Meet The Modern That Was Modern Before “Modern”

As far as unique properties go, it doesn’t get any more extra than this. It’s a streamlined modern in Fort Worth. There’s so much to say, we’re just going to get to popping. 

If you’re not familiar with this area, it’s by their brick wall – Camp Bowie – and it’s pretty sought after. It’s near the cultural district with museums, shops and hip little restaurants. Not to mention THE greatest hair salon ever, Shampoo.

This striking modern with a hint of Mediterranean influence was designed by Fred Murphree and built in 1941. It’s a bit of a fortress, too. It’s fireproof and also constructed with six-inch studs and reinforced concrete construction. When it was initially built, it was everywhere, earning accolades and features in building journals. Back then they thought this design would really catch on and be the way of the future. It never quite did, but it’s certainly a stunner. Regardless, Engel & Volkers’ Sarah Hardy said if you grew up in Fort Worth, you know this house. And you’ve probably always wanted to see inside. Now’s your chance.

The interior is mostly original with an updated kitchen and one updated bathroom. The kitchen is stunning with a built-in circular banquette, modern wallpaper, and shaker-style cabinets. And even though you wouldn’t think it would work with the original Spanish tile, it definitely does. Not surprising that the owner of this home is creative and has a tremendous eye for detail. 

As for the original architectural elements, it seems like each is better than the last. The fireplace with its mix of decorative tile and art deco detail is your favorite thing at first. Then you see the original bathroom. Again, art deco to the extreme with crimson and cream tile, the pedestal sink, and cantilever windows that open out.

Here’s a detail you can’t see in the photos, original medicine cabinets used to have a slot in them for used razor blades, but where did they go?!?!? Under the house. Really people of the midcentury?? Really. In this bathroom, they replaced with heater with a wooden magazine rack and again, the details are perfection. By the way, all those windows were original. VERY ahead of its time.

We could spend the rest of today and most of tomorrow oohing and aahing over this gorgeous house – I mean we haven’t even talked about the remodeled bathroom – but instead we’ll just hit you with the highlights and load you up on features and photos.

Features!! There’s a temperature-controlled wine cellar that holds up to 250 bottles of wine. Outside the backyard is MASSIVE. There’s an atrium and a rooftop deck. A ROOFTOP DECK. 

What an incredibly special house. If you’re an incredibly special buyer, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom completely unique single story at 3817 White Settlement might be for you. Hardy has it listed at $520,000