Arcadian Crestwood Hideaway On Rockwood Park Drive

Mopey and melancholic, your Fort Worth Friday correspondent was looking for real estate comfort food to chew on, and there are few neighborhoods more delicious than Crestwood with its lovely, well-bred, unpretentious houses set among cherished old oaks. And with the summer dog days upon us, we are all seeking refuge where we can, so it was with great and unexpected pleasure that I discovered  a delightful, verdant oasis, hidden behind limestone walls at 208 Rockwood Drive in the heart of Crestwood.

Set back on a near half an acre lot, sheltered by a canopy of green, the 3,741-square-foot split level house is approached by a graceful, meandering flight of brick steps. The calming atmosphere is the result of a design scheme I like to call  “planned randomness” which plays out in the natural disposition of the landscape and the discreet but extensive hardscape.

The juxtaposition of antique brick and shingle siding on the front recalls relaxed rural retreats. Long Island? Connecticut?  Behind the shingled bay window lies the long dining room with its fastidiously polished light hardwood floors.

The formal living room is also at front. The room comes as something of a let down given the spectacular landscape and is perhaps in need of an update. The again fashionable grass cloth is worth working with as a starting point.

The true gravitational pull of the house is clearly towards the back with its views of the extraordinary back garden. The spacious kitchen with abundant cabinetry and large island looks onto a large paneled study and sun room. Countertops are quartz.

Two of the four bedrooms are on the lower level with two additional bedrooms upstairs.

Even on a hot August day, the gardens in back beckon. Hardscape is a skillful deployment of materials including limestone, stone veneer, and brick placed to take advantage of the hilltop setting of the residence.

Raised beds around trees showcase extravagant plantings of caladiums and bamboo. Additional inducements to tempt one out of doors include a lap pool, hot tub, steam room, outdoor shower, as well as a long bar — ideal for entertaining guests on a midsummer night’s eve.

Co-Listing agents Andrea Halbach & Jayne Landers of Burt Ladner have priced 208 Rockwood Drive at $899,000.

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.