Arcadian Cul-de-Sac Sanctuary in Ridgmar is a Divine Collaboration

Occasionally — perhaps all too rarely — a special collaboration between homeowners, architect, and designer can produce an abode of near-magical perfection. Truly, 1701 Dakar Road had a lot going for it from the start. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Ridgmar, the stone house blends beautifully with the mature trees and landscape, belying the fact that is a new build of 2012. The two thirds-acre lot, the back technically in Westover Hills, slopes gently downhill, giving a feeling of private seclusion. Though working with a talented team, including architect Jeff Collison and interior designer Mary Lee Proctor, the imprimatur of the owners, Ashley and Monty Moncrief, their needs and passions are everywhere to be found. 

Flair for color and distinctive materials, which prevail throughout, are immediately evident in the lithe groin-vaulted front hall, entered through paired doors which echo the ceiling arches and lead to the heart of the five-bedroom, five-bath house. Unusual, light coffee-colored wide-plank floors link the sometimes sweeping spaces.

The family room, overlooked by the kitchen, was clearly tailored to suit this young family of six. Though almost grand in scale, respectful symmetries humanize the room which also serves as the axis on which the rest of the residence revolves.

The dining room, which shares the limestone fireplace with the living room, is dominated by the glass end wall housing 1,100 bottles of the owners’ wine collection. A lovely, celadon blue ceiling is crowned by a stunning Murano light fixture — happily not on the exclusion list.

Gorgeous blue lacquered cabinets are combined with white embossed tile and dark reflective surfaces to stunning effect. The 60″ Lacanche range with a custom Modern Aire hood are a dream. Multiple brass cage pendants hang over the large island/bar. 

Though clocking in at nearly 7,000 square feet, the house has moments of calm and romance. Rooms are  connected by attractive enfilades and passageways. Smaller intimate areas of refuge balance larger spaces.

The master bedroom, at the back of the house, takes full advantage of its wooded hilltop perch and is generously fenestrated. A central barrel vault adds interest to the ceiling.

The lavish marble-floored master bath is practically a furnished room, hung as it is with silk and rich paper. Black and white strié marble cap the double sink vanity. The soaker tub provides yet another vantage point from which to enjoy a restful view.

The other four bedrooms are almost as large as the master and each adjoining bath is distinctively and beautifully finished. Children’s closets are roomy and impeccably neat. One suspects this is not just in preparation for showing. In fact, a calm sense of order permeates the entire home.

A playroom with abundant storage guarantees that every toy has a place. Cabinet doors conceal a television but could just as easily conceal a computer and components to  convert handily into a home office.

The outdoor living space maintains the high standards of the interior. Under eave living areas are made to be useful and tolerable, even in summer, by a misting system. They are served by a complete outdoor kitchen and pool bath. The salt water pool is decked with travertine slabs.

“It was time consuming and demanding to bring all of this together,” says owner Ashley, “but I think I am ready for another challenge, perhaps building on more land for the children. We’ll take our time, use the same team and get it right.”

Judging from the results on Dakar, the next project promises to thrill.

 

John Zimmerman of Briggs Freeman has priced this new listing at $3.29 million.

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.