Unwrapping an Architectural Mystery: Sometimes a Home is like a Christmas Present

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5024 Bryce Avenue (photos: Matrix Tours)

Sometimes a home can be like Christmas present.  You look at it and try to guess what’s inside. You shake it a bit, but still are perplexed. You quickly rip off the wrapping paper, but don’t recognize where the box came from.  Finally, after fighting with all the tape sealing the box, you open it and are amazed by all the treats and gifts that you found.  You never would have guessed it, but the present was more than you imagined.

Such is the case with the home located at 5024 Bryce Avenue in the Rivercrest addition of Fort Worth. I was puzzled by the exterior of the home. What was the style?  It wasn’t French. It’s not Italianate.  It had some Modern and International aspects to the exterior, but not completely.  It was built in 1972, so I am going to call it 1970s Soft Contemporary, for lack of a better term.

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View of pool courtyard from living room

Just like that mysterious present under the tree, 5024 Bryce Avenue is jam-packed with all sorts of goodies to enjoy.  From design of interior spaces to various materials and counters, light fixtures, hardware, and amazing master closets, this home has a certain film noir, California Wine Country feel about it.

Tall windows and doors look onto the California-esque courtyard

First of all let me tell you about the design of the interior spaces.  If you looked at the home from an aerial view, it would probably look like a square doughnut.  (That’s right, I said square doughnut.)  There is a classic lap pool in the middle of the home.  I almost expected to be greeted by a cabana attendant asking for my tropical cocktail of choice.

Once again, you just don’t see this type of creativity when it comes to home designs anymore, and that’s a shame.  Tall windows surround the outdoor oasis which allows the interior of the home to be bathed in sunlight.  If you wish for shade or privacy you can simply pull the thick curtains that accompany the windows.

Spectacular view of the dining room that spills onto the courtyard

You know that this home had to be “The Spot” for people to be seen and parties to be had.  The home just flows so well and all leads to the outdoor entertaining area.  Can you imagine if a “big box builder” tried to build something like this floor plan today?  Ha, me neither.

You can only imagine the parties that were held in this home

The flooring throughout the living and common areas are large 24 inch square travertine tiles.  Multiple chandeliers and fixtures were imported from Italy and France.  There is a private library with a sliding ladder, an open living area, and a kitchen with more cabinets in it than I’ve ever seen.  Guests can use the bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs that overlook the two-story view of the dining room and, of course, the pool.

The master bathroom is an experience all to itself

Aside from the pool, the real piece de resistance is the master bathroom.  Featuring lavish Sherle Wagner sinks and fixtures, and of course his-and-hers dressing areas, the master bathroom is certainly an enabler of elegant.  The bow on the present has to be the two walk-in master closets.  Rows and rows of clothes can be stored in both closets and there are 11 (that’s right I said ELEVEN) rows for shoes in one of the two large walk-in closets.

This photo does not do the master closet and 11 rows for shoes justice — see it in person

Side Note: I took a video of the closet and sent it to my wife, who is an aspiring shoe collector … she freaked out!

It just goes to show you that you never know what the inside of a home will offer just from looking from your computer or the street.

This stunner in Rivercrest is listed for $1,150,000 by the one-and-only Margaret Coulborn of Wilco Realtors in Fort Worth.

That’s all from Tarrant County this week Dirty Readers.  Remember, if you have comments, questions, snide remarks or ideas for future stories – I’m always here to listen!

Seth Fowler is a licensed real estate sales professional with Williams Trew Real Estate in Fort Worth.  Statements and opinions are his own.  Seth has been involved in the home sales and real estate business in DFW since 2004.  He and his family have lived in the Fort Worth area for over 14 years.  Seth also loves bow ties.  You can reach Seth at 817.980.6636 or [email protected]

Seth Fowler is a licensed real estate agent with Williams Trew Real Estate in Fort Worth. Statements and opinions are his own.

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