Back in Berkley Place and guess who we run into? It’s Ruth Story of the Ruth Story Group, naturally, who has made Berkley Place her turf and area of expertise. And what a perfect plum of a listing she has landed at 2225 Windsor Place. This sort of house used to be fairly plentiful in, say, University Park, but has become an endangered species having been torn down by the dozens. There may be new builds in Berkley Place resulting from tear-downs, but I can’t think of any (nor do I want to know of any).
Curb appeal? Abundant. Arched openings, dappled brick, and a Spanish tile roof are the materials comprising the charming, rambling façade. Though not symmetrical, the plan is rational, comprised of a strong central core and two, smaller, wings. One frames the porte-cochère, the other houses the garden room. The central bay is broken by a chimney and symmetrically disposed windows above and below, on either side. On the right is arched, columned entrance which steps forward from the wall plane.
A deep porch covered with random rubble tile runs along the front of the 1927 house.
This large area, with enough room to form an additional living area, is in fact the entrance vestibule of the 3,347-square-foot house. And notice the details. Corbeled arched openings lead to the hall and living room, a motive repeated in the niche. Walls are 14 inches thick. Much of this detail is reminiscent of Park Hill but, in Berkley Place, half the price.
The large living room is pure, pleasing eye candy. Paired arch windows frame the unique, sinuous, serpentine fireplace. Original wall sconces provide illumination. A pair of French windows lead into the garden room.
Impeccable honey-colored oak floors run throughout the downstairs. The dining room also has access to the side garden room.
Quaint is the adjective that springs to mind when describing the kitchen. It may not be of McMansion proportions, but it has all of the necessities — a gas cook top on the island, space for double ovens, 36-inch fridge/freezer, and two sinks. The fashionable brass hardware is a nice touch. The kitchen gives onto a cozy breakfast room.
A niche at the foot of the stairs contains a wet bar. A powder bath lies to the right. An elegant stairway with lovely landing leads upstairs to the three bedrooms and two full baths.
The spacious master bedroom has its own private balcony and a coffee bar outside, with mahogany and doors of etched glass, which lead to the hall.
The master bath has been given a luxurious redo. The marble countertops are costly Turkish Black. The floors are Carrara with black insets.
In the back is a large, elegant pool. A separate two-car garage lies at the back of the property. Roof and gutters were updated, along with the HVAC system, this year. Interest in this offering, is understandably strong and the house is, at this time under contract.
Ruth Story of the Ruth Story Group has priced 2225 Windsor Place at $750,000.
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. His own home on historic Elizabeth Boulevard has been featured in 360 West.
