2814 Park Bridge Court is Literally an Island of Calm

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You almost have a drawbridge across the moat of Turtle Creek on one side. On the other is the woodsy-ness of the Katy Trail. And yet, you’re a five-minute walk to The Mansion, ten from Uptown eateries. As I said, an island.  Roughly a decade ago when II first moved to Dallas, I recall walking along Cedar Springs and wondering about the homes I saw behind their bamboo screen.  In my pre-real estate salad days, that meant blindly walking around to the private road and looking.

Speaking of salad, not many of us have the salad required to own a home in this hidden precinct of 14 homes. Listed by owner’s relative Susan Marcus of Briggs Freeman, 2814 Park Bridge Court will set you back $2.75 million for all of its 4,300 square feet.  At three stories with three bedrooms complimented by three full and one half bathrooms, the spaces are large.

There is an HOA governing these properties, but no fear, the quarterly dues are $688, and as usual, dumbo DCAD only thinks it’s worth $1.082 million. (Speaking of DCAD, over the past 18 years the assessed value of this home has only vacillated by $21,960 and the current value hasn’t budged since 2010. A nice track record for a new owner.)

But enough about that.  The home was designed in 1987 by Ken Burgess, it’s the same year downtown high-rise construction died until Museum Tower’s 2012 debut.  It has quite an art gallery feel with a more modern, uncluttered feel. Pretty much a crown moulding-free zone. In keeping with its vintage, there’s a lot of maple wood that seems to be coming a selected comeback.  Oddly the best way to understand the entry is from above.  From the opening on the third floor we see down to the main living areas on the second and finally down to the first floor entry.  It’s a sight line that opens from below but really gets going on the second floor.  Yes, there’s an elevator.

Before we dash into the living room, let’s pause in my favorite room.  I do love a book.  I also enjoy the 1980s interpretation of a classic space, complete with light coffered ceilings and paneling that, along with the open shutters, bring a brightness not found in many library spaces.

The library fireplace is also a riff on the chunky forms seen in some 1930s fireplace mantels and architecture.  It’s nice to see a painting above the mantle instead of the 75” TV. Nothing against jumbo TVs (I have one), just not here.

Speaking of fireplaces, there’s another one in the main living room uncluttered by a TV.  The wall of windows might fool you into thinking you’re in a high-rise.  What’s also cool is that you can just make out the fab second floor pool deck accessed through those French doors.  Nifty, eh?

Facing the other direction you see the openness of the space complete with open staircase.  Off to the right is the dining room with its own private patio out its French doors.  Having your living on the second floor gives a taste of a treehouse.

Before we hit the kitchen, see what I mean about the pool?  The center windows offer almost an infinity feel when in the living room while the set of doors lets guests circulate (because you know there’s been more than one knees-up here.

Back inside and next to the dining room is the kitchen.  And it’s not white/white!  Yippee!  The black granite anchors and provides contrast to the maple cabinets.  I’d probably lose the BLUE but lay down some colorful scatter rugs to break-up the wood-wood feel.  I also might tart-up the backsplash.  But I wouldn’t touch the wood.

Yeah, more BLUE, but also great built-ins. And I must compliment on the Gaggenau oven. It’s the same one I have, so I must be more hotsy-totsy than I thought. More views of a secluded garden out back too.  Perfect place for an herb garden … fresh as can be.

See if you can spot the bit of fun in the master … go on … no?  The room is painted two colors, split right down the middle.  Literally his and hers colors.  Whimsical but subtle.

Easier to spot now?  Beyond the color shenanigans, it’s a large space with plenty of light and high ceilings.  Off to the left you can see the bath … let’s go there.

Not just double sinks, but double and separated vanities.  Remember that Woody Guthrie song? “This crap is your crap, this crap is my crap … la-la-la …This land was made for you and me.” I’d definitely write those statues into the contract.  Having three judgy ladies staring at my butt would ensure I didn’t miss a workout!

Want to bathe in the great outdoors?  Here’s the next best thing.  Talk about relaxing.  In summer, I’d close off the bathroom, open the door and take a nice cool bath in the Dallas heat (before I returned to the AC … I’m not crazy).

I have to say overall, with very minor alterations (mostly paint), from the TDF location to the interior, this home offers a lot of cool-factor.  Not many 1987 homes can boast that.  A few short years ago, the maple would have brought out dark stain by the gallon, but I think we’re getting tired of the super dark, fake “hand-scraped” flooring.  Sure, the right rugs are needed, but that’s décor. And when moving into a new house, we all enjoy décor therapy.

 

Remember:  High-rises, HOAs and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement.  If you’re interested in hosting a Candysdirt.com Staff Meeting event, I’m your guy. In 2016 and 2017, the National Association of Real Estate Editors has recognized my writing with two Bronze (2016, 2017) and two Silver (2016, 2017) awards.  Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make?  Shoot me an email [email protected].

 

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Jon Anderson is CandysDirt.com's condo/HOA and developer columnist, but also covers second home trends on SecondShelters.com. An award-winning columnist, Jon has earned silver and bronze awards for his columns from the National Association of Real Estate Editors in both 2016, 2017 and 2018. When he isn't in Hawaii, Jon enjoys life in the sky in Dallas.

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