There are so many great places to live in Fort Worth that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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Few embody the concept of "cowboys and culture" like Donna Kyle Veale. The real estate agent happens to be the wife of a sixth-generation rancher and descendent of J.J. Ward of West Texas. She moved from Telluride, Colorado, (where she is still a broker) to live with her husband on Veale Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas — and has since learned the ins and outs of the ranching lifestyle.
At the same time, Donna Kyle and her husband are members of River Crest Country Club and are quick to tout the Rivercrest neighborhood's proximity to Fort Worth's Cultural District, Northside, and downtown area.
"Rivercrest is a great neighborhood for families as well as golfers," she says. "People greet you with a smile and live an active lifestyle. With easy access to downtown and the Trinity Trails, this area is a great location for young couples, families, and those interested in immersing themselves in Fort Worth."
Donna Kyle offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Rivercrest. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
Donna Kyle's absolute favorite place to dine is Paris 7th, where the classic French cuisine reminds her of the year she lived in France. "My favorite small plate is the foie gras de canard au torchon," she says.
Roy Pope Grocery is her favorite place to grab a quick bite with friends, thanks to its comfortable, trendy atmosphere. "It has a fabulous gourmet deli, serving specialty coffees, wine, and beer," Donna Kyle says. "I can always count on fresh fruit from the produce section or a select Angus steak for the grill. The staff always has a friendly word for those of us who stop in."
Where to play
River Crest Country Club offers much more than just a round of golf. "I always feel pampered by the staff, whether I’m hosting a special event or enjoying refreshments from the 1911 Lounge," she says. "Tuesday night is fried chicken night, and it's always well attended by Rivercrest families."
What to see
Just a short distance from Rivercrest are the Cultural District museums. "I love visiting the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame," Donna Kyle says. "During the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, it’s a must on my list of places to take our out-of-town guests."
Her favorite specialty shop is PS The Letter, which is where she goes whenever she needs a unique gift. "I especially love sending handwritten notes, and PS The Letter has the most lovely collection of custom stationery," she says. "Their bespoke crystal gifts and custom decor never disappoint."
Where to live
"The historic elegance of the estates in Rivercrest captured my interest when I first moved to Fort Worth," Donna Kyle says. "The homes are diverse in terms of architecture, with styles ranging from Mediterranean to modern. Many of these homes date back to 1910, when Fort Worth was considered the Old West and populated by cattlemen, ranchers, and oil tycoons."
The grandest historic homes are the few that sit along the bluff on Crestline Road. Donna Kyle's personal favorite home in the Rivercrest area is the Baldridge House, a Georgian mansion built in 1910 that has been beautifully preserved and updated. It was designated as a Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 1978.
"Its gardens are as opulent as the chandeliers that drape the ceilings throughout the home," says Donna Kyle. "The home rivals many of this era — it is sincerely captivating!"
Some Rivercrest homes are tucked away for privacy yet have expansive golf course views. The floor plans are fit for growing families, with three-plus bedrooms and en suite baths — and expect to see large kitchens and dining areas separate from the living areas.
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Donna Kyle Veale works and plays in Rivercrest. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email dkyle@briggsfreeman.com, or call 970-708-1535.
