Sensational Michael Bennett Modern Masterpiece in Park Hill

Park Hill, unfortunately is one of the few neighborhoods where 1920’s era houses fall under the wrecking ball, but it would be difficult to regret the teardown that made 2244 Winton Terrace, a modern stunner by architect Michael Bennet of Bennett Benner Partners.

The  minimalist composition has the graphic force of a painting by Piet Mondrian. And it doesn’t get more high profile than this in Fort Worth, being awarded Best in City Center from The International Interior Design Association Texas/Oklahoma chapter, for the best work in any city within the region. It was also featured in the Wall Street Journal in the “Mansion” section and on the cover of 360W this June.

The new kid on the block respectfully observes the setback of its older neighbors. The honed Lueders limestone facade fairly floats in front of a grid of square windows, establishing vertical thrusts that recall the giant order — the invention of Michelangelo.

The 52-foot-long galley features 22-foot ceiling, creating a forceful axis between the front entry and the view in the back. Houses like this don’t just happen. Evident is the close collaboration between architect and owners possessed of exquisite taste. An interesting and eclectic art collection, walls lined with books, great classic modern furniture, and grand piano reveal the high level of civilization of the denizens of Winton Terrace.

The four-bedroom, four-and-one-half-bath house sprawls over 7,100 square feet. Two cross axes delineate the home’s formal and informal areas. Off of the gallery is a large library, flooded with natural light and a striking relief on the chimney-piece by Jennifer McClanahan, depicting the Continental Divide. Finish out is of the highest level with Level 5 drywall, a fully programmable, centrally controlled, Lutron lighting system, and stunning terrazzo floors.

 

The unique gourmet kitchen with a large central island with Dekton countertops, hot red Bertazzoni range, Liebherr refrigerator, custom cabinets, full-sized wine refrigerator with an attached butler’s pantry. The textured mirror tile backsplash makes a strong statement.

The master suite is on the ground floor with pool views. The large closet contains laundry. The master bath is a full, four-piece with spacious shower stall and cabinets floating on a travertine covered wall. There is a bonus room of fully 450 feet off the master suite which could function as an office, work out area, or private sitting room.

Upstairs-another gallery wall lined with books, an informal living area, and the remaining three bedrooms all with an ensuite bath.

In addition, there are tech bells and whistles — among them a geothermal heat pump system, specific lighting for art, a Crestron whole-house media control system, exterior cameras, and a fire suppression system.

The exterior grounds showcases award-winning landscaping that was featured on the Historic Fort Worth Garden Tour in 2012 and 2019. A gunite, infinity-edge pool meanders along the terraced backyard with a cabana and outdoor living area at one end. The nearly one-acre lot has a drop off highlighted by a  delightful waterfall with a gazebo and fire pit at the base of the fall. Capping it all off is that most coveted of all Fort Worth features — a breathtaking westward bluff view.

Laurie Brants of Briggs Freeman Sothebys is offering 2244 Winton Terrace $3.92 million.

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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.