I don’t need much of an excuse for a foray to Crestwood, my favorite Fort Worth ’07 hood where every old oak seems to sport a sinuous balletic twist. In fact, trees are so revered in this westside enclave that some stand protected by masonry, in the middle of Crestwood‘s winding lanes. This week I was enticed into the neighborhood by an alluring 1960 ranch-style house at 309 Ridgewood Road which is the perfect embodiment of the low-key gentility that makes Crestwood so special.

Larger Than it Looks

The residence looks deceptively small. Approached from a charming winding brick walkway, the three-bedroom, two-bath ranch comfortably rambles over 3,000 square feet. The front of the house has a formal layout with a large welcoming vestibule and formal living and dining room. The hardwood floors seem to be stained the perfect shade of warm chestnut brown.

The formal living room, one of three living areas, has rather massive beams, which create a feeling of cozy intimacy. One end of the room is anchored by one of the house’s two fireplaces.

A Thoughtful Renovation

The heart of the house is the open-concept kitchen, breakfast room, and den — the result of a thoughtful remodel.  The kitchen features double ovens, gas cooktop, built-in wine cooler, and abundant cabinetry. The retrofit, soft teal-colored cabinets in the den play beautifully against the rustic wood ceiling stained the same shade as the floors. Another den/library contains the second fireplace, symmetrically framed by built-in bookcases.

The master suite is comprised of a large, light-drenched bedroom and a bath with double vanities, a separate shower, and large soaker tub encased in warm slab marble.

As Livable as it is Sophisticated

One of the three bedrooms with baseball-themed murals illustrates the livability of this unique house, which consistently balances understated sophistication and relaxed comfort. At back is a partially covered patio with hardscape that complements the exterior paint color.

Kelly McLean of Williams Trew Real Estate has priced 309 Ridgewood Road at $779,000 — a real value in this posh westside neighborhood.

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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, HGTV 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.