Exhilarating Views and Modern Design Spark Inspiration

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Last week, while exploring the area of the Beverly Hills Estates listing, I stumbled on to 1716 Inspiration Lane, only a few short blocks away in the unincorporated city of River Oaks. A chunk of Inspiration Lane is part of a new upscale development that is markedly grander than its much humbler neighbors. Still, with the furious pace of growth in Fort Worth seemingly incessant, more areas of town are getting a second look, and developers and homebuyers have begun to nibble at River Oaks.

The structure, in the modern, Texas vernacular style is the conception of architect Bruce Conway and has been featured in 360 West Magazine.  The exterior blends into the landscape replete with native Texas plants and large specimen trees.

The vestibule of the 4,000-square-foot house is wide and inviting. The interior ambience is one of confidently relaxed elegance. White oak floors have been stained a rich ebony, and that stain color has been retained in the door frames. The owner’s collection of modern classics furniture stages the house beautifully.

The split-level plan is open, but with strategic divisions. Windows abound, and for obvious reasons. I have been wowed by the multitude of western views in Fort Worth, but this one-acre lot occupies one of  the most breathtaking sites I have seen. Perched on a never-to-be-developed, steep hill, it has uninterrupted site lines to the Trinity River below and, as if by involuntary reflex, my eyes kept returning to it again and again.

“I was perfectly happy to sit in the living room, oblivious to time, while they measured the house and take in this stunning view,” concurs Burt Ladner agent Malorie Moran.

The dining room is located on the first floor. Attention to details is evident in the carefully selected fixtures and hardware.

The kitchen is open to the living area with the center island creating a division. Cabinets appear white in the photography but are, in fact, a soothing powder blue. Countertops are fresh, fashionable, white quartz.

The master suite is on the principle floor. In total, there are four bedrooms and two-an-one-half baths.

Even the master bath seizes views of the outdoors. The palette of greens and earth tones blends with the exterior environment.

Downstairs is a basement level, hugging the steep hill with an informal living area.

The assumption that modern means cold and unfriendly are firmly negated by this most playful of play areas and the charming child’s bedroom below. It is served by a modern rendition of the classic Dutch door.

In addition, there is a well-equipped laundry room and kitchenette on this level.

Four terraces perch on both levels to take in the scenic panorama below.

And that view, so sublime it eludes photographic capture, is seemingly boundless. With nary a structure in sight, you could easily persuade yourself that you are installed in some isolated corner of the Texas Hill Country but, sorry to dissolve the lovely illusion, you are a mere 10 minutes from downtown.

Team Suzanne Burt and Laura Ladner, of Burt Ladner Real Estate  have priced 1716 Inspiration Lane at $799,500.

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.

 

Eric Prokesh is an award-winning interior designer who calls Fort Worth his home.

2 Comments

  1. Mike S on July 28, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    Very tempting…are there any smaller homes in that area of Ft worth..

    • Eric Prokesh on July 29, 2017 at 2:47 pm

      There are smaller, original houses on that street. None for sale, however…..

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