Santa Barbara Style in Exclusive Fort Worth Enclave

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2108 Bradford Park Court part of 7-home gated enclave surrounding a central park. (photos: Trey Freeze Media)

Have you ever dreamed of living the Santa Barbara lifestyle like the film stars Cary Grant or Jane Mansfield?

It’s okay to admit it … I do, too.

I love watching old black-and-white movies and seeing the lavish homes, hotels, and landscapes of California in the Film Noir era. The main things that always stood out to me in those films or photos were how everything seemed to be centered around an interior courtyard or pool, and had wonderful inside-outside living spaces.

Why is it that many Santa Barbara homes always centered around a pool or courtyard?

Santa Barbara Style

Rarely do you see new homes built like that these days. That style (I call it Santa Barbara style) requires a lot of land and is expensive to build.  It’s not a practical or efficient style like the cookie-cutter homes of today.

One of the many courtyards at 2108 Bradford Park Court designed for use throughout the day based on location of the sun

When I have the opportunity to preview-and-blog about a home with that Santa Barbara feel, I jump at it. The home at 2108 Bradford Park Court made me jump through the roof! In an exclusive seven-home gated enclave just west of the Rivercrest neighborhood in Fort Worth sits the exquisitely designed, crafted, and decorated home that whisks you back to the Santa Barbara lifestyle of the 1940s and 1950s.

Where do I begin with this home?

Beautiful sight lines and the steel doors and windows make a strong impact as well.

For starters, the home was designed in 1994 by Dallas-based architect Weldon Turner.  A staple for Turner’s homes is the meticulous attention to sight lines and the use of light flowing into the home. Almost every room of this 10,640-square-foot home spills onto the interior courtyard. The interior of the home was crafted by design doyenne Emily Summers of Dallas.

Sleek and contemporary, but yet has a livable feel that you don’t always get with homes in this style and size.

The look and feel has a modern and contemporary flair, but yet gives warm and comfortable vibe – not at all cold and banal like many associate with modern or contemporary interiors.

Specialty Rooms

Every room in this five-bedroom home feels special, but there are a few that are certainly worth noting. First of all, there is a full apartment over the four-car garage.  When I say “full” I mean it’s nicer than 99 percent of the homes out there.  This is a perfect guest suite or associate’s quarters. In the basement is an arcade room complete with pool table, video games, and wet bar.

The Julie Hays-designed arcade room which accesses the wine room.

Another area was originally deigned as a Y2K shelter, but once that apocalyptic scare came and went it was transformed into one of the more impressive wine cellars in Fort Worth.

Think there are any Yellow Tail or Woodbridge vinos in here? Me neither.

Finally, for those outdoor chefs, feel free to take advantage of the full kitchen complete with a pizza oven.

Covered outdoor kitchen with built-in pizza oven

I’m already way over my CandysDirt.com blog word limit, but I can’t stop!

I didn’t even get a chance to talk about the kitchen…

I need another Tarrant County Tuesday entry to just talk about the kitchen at 2108 Bradford Park Court.

…or the master suite!

Where to begin discussing the master suite and bath?

You are just going to have to make a private viewing appointment with Williams Trew Real Estate listing agents Martha Williams and Steve Berry to see this home and all its splendor first-hand. This Santa Barbara-style estate at 2108 Bradford Park Court is offered for $5.75 million.  It is shown by private appointment only.

Well that’s all from Tarrant County this week, Dirty Readers. Remember, if you have comments, questions, or ideas for future stories – I’m always here to listen!  Bring it.

Seth Fowler is a licensed real estate sales professional with Williams Trew Real Estate in Fort Worth.  Statements and opinions are his own.  Seth has been involved in the home sales and real estate business in DFW since 2004.  He and his family have lived in the Fort Worth area for over 14 years.  Also, Seth loves bow ties.  You can reach Seth at 817.980.6636 or [email protected].

Seth Fowler is a licensed real estate agent with Williams Trew Real Estate in Fort Worth. Statements and opinions are his own.

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