I am constantly being reminded of the uniqueness of Fort Worth and why I love it. Take Mistletoe Heights, for example.
Mistletoe Heights is one of the Southside’s oldest and most venerable neighborhoods with a history dating back to 1890 when landowner Harvie C. Lawrie laid out the streets by setting a two-inch oak wagon spoke stake to mark the 640-acre plot. The lots were sitting on bluffs overlooking the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. Building began around 1910.
You would be hard-pressed to find any new builds in this neighborhood. Unlike most cities, Fort Worth resisted the panic move to rezone its in-town neighborhoods to increase property tax revenue as many moved to suburbs.
Preservation seems to be the default impulse in Fort Worth and has left the city with an enviable, rich panoply of intact neighborhoods dating from the early twentieth century.
In that spirit, I give you 2312 Mistletoe Boulevard, a fetching 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow in near original condition.
Built in 1923, the house has a rather sophisticated simplicity with a sort of offset symmetry comprising low incline gables at each end, one capping the porte-cochère. Four brick piers with tapered pyramid tops support the beam running the width of the house — absolutely a calling card of Craftsman design. The civilized front porch has been tiled and has a nifty bead-board ceiling.
Immaculate and impeccable, most of the original elements inside have been meticulously maintained and retained. The hardwood floors are one such example. The windows and glazed, built-in bookcases that flank the gas log fireplace are another. Nine-foot ceilings contribute to the airy atmosphere of the darling cottage. Behind French doors just beyond is a sizable dining room.
The kitchen has been given a rather straightforward update with floor-to-ceiling cabinets painted a dark slate gray and a modern gas range. At one end is a small breakfast room.
At the front of the house is a bedroom now being used as a sort of den that is painted a pleasing pastel blue.
The largest bedroom, at back, has hardwood floors and the original built-in cupboards. Generous fenestration floods the room with light.
The charm offensive continues with the sole bath. The pedestal sink and toilet are replacements, which is a good thing as the original pedestal was likely the standard issue low, rusted enameled iron model. Floors are vintage Dal Tile porcelain hex. The original built-in cabinets remain as well as the elegant, long corner tub.
With one bath, the house would work best for one person or a couple. Having a great central location and an affordable price, it is a perfect candidate for a starter home or dignified down-size. There is a detached one-car garage at back, but you could shelter a second vehicle under the porte-cochère.
Ivey Ramsey of Williams Trew Real Estate has priced 2312 Mistletoe Boulevard at $385,000.
