Cardinal Lane Ranch in Enchanting Oakhurst

Oakhurst is all about potential. With its proximity to downtown and the Trinity Vision Project, values have nowhere to go but up. It’s been almost exactly one year ago that we visited Oakhurst, and in that period prices have held steady, but there is a catch — houses move quickly here. The Maple Street listing we covered was under contract before we could post. So I jumped on 2107 Cardinal Lane when it came on the market a mere 24 hours ago.

John P. King and Henry King began developing the neighborhood through their Oakhurst Land Company, Inc. in 1923 and their vision remains true today.

“OAKHURST is more than a fine suburb, it is more than a charming place in which to build one’s home. For, in truth, it is the fulfillment of a dream long held in the hearts of Fort Worth business men. The growing need has been felt for years, but never before has the opportunity presented itself to justify the offering of a suburban residential district which the average family can afford—where life will be better!”

“Now we have in OAKHURST a desirable residential district where every suburban advantage may be enjoyed, and only eight minutes from Country life for the city man.”

And the 175-acre bluff development with its winding lanes, mature trees, and central park does give the impression of sylvan beauty. The 1948 ranch-style on Cardinal Lane is rich in curb appeal, nestled among old oaks and surrounded by charming landscaping. There is a great deal of neighborhood pride here with a strong neighborhood association, which focuses on preservation, beautification, and gives a ‘Yard of the Month’ award.

The 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath bungalow on Cardinal Lane happens to be the home of the sister of Coldwell Banker listing agent Briana Hipps, who shared lots first hand information with me. In the winter, she tells me there is almost always a fire in the living room’s central fireplace. Indeed, the room exudes warmth with its original hardwoods and symmetrically placed, built-in bookcases.

The floor plan is traditional with a formal dining room off the living room and kitchen beyond.

The vintage kitchen may give some buyers pause, but I love its period feel and there is a good gas range.

The house has an additional bonus space providing a private retreat or space for a home office. Rooms look out onto the the large third-of-an-acre, tree-lined lot. Agent Briana Hipps tells me that there is a view of downtown from one of them. An additional fillip is the generous linen storage built into a hallway.

My favorite space may be the outdoor living are with its pergola and fireplace. Other outdoor features include a fish pond — the home of a croaking frog — butterfly garden, greenhouse, shed, and a full-coverage automatic sprinkler system.

The Oakhurst website even has a page for residents to post pictures of neighborhood wildlife.”We’ve seen a gray fox cross the lawn more than once,” Briana tells me. “Don’t miss the open house this Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.,” she adds.

All of this charm comes at an affordable $146.00 per square foot price. Brianna Hipps of Colwell Banker is offering 2107 Cardinal Lane for $295,000.

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. His own home on historic Elizabeth Boulevard has been featured in 360 West.