Amaranthine Design for Living in Monticello

What tempts one to stop and take a closer look? A pleasingly proportioned door frame encasing handsome iron doors? Lovely, soft pink brick walls supporting espaliered elaeagnus, carelessly festooned with strands of fig ivy? A deep setback defined by symmetrical hardscape? This beauty at 408 Virginia Place in choice Monticello has all of this, and yet its discreet, timeless profile arouses suspicion that much more may lie concealed beyond the courtyard gates.

And yet the visitor can’t fail to be overwhelmed by the stunning yet subtle richness within. It’s difficult to know where to begin. The structure? The tightly controlled color palette which defies photography? The luxurious materials and architectural details? Perhaps I should begin by explaining that this three-bedroom, three-bath house is the home of Justin Seitz, a tremendously gifted interior designer in the mold of modern masters like John Saladino or Renzo Mongiardino.

The barrel-vaulted entry, paved with Roman-style marble reminiscent of the Pantheon, is flanked by Sienna marble columns. Anchoring one end of the hall is an evocative sculpture by  Muriel Castanis, whose work I have used on my own projects. Hardwood floors throughout appear matte, like subtly cerused oak, a look achieved with a slightly tinted self sealing stain.

And of course the 3,000-square-foot house is beautifully pre-staged with the designer’s mix of 18th and 19th century antiques, antiquities, and Deco-style furnishings. Expenditure and obsession with detail are evident in the custom doors, Venetian plaster walls, premium lighting, and 10-inch moldings. The stunning 1920s vintage onyx sconces in the living room, happily, are not on the exclusion list, and the acquisition of any of the house’s beautiful appointments could be discussed with the designer/owner. 

The dining room features the signature metal doors, which open onto the enclosed front courtyard. An Andre Arbus-style fixture hangs over the dining table. The walls, which appear to be hung with Asian, Art Deco papier peint, are in fact hand painted, inspired by Japanese calligraphic panels. Again the exquisitely understated color scheme, so compelling in person, eludes the camera’s lens.

The second living area as large as the primary, with which it shares a fireplace, is accessed from symmetrical paired doors. The ample space is suitable for relaxed living with space for a game table and casual dining. A coffered ceiling complements the room’s proportions. A wet bar lies tucked behind a concealed door.

The pristine kitchen, with travertine floors and Calacatta marble surfaces, is equipped with premium appliances including a 48-inch Fisher Paykel stove. An in wall faucet over the sink facilitates cleaning.

The master bedroom is dominated by the Maison Jansen style bed. A pair of 18th century French encoignures anchor two corners. Though decorated with antiques, the room appears almost spare. The decor of the bedroom, indeed the entire house could be described as “Spartan Luxury.”

The master bath is nothing short of lavish. Brescia marble covers the paired cabinets and tub surround, and frames the Moroccan-inspired marble dado.  And again the details. The custom designed cornice set lower to create shadow, gives a spring to the ceiling. The way the mirror has been cut over the vanities and inset into the tub box adds interest to areas which are generally throw aways. 

Each bedroom is served by its own bath and the high-quality, in-ceiling lighting and custom fixtures is maintained throughout.

The third bedroom, off the front hall, is currently being used as an office.

The same pleasing white washed brick is used in the tall walls which give the back privacy and the parenthetical planter boxes will inspire gardeners.

Jackie Prowse of Williams Trew has listed 408 Virginia Place at $950,000. A bargain considering the impeccable interiors.

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.