Driving around North Texas, you’ll likely spot a range of architectural styles — from the split roofs of mid-century masterpieces to the gingerbread details of Victorian mansions. If you’re like us, seeing a cozy craftsman home makes you drive a little slower through the neighborhood.
What makes it craftsman?
The craftsman-style bungalow rose to popularity over 100 years ago from the American Arts and Crafts furniture movement and prioritizes simple, natural materials with built-in or hand-crafted details that make them feel “homey.” Furniture designer Gustav Stickley helped popularize the style with his magazine The Craftsman that offered house plans for purchase — think: Sears and Roebuck catalogue homes.
The style is characterized by:
- Low-pitched triangular roofs with wide, over-hanging eaves
- Spacious porches with thick, tapered columns along the perimeter
- Large bay or picture windows
- Earth tones and painted wood trim
Fort Worth’s most famous craftsman creations include the 1910 Chalet-Bungalow and the 1915 Grammer-Pierce House — a recorded Texas Historic Landmark — and many more in the National Fairmount Historic District.
Love it? Live it
If you’re looking for your next home, take a virtual tour of these three craftsman-style homes currently on the market around DFW. FYI, they’re all on the market as of Sunday, March 31.
2244 Mistletoe Blvd., Mistletoe Heights | 3 BD, 2 BA
Built in 1925, the 1,821-sqft house sits on a corner lot less than a mile from the Medical District and Magnolia Avenue. It features a solid brick and stucco exterior, wrap-around front porch, and original wooden beams in the living and dining area. Don’t miss the deep front porch with a swing and wooden plantation shutters in the living room.
5817 Cyprus Point Dr., Mira Vista | 5 BD, 5 BA
Built in 1996, this 6,044-sqft house was designed by architect James Nader + inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie houses. The brick and stone house looks out to a lake through large windows. Get ready to relax outdoors with the large patio and pool that are perfect for entertaining.
1601 S. Henderson St., Fairmount | 3 BD, 2 BA
Built in 1924, the 2,204-sqft house boasts tall ceilings and solid wood floors. Don’t miss out on the ornate wooden mantle and colorful blown glass chandelier in the dining room. Our favorite features are the diamond-shaped cutout in the dining room entryway and the twin fireplaces.