New-List on Bailey in Enchanting Crestwood

It’s so easy to love the Crestwood neighborhood in Fort Worth, not only for its handsome houses, but for its romantic serendipity, the aura of relaxed informality which suggests a serene security. Winding streets sometimes preserve a venerable old oak in their center.

On the market for a mere four days, 417 North Bailey Ave. epitomizes so much of what we love about this charming westside neighborhood. Half hidden from the street by a massive spreading live oak, its facade is unique, even eccentric, insistently asymmetrical, and obliquely approached by a curved drive.

Composed of four unevenly stepped units, the entrance at right competes for  attention with the strong pedimented bay next to it. And the discreet front conceals a whopping 5,600 square feet of living space. A full basement adds an additional 2,000 square feet. Landscaping is so lush and verdant, you might think you were in Houston.

The downstairs floorplan of the four-bedroom, four-bath house has been opened up to maximize flow and natural illumination. The original oak hardwoods are in mint condition.

The expansive dining room opens to an informal living area and onwards to the back garden.

By contrast, the formal living area seems tidy and cozy, symmetrically centered on one of the residence’s three fireplaces.

A ground floor paneled den with its abundant shelves and storage looks like a boardroom and could function as a grand home office.

“Eat-in kitchen” seems an inadequate description for the spacious area that accommodates a dining area as large as the formal one. Some potential buyers may feel the necessity for a kitchen update, but I rather warm to its vintage charm. And with generous cabinets and prep space it is certainly functional. Add in two built-in ovens, microwave and warming ovens, and a six-burner gas island cooktop, and you have all of the makings of a chef’s kitchen. The beadboard  ceiling competes with the oak floors for polished sheen.

Upstairs,  the roomy master suite has a sitting area with a fireplace. The bed nests into an arched niche.

The master baths are boy/girl. One is pastel and pink. Its twin is masculine with dark-stained wood and forest green marble surfaces.

Without doubt, the most stunning feature of the property is its three-quarter-acre lot. Grounds would be a more apt description. Attractive brick hardscape wends its way through the beautifully sloped garden.

The pool has a separate bath. Extras include a 500-plus-square-foot guest house and glazed greenhouse. The Burt Ladner agency has made an aerial tour, which gives a better impression of this exceptional listing.

Listing agent Beth Caraway of Burt Ladner Real Estate is offering 417 North Bailey Ave. for $1.799 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.