North Texas TV Legend Jane McGarry Crafts Her Next Dream Home in West Fort Worth
North Texas television icon, Jane McGarry, renowned for her decades on air and now a prominent blogger, is embarking on an exciting new chapter: building her next dream home in West Fort Worth. Having recently sold her magnificent 5,000-square-foot hacienda, McGarry is embracing the popular trend of downsizing, planning a smaller, more manageable, yet equally exquisite residence designed for modern living. Her vision? A low-maintenance, one-story haven perfectly suited for the baby boomer lifestyle, blending elegance with practicality.
“I just closed on a fantastic West Fort Worth lot a couple of weeks ago,” McGarry enthusiastically shares. “I’m currently immersed in drawing up floorplans for the new house. My goal is to build a smaller, more cost-effective, and low-maintenance version of my previous Westover Hills home, which I sold in July. It’s truly the perfect ‘down-sizing’ house for this stage of life.”
McGarry’s journey offers valuable insights into the motivations behind downsizing without compromising on style or comfort. Her commitment to creating a space that is both beautiful and functional resonates with many homeowners seeking efficiency and ease of living.
A Canvas for Creation: Exploring the New Lot and Architectural Vision
The chosen lot for McGarry’s upcoming residence, while not overly vast at 100 x 135 feet, offers an ideal foundation for her architectural aspirations. Its most captivating feature is a wonderful sloping topography, gracefully accentuated by a dry creek that meanders through the back of the property. This natural element promises a unique opportunity for bespoke landscaping and a tranquil backyard oasis.
McGarry’s plan centers around constructing a spacious yet intimate 2,800 to 3,000-square-foot one-story home, designed in an “H” shape. This thoughtful layout will allow for distinct wings within the house, promoting natural light penetration and creating a seamless flow between living spaces. Her keen eye for design, evident in the stunning stone-clad home she sold this summer in Fort Worth, will undoubtedly carry over into her new abode. She envisions a home rich in color and distinctive features, echoing the charm of her previous property.
Inspired Design: San Miguel Allende Meets Fort Worth
“It will feature an inviting entry courtyard nestled behind impressive double wooden doors and a rustic stone wall, reminiscent of the beautiful haciendas found in San Miguel de Allende,” McGarry elaborates. This design choice promises a grand, welcoming entrance that immediately sets a tone of old-world elegance and privacy. The house will then gracefully wrap around a central patio and pool courtyard at the rear, designed to evoke the serene and luxurious outdoor living spaces of her former residence. This thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor areas maximizes natural beauty and creates perfect settings for entertaining or quiet contemplation.
While her previous home spanned a generous 5,000 square feet, McGarry is confident that her second dream home in West Fort Worth will encapsulate all the vibrant color, impeccable style, and inherent charm of its larger predecessor, proving that quality and thoughtful design can thrive regardless of size. Her approach showcases a mastery of creating luxurious, livable spaces that truly reflect personal taste and lifestyle needs.
A Glimpse into the Past: Architectural Splendor of Her Former Hacienda
McGarry’s former West Fort Worth hacienda served as a testament to her refined taste and appreciation for unique architectural details. The property was a harmonious blend of historical influences and artistic craftsmanship, elements that will undoubtedly inspire her new project.
The exterior of the house was a masterpiece of textures and materials. Its walls, constructed from robust rubble stone and mortar, offered a timeless, organic appeal, complemented by a beautiful terracotta tile roof that added a touch of Mediterranean warmth. This combination not only contributed to its aesthetic charm but also spoke to a commitment to durable, classic building techniques.
Further enhancing its unique character were the striking limestone plinths, meticulously sourced from Luders, positioned gracefully above the windows. These architectural details provided a subtle yet significant accent to the stone facade. The grand columns, imported from Mexico, were thoughtfully embellished with antique tiles from Spain, creating a rich tapestry of cultural influences that celebrated craftsmanship from across continents.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable features was the entry doors themselves. These were a rare find: authentic 18th Century Peruvian wood carvings, each telling a story through its intricate details. These doors didn’t just serve as an entryway; they were a significant artistic statement, perfectly aligning with the home’s unique blend of historical charm and sophisticated elegance.
Insights from Jane McGarry: A Q&A on Her Real Estate Journey
We had the opportunity to sit down with Jane McGarry to delve deeper into her real estate story, her design philosophy, and her plans for this exciting new chapter. Her responses offer a wealth of information for anyone considering a custom build or navigating the Fort Worth real estate market.
