Corner Lot Cottage Charmer in Colonial Hills Has Original Details, Modern Updates

Colonial Hills, another alluring, older enclave near the Colonial Country Club and TCU is benefiting, like other reviving Near South Side neighborhoods, from development on nearby Hulen. That development will eventually include the Clearfork project, anchored by Neiman-Marcus, set to open in 2017. Unfortunately large lots and access to desirable Tanglewood schools, also make these vintage charmers tempting tear-down targets. One notices with displeasure a Greek revival number down the street with Ionic columns on steroids that look like salvage from the old Cesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Placed on a desirable half acre corner lot, set among mature twisting live oaks, 3020 Simondale deserves to be loved and cherished. Built in 1938, the three-bedroom, two-bath Tudor is so endearingly old fashioned, one has the feeling of arriving at the imagined home of an MGM classic movie.

A large pointed arched door with stained glass opens into a vestibule with a barrel vault. An enfilade of peaked arches can be glimpsed to the right, running to the back of the house. The period hardwood floors are in mint condition.

Attic space has been sacrificed to lift the ceilings. Attractive beams and stone fireplace are character consistent with the Craftsman cottage decor.

Little to fault in the kitchen. Retained are the signature stained glass windows sprinkled throughout the house. Removed is the original wall which defined a galley kitchen, giving a more modern, open plan to the area. High quality updates and upgrades to cabinetry and appliances should satisfy any chef.

The kitchen now overlooks the dining area with a fireplace. To the right, a loft has been opened over the garage.

Not the largest, but one of the most charming bedrooms at the front is wrapped by random windows.

The current owner carved out a master bedroom out of the former sleeping porch. Though the ceiling height is low, the sweeping wooded ravine views to the west compensate.

The added master bath should be roomy enough to suit modern tastes. And storage isn’t bad either. A warren of closets snake along the back, conveniently connecting to bathrooms and laundry.

The over-garage space is being used as an office, but would make a cozy sleeping loft. At nearly 3,000 square feet, the house has room to spare.

A new deck was constructed for a family wedding. Attractive period hardscape wall and steps wend their way around the property. The wooded back feels completely private with nary a house in view. “This house is really priced at lot value,” observes listing agent Joan Trew. “I just hope someone who appreciates its charms buys it.”

If that sounds like you, Trew is offering 3020 Simondale for $814,750.

 

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