Move In-Ready Midcentury Modern in Westcliff Addition

Ever on the look-out for affordable and appealing housing in an attractive neighborhood, I ventured into the Westcliff Addition. Westcliff is rather vast, extending from the area around TCU south to Interstate 20. Closer to TCU, houses can get a little pricy, selling for $500,000 or more. But if you are willing to go farther south, pricing becomes more affordable.  And the still-inside-the-loop area has much to recommend itself with major shopping areas mere minutes away. Houses are of the same vintage as their northern counterparts — compact, ranch-style houses on mature, tree-lined streets.

A short jaunt from Kellis Park, is a midcentury gem at 4625 Selkirk Drive. In fact Selkirk Drive terminates in a piece of that park land. Though small — just under 1,400 square feet — the three-bedroom, two-bath house is rather subtle and sophisticated, composed of three eye-pleasing and balanced blocks.

Inside it’s midcentury heaven. Bleached oak floors create a clean, modern atmosphere. And that sleek, sophisticated interior looks almost too good to be true.

Could it be? Yes, it is the work of our friends Alyson French and Tina McMakin. The last time we caught up with them they were too busy to keep current with social media.

“We generally have about five of our listings staged by AЯRANGE, French/McMackin’s staging company,” says Williams Trew listing agent Alann Nolan. The pair have since updated their Instagram account, which gives a better sampling of their work. Having been a rental, the house would have had to be shown empty, had it not been staged.

Fans of open-concept living will appreciate the modern, open flow of the 1952 build, with its uninterrupted sight line running from the large living area, through the kitchen, to the small dining area beyond.

And though open to the kitchen, the dining area is its own distinct and defined space. The floor plan of the residence is so versatile — almost loft like in that many possibilities for furniture placement and space usage suggest themselves. Living and dining could certainly be joined with the smaller space functioning as a breakfast area.

Bedrooms are a bit on the small side, but the stagers have deliberately placed a king size bed with two night tables to show the room to its best advantage. The full bath, visible beyond, completes the master suite.

I personally don’t love some of the materials choices, but both baths and the kitchen are pristine with thorough, recent updates, making the property truly move in-ready.

The second bedroom is of almost identical size as the master. The smaller third bedroom above is currently staged as a cozy study.

The backyard is large enough for a pool and for children to play. “This Westcliff listing has so many potential buyers-from young couples to empty nesters, that I am surprised it hasn’t already come under contract,” observes Nolan.

Alann Nolan of Williams Trew has priced 4625 Selkirk Drive at $249,000.

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.