Your Fort Worth Friday correspondent likes to stay on top of the market, so I’m happy this week to bring a great listing only hours old. And it’s in my own beloved Ryan Place, within walking distance of my house.
I confess to being a being a full-on neighborhood chauvinist, but Ryan Place has such a rich inventory of lovely historic houses and such a diverse, tightly knit community of neighbors that I don’t think my pride is misplaced.
Chauvinism aside, this really was the stand out listing this week.
This classic, 1926 vintage villa at 2912 5th Ave. has so much going for it before you even open the front door. Mature trees and the tall, proud twin cedars — said to have been planted when the house was built — that bracket the entrance. Or the balustraded tiled front porch that wraps into an under column veranda, which is perfect for al fresco dining.
The attractive, red tile roof would cost more than half the asking price of the house to install.
Historic Ryan Place Villa
I regret the lack of a vestibule to make a proper introduction to the living room, but the 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath house separates into interesting spaces.
The dining room behind the living area is demarcated by a pair of Tuscan order columns — actually, the floor plan is quite versatile. The dining room could be relocated to a second living area, leaving the current dining room available for a sunroom.
Speaking of sun, abundant, curtainless windows — many of which span between floors and ceiling — drench the bright white rooms with luxuriant light. Original oak hardwoods have been brought back to their original condition.
The kitchen has been given a total makeover with smart, celadon cabinets. Appliances are on brand and include a new with a premium gas cooktop.
The downstairs manages to work in a full repertoire of rooms, including a second living area and cheerful breakfast room.
The upstairs is reached by a staircase with a split landing with an arched window.
A bonus room has been converted into an extensive walk-in closet for the primary bedroom, which includes an additional cedar closet. Bathrooms have been given a do-over as well. The largest bath has a sparkling white penny-tile floor, retro-looking marble countertops, and vintage-looking mirrors hanging over the twin basins.
Before leaving the main house, it’s worth noting that many Ryan Place homes come with cellars. These provide extra storage (and — yikes! — refuge during weather alerts).
Income Potential
There is a rather elegant little guest house of 640 square feet. It comes complete with a living area, kitchenette, bed, and bath. The renovated bathroom is up to the standard of the main house. With a four-car garage, a rental bringing in perhaps $1,200 monthly is feasible.
The property sits on nearly one-half acre and could handily accommodate a fine pool and additional hardscape for outdoor living.
Patty Williamson of Williams Trew Real Estate is offering 2912 5th Avenue for $895,000.