Neighborhood Focus: West Fort Worth’s Enduring Appeal
City/Neighborhood: West Ft. Worth, Highland Park
West Fort Worth, particularly the Highland Park community, continues to be a highly desirable location. McGarry’s choice underscores the area’s enduring appeal, known for its tranquil environment and accessibility. Its proximity to I-30 means residents can easily commute throughout the wider Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex within 30 minutes, offering the best of suburban peace with urban connectivity.
Price Range for the Area: $250,000 and up
The Guiding Hands: Real Estate Professionals
Agent: Martha Williams and her assistant Susanna Gorski at Williams Trew Sotheby’s in Ft. Worth.
Working with experienced real estate professionals is crucial, especially when dealing with unique properties or custom builds. Martha Williams and Susanna Gorski, known for their expertise with Williams Trew Sotheby’s International Realty, bring invaluable knowledge of the Fort Worth market and a deep understanding of discerning client needs.
The Heart of the Home: A Beloved Kitchen
What was your favorite room in your home and why?
My kitchen, without a doubt. When I reflect on my most cherished moments with family and friends, almost all of them took place there. From my son diligently doing his homework at the kitchen table to lively gatherings around the kitchen island, it was always the vibrant hub of our home. It’s where memories were truly made.
Non-Negotiables: Must-Haves for the New Build
When building your new home, what were your “must haves”?
The lot itself, with its beautiful dry creek running through the backyard, was a major draw. I absolutely envision a small infinity-edge lap pool and a connecting terrace that will overlook the serene green space of the creek. This will create a private, resort-like feel right at home.
Building a one-story home was also a priority. I’ve always preferred the convenience and accessibility, and I understand there’s a strong market demand for single-story residences right now, which is important when building with future selling potential in mind. Practicality and investment potential go hand-in-hand for me.
Beyond aesthetics, I’m prioritizing advanced high-tech integration. My computer is fundamental to my work and livelihood on RealJane.net, so I’m keen to explore and incorporate some of the latest home technology developments. This includes smart home features for enhanced security, energy efficiency, and seamless connectivity, ensuring my new home is as functional as it is beautiful.
The Visionary Builder
Who is your builder?
David Babek Custom Homes
Choosing the right custom home builder is paramount to bringing a unique vision to life. David Babek Custom Homes is renowned for their craftsmanship and ability to execute complex, personalized designs, making them an ideal partner for McGarry’s distinctive project.
Why This Neighborhood?
Why did you choose your neighborhood?
West Fort Worth is simply beautiful and offers a wonderful sense of quiet serenity. I also believe the property prices here are still quite reasonable, representing excellent value. The Highland Park community provides an ideal balance: it’s close enough to I-30 that I can quickly access the freeway and be anywhere across the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area within approximately 30 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for both personal and professional engagements.
Décor Style: Italian/Hacienda Meets Livable Luxury
What is your décor style, and how do you plan on making your spaces unique?
I gravitate towards open spaces that promote excellent “flow” throughout the house, ensuring an airy and connected feel. I’m particularly fond of incorporating a bank of French doors across the back of the house, offering expansive views onto a private terrace and lush green space. My personal style is what I affectionately term “Italian/Hacienda.”
Over the past two decades, I’ve curated an eclectic collection of antiques from Italy, Mexico, Southern France, and Spain. These pieces are not just decorative; they each tell a story and infuse the home with character and history. However, despite their age and beauty, there’s a crucial element to my décor philosophy: there’s nothing in my house you can’t comfortably put your feet up on! It’s about luxurious livability, where elegance meets everyday comfort.
The Creative Partner: Her Esteemed Designer
Who is your designer?
Kenneth Blasingame, Fort Worth.
Kenneth is not only one of my closest friends but also one of the most exceptionally talented individuals I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with. He possesses an extraordinary eye for optimizing space and recognizing beauty, coupled with a rare ability to truly make a home reflect the unique personality of its inhabitant. This talent for personalization and understanding a client’s essence is, I believe, truly unique and invaluable in the world of design.
Looking Ahead: A Fresh Start
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Well, I’m literally getting ready to “do it all over again” with this new build, so we’ll certainly see what lessons and new inspirations emerge!
Jane McGarry’s journey from a grand hacienda to a meticulously planned, smaller custom home is more than just a real estate transaction; it’s a testament to evolving lifestyles and the pursuit of a perfectly tailored living space. Her new West Fort Worth home promises to be a vibrant expression of her style, merging the timeless elegance of Italian/Hacienda design with modern comfort and technology.