Unhappily, Monticello is one of the few Fort Worth neighborhoods where tear downs happen more than we would like. Still, one often encounters the odd 1990’s vintage “Junior League Georgian” looming like a giant over quaint originals.
Such as 3908 Monticello, which epitomizes everything we love about about this west side enclave. This 1933 Tudor charmer is a sweet survivor sandwiched between two newer builds. Never mind that. She is gently loved and judiciously revamped, and every effort has been made to beautify and respect the period of the house while carving out every square inch of living space.
A charming brick walkway winds towards the arched front door. The peaked roof, garnished by comely variegated slate completes the curb appealing impression. You just want to head inside…
A handsome staircase leads to a second floor cleverly extracted from attic space which increases the square footage of the four bedroom, four bath house to a commodious 3,789 square feet. And there is so much packed into this bijou abode —- three living areas, three fireplaces and attractive niches punctuated by quaint period windows.
Given the breadth of the façade, the spaciousness of the living and dining rooms come as something of a surprise. Generously distributed windows flood the cottage with abundant light.
This house literally lacks nothing. A centrally situated wet bar sets the home up for effortless entertaining.
The beautifully updated kitchen with farm sink, Wolf Range, marble counters — all the bells and whistles — blends beautifully with the residence’s period decor managing to look both contemporary and classic.
The home is chock-a-block with engaging vignettes. Often wood details can cast an oppressive pall. Here, the abundant honey colored millwork echoing the floor color strikes a fresh, crisp note
Upstairs the under eaves living area contains one of the houses’ three fireplaces and is wired for entertainment systems.
The large second floor master bedroom has paired French doors leading to a small balcony which overlook the back yard and pool. The regular ceilings contradict its attic origins.
Given the abundance of space and detail pervading 3908 Monticello, the luxury and scale of the master bath should not be unforeseen. Marble octagonal floors tiles, twin vanity sinks, long claw foot tub with copper hardware and a separate shower outfit the room.
The introduction of Saltillo tile floor in a guest bedroom looks refreshingly period appropriate, and is connected to a small bath with hand painted Mexican tiles.
A pool is sandwiched between the house and the guest house which adds another 250 square feet and an additional bedroom and bathroom.
Lynne Eller of WilliamsTrew has listed 3908 Monticello Drive at $1,175,000.00. Now for a dip in that refreshing pool!
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.
