Alta Drive Estate Perched on Stunning Acreage

Alta, as you may know, means “high” in Spanish, and property on this desirable, private Rivercrest drive is the location of some of the highest-end real estate in Fort Worth.

High applies in many ways to this Alta Drive home. It is perched on a high bluff with stunning westward views. Architecture and construction are of the highest standards. Material and finish out are high quality.

A great deal of effort from a rich array of talent has been devoted to perfecting the unique residence.

The 5,700-square-foot house was built in 1965 by the Houston firm of Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson, who were working on another modest commission that year — The Astrodome.

The restrained-but-warm modern style conjures up the work of another Texas architecture legend, O’Neil Ford, with its low profile embedded into the lush landscape.

Updated And Aligned

In 2008, the present owners gave the four-bedroom, four-and-one-half-bath house an update completely aligned with the original spirit of the structure.

A team comprised of well known Dallas Architect, Ralph Duesing, design legend Joe Minton and perfectionist builder, Brad Deering, deployed their considerable talents to perfect the spectacular midcentury modern masterpiece.

An austere palette of black and white, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling fenestration, gives the impression of buoyancy with views of the limitless natural landscape beyond.

The foyer leading to the sprawling living area has black terra cotta floors polished to perfection. Ebony-stained wood floors run throughout the main level.

“The museum white walls are perfect for displaying art,” observes listing agent Marry Perry of Briggs Freeman.

“The floor to ceiling windows, ebony hardwood floors, tall black lacquered doors, white walls and white linen curtains create an ambience of sleek sophistication,” she adds.

The decor is a lively mélange of traditional and modern. I love the shock of the bold mustard on the fringed, oversized club chairs.

The kitchen was a beneficiary of the general remodel. Again, the team kept it simple. The skylight over the island was an addition. The inserted track provides workspace illumination at night.

A Feat of Engineering

The master suite is on the principal floor, which is actually the second floor that one enters. Stairs lead to a level below. All of this involved considerable engineering with concrete reinforced steel piers deeply embedded to carry the cantilevered structure on the sloping site.

Decks were expanded to establish suitable perches from which to take in the truly spectacular uninterrupted westward views. And not merely spectacular. Probably the best in Fort Worth — a city obsessed with sunsets. The six-and-one-half acres appear infinite, with grounds descending to the Trinity River.

Marry Perry of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Fort Worth has priced 1400 Alta Drive at $10 million.