Old is New: Shady Oaks Townhouse Has Lasting Appeal

During the holiday season, it may have escaped notice that a choice townhouse in one of Fort Worth’s most enduringly popular developments has come on the market.

Shady Oaks Townhouses, tucked behind walls, shaded by large live oaks, and backing up to the golf course of the same name, were constructed in 1970. They were designed by architect Albert S. Komatsu, whose varied  portfolio of work includes the emblematic entrance to the Japanese Gardens and the notorious Stonegate Mansion built for Cullen Davis. The architecture firm founded in 1959 continues to this day.It is an old axiom that good design has lasting appeal, still, it is difficult to believe that this fresh-looking, modern project is almost 50 years old. At 4,759 square feet, the three-bedroom, four-and-one-half-bath townhouse at 600 Roaring Springs Road, is also the largest unit in the complex.

In a departure from many modern floor plans, the townhouse has designated, described spaces. Its modern cred is instead achieved with the materials vocabulary, windows and clean pocket doors that soar to ceiling height, and the good breeding of noble proportions. Immaculate travertine throughout the public rooms with nary a fissure attest to the solidness of the construction.  Concealed mirrored doors hide abundant storage space sufficient for multiple sets of glass and china.

The large living room terminates in a curtain of glass looking into a garden. I approve of the owners’ addition of a low wall between the house and the golf course. The walled garden runs the length of the residence and is overlooked by living room, kitchen and ground-floor master bedroom. The large fireplace is gas, which seems to be the current preference.

The kitchen is the configuration of two perpendicular galleys. Some might covet a more open configuration. I find the arrangement completely serviceable but a second dining area could be incorporated.

Dining room number two is long and lean. Materials which only a few years ago would have been thought quaintly vintage now look au courant.  The floating marble console of an unusual species, floating against a cork backdrop is an eye-catching example.

The near-mint condition of the red wool carpet in the ground floor master bears witness to the painstaking stewardship of the owners. As previously mentioned, it looks onto a private garden.

More of “everything old is new again” in the powder room. Impeccable grasscloth. Beautiful Carrara marble. And, yes, brass is back.

Extra space was created by the building of a turret to house an attractive stairway, leading to the largest bedroom suite, built over the garage. More generous storage and entertainment center hides behind shutter doors.

Listing agent Kris Karr is offering 600 Roaring Springs for $995,000, which works out at just over $200 per square foot — fair value by any measure.

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.