I have to admit that usually my first thought when I walk into a nearly 6,000-square-foot home is, "Wow…it would take a lot of work to keep this place clean." But once I get past that, I can really appreciate the space.
This year's Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home is exceptional. Just two miles west of downtown in the Monticello neighborhood, the 5,600-square-foot home features a French Eclectic design.
There are so many unique components that make this home stand out, such as the split-level master bedroom with an iron spiral staircase leading to an upstairs study. Another of my favorite features is something never before featured in any of the magazine's Dream Homes. A small room in the home is dedicated to a fully automated control system that sends audio and video signals through the house. The owner can control the system through computer or smart phone from anywhere.
Touring of the home runs from Sept. 25-Oct. 27, and proceeds go to benefit a Wish with Wings so that the foundation can continue its 31-year mission of granting wishes for children with life-threatening conditions. To find out more about this year's Dream Home, turn to page 54.
The second annual Kitchens Tour also benefits a Wish with Wings. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and that couldn't be any truer for the River Crest homeowners on this year's tour. In Kitchens for a Cause on page 138, writer Alison Rich peeks inside several over-the-top kitchen spaces that will go on tour on Oct. 19. Guests will be treated to tastings and personal interactions with some of Fort Worth's most popular chefs.
As the doors to some homes open in Fort Worth, another one closes for Hangman's House of Horrors. After 25 years of transforming a tattered warehouse on Forest Park Boulevard into a spooky wonderland, Hangman's will no longer be in operation after this year. Recognized as one of the top 10 scariest Halloween attractions in the country, the haunted house had become a Fort Worth tradition for many. Locals will have their last chance to visit from Sept. 13 – Nov. 2. As the top charitable haunted house in the nation, Hangman's has raised nearly $2 million for local charities over the years. Read more about the history of Hangman's House of Horrors on page 148.
October presents the opportunity to visit many houses in town for a good cause. So go on in and make yourself at home.
