Berkeley Cottage Blends Best of Old And New

Even in this uncertain market, a judiciously priced, lovingly tended, and thoughtfully updated listing in a desirable Near Southside neighborhood will still move. In some instances fast. In this case, the Berkeley Place cottage at 2133 Park Place Ave. was under contract in less than one week. When you examine everything this darling home has to offer, it’s easy to understand why.

The Makings of a Berkeley Place Charmer

First, Berkeley Place is a completely underrated Fort Worth neighborhood.

Known for its stone gates and beautiful ornamental streetlights, the neighborhood is a treasure trove of 1920s and 1930s-era one- and two-story homes. While most people think of Fairmount when it comes to historic Fort Worth enclaves, Berkeley Place is also on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a City of Fort Worth landmark.

And while the neighborhood is absolutely lousy with historic homes and character, this Berkeley Place cottage is tough to beat.

You don’t have to wait long to apprehend the level of owner pride in this Berkeley Place charmer. The porch has been covered with slate pavers that coordinate beautifully with the tasteful tonal gray scheme of the masonry paint. A large pair of ceramic pots for seasonal plantings have been placed at the foot of the piers that support the vestibule’s pointed arch opening.

Even throw pillows on the outdoor furniture match the melon-colored front door.

Inside, one finds all of the original elements that make the Tudor-style bungalow so appealing.

Millwork, sconces, and doors are all original to the 1930-built residence. The fireplace is, at this stage, decorative, probably once housing a gas stove but could likely be adapted as a modern gas-burning fireplace.

Every opportunity has been made to enclose and capture as much usable space as possible. Above, a porch off the living room has been enclosed and now serves as sun-filled office space. The window fitted into the arched opening is deftly handled. The pair of doors leading into the room is a type known as modified nine light — closely associated with Craftsman-style houses.

The dining room has remained a separate and distinct space but the opening to the kitchen has, I suspect, been widened in an effort to create a more open plan.

The stunningly updated modern kitchen comes as a jaw-dropping surprise and probably factored into the quick sale of this property. The 60-inch chef’s gas range has six burners and a griddle/grill. Floor-to-ceiling stained cabinets provide abundant storage and wrap the refrigerator, which also sports the same shade of melon we spotted on the front door and porch.

Beyond is a tidy little laundry/mud room with a basket weave tile floor and drying rack.

Four bedrooms, three baths, and more than 3,000 square feet have been reclaimed from the original plan, including attic bedrooms and baths. The original primary bedroom is at ground level. One of the original baths retains its claw-footed tub and beadboard dado.

The porch off the second floor appears to be an add-on. Notice the harlequin “rug” achieved with three colors of deck stain. The property has a detached, one-car garage with a rather lovely apartment over, presenting an income opportunity.

Christa Holbert of LEAGUE Real Estate has priced 2133 Park Place Avenue at $750,000.