more storage space than God could dream of. The quality of building finish-out is extremely high, and the flow of the home lends itself to high-level entertaining OR family time.
There is also something in this house that I caught as a future trend: the adaptable game room. Let’s look at a history of the game room: they were created in the eighties. I recall our next door neighbors on Melissa had one I coveted. Why? Because it was a great place to stash all the kiddo’s toys — our living room was a playroom for years, since we had no furniture: medical school debt! That was where the playhouse, kitchen set (my son’s favorite, and he will kill me for telling you that) and hot wheels lived.
But my neighbors had a game-room! What was that, asked this Chicago-Yankee hybrid? A room where you play games? I quickly learned it was the room where all the toys lived, and I wanted one in the worst way.
Next house, we had a game room.
Flash forward: I spent the day at Craig Ranch in McKinney Wednesday, and as you will see when we get our fabulous video up, one of the townhomes at 17 Green has a game room off the upstairs master. Don’t worry, there is an elevator, too. But how cool, I thought, to have this extra space to extend the master. Could be an office, studio, TV room or a game room.
Back to 6207 Rex. A similar concept here, only taking it to the next level. This family built the game room upstairs as part of their son’s bedroom suite. Thus it becomes so very flexible: a large living suite for a child, a second master extraordinaire for in-laws or grown children back in the nest, a vacation haven for the kiddos when they return with with their kiddos (and playhouses, and toys). Plus there are still two bedrooms upstairs with a Jack and Jill bath.
The vitals: the home was built in 2002, has 6515 square feet, four bedrooms, three full baths, two half baths. Billiards room! There is a study located on the first floor near the entrance to the three-car garage that is designed for the work-at-home type, and with the adjacent, custom-made ticket window from 1923 Comiskey Ball Park in Chicago , makes it a fun space for fundraising events. Go Cubs! The beautifully landscaped lot wraps the heated pool and spa, and there is a beautiful, spacious covered porch.
Inside, great traffic flow from the formal foyer to the arched loggia. The kitchen has all the designer label appliances — Viking cooktop, Thermador ovens — beautiful granite counters & island, plus a huge adjoining butlers pantry and bar with ice maker, wine fridge and storage. In fact, storage is the name of the game in this home: everywhere you look, each corner is a secret stash cabinet or closet worked into the design, often hidden so you’d never know they exist. (Be sure to ask your insurance company for a big fat discount for this!) The huge master downstairs views the pool, and you have to see the master bath: his and hers vanities, his and her commodes, and huge walk-in closets. If that isn’t enough, upstairs, off the billiards room is a whole room devoted to storage with more shelves than I see in some Park Cities custom built home offices: they call this a crafts room. And if this isn’t enough, there’s insulated, floored attic storage!
But I save the best for last: the street, Rex, located in what they call the “private school corridor” is the best kept secret cul de sac south of LBJ. It is quiet, private, and loaded with caring, friendly homeowners who look after each other’s homes, bikes, cars and dogs!
Only the best best neighbors need apply! Kind of like the good folks at Inwood National Bank & Mortgage!
