Not all of the action in unapologetically opulent construction in Fort Worth is in the west-think Montserrat and Mira Vista. Off radar, east of 820, bounded by Cooks Lane is the exclusive enclave of Somerset Estates. Well not entirely off the radar, our own Joanna England checked in here four years ago.
The gated development centering on a picturesque lake remains rather underdeveloped with large lots of between one and two acres selling for around $200,000 still unbuilt. This week’s Fort Worth Friday at 7979 Chartwell Lane sprawls over one-and-a-half acres.
Built in 2005, the five-bedroom, six-full-and-three-half-bath residence clocks in at a jaw-dropping 9,635 square feet. The forceful, Italianate façade projects forward, symmetrically, from adjoining side wings, giving the composition an organic sophistication. The central bay with arched loggia meets a semi-circular stone staircase embracing a circular fountain. The effect is, as intended, sumptuous, but achieved with an architectural literacy.
The Italianate ricchezza is sustained in the interior. Tonal rose marble revets the floors of the public rooms. Marble pilasters support the arched opening which frames the dining room. The sweeping staircase lands behind the formal living room not, as predictably happens, opposite the front door. It carves out a niche for a hall bench. The arrangement of the front hall is rather deftly handled and is worthy of examination.
Some may find the decoration — yes, I’m thinking of the curtains — a bit over the top, but color harmonies are soothingly subtle and bespoke trim and millwork details are well chosen.
And in compliance with the revivalist grand gout of the 21st Century, the living room soars to double height overlooked by a gallery above. A built-in bookcase mitigates breaking the wall space into humanized scale.
The kitchen is command central for the back of the house, overlooking a paneled den and what I can only describe as a semi-formal dining area. The color of the cabinets harmonizes beautifully with the stone countertops. And the kitchen has it all — double ovens, 48-inch commercial-grade cooktop, pot filler, island, and two sinks.
The family room ceiling is so intricately beamed it looks like coffering. Hardwood floors run throughout the kitchen and family rooms. The den centers on an intimate fireplace. In all, the residence has — count them — five fireplaces.
The master suite is on the ground floor accessed from a corridor to the right of the stairs. The coolness of the marble master bath is warmed with soft furnishings and a centered chaise.
The graceful staircase and its hairpin turned, parallel gallery bisects nearly the entire length of the house.
The remaining four bedrooms each have their own en suite bathrooms. Upstairs is a massive media/game room with a bar.
The back is beautifully landscaped with terra cotta, potted shrubs and cascading wisteria. A pergola in back houses a separate guest quarters. Additional outdoor living features include a covered patio, attached grill, outdoor fireplace, and mosquito mist system. There is parking for five.
Rogers Healy of Rogers Healy and Associates is offering 7979 Chartwell Lane for $3.49 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.
