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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While the term "master planned community" is frequently used, real estate professional Adrianne Holland, GRI, will tell you that Walsh is in a class of its own in this category.
Located in Fort Worth, the new, 7,200-acre development is one of the largest of its kind in a major U.S. city and includes commercial development, residential neighborhoods, and mixed-use areas.
“The developer invested in more than a decade of research and design to ensure every factor that makes a world-class neighborhood was planned out in detail,” says Holland, who was born and raised in Fort Worth. “This included many forward-thinking, long-term investments, such as a tree farm, integration with a top school district, 2,300 acres of green space, and some of the most advanced internet connectivity available in the United States.”
She’s so inspired by the area that she’s building her own custom home in Walsh and will be moving there in 2023.
“From creative neighborhood events that happen year-round to outstanding amenities and the friendly waves of passing golf carts, this neighborhood has a thriving community experience that is missing from so many others,” adds Holland.
One of her greatest joys is helping her clients find their perfect home, for whatever phase they are moving into in life. Another great joy? Halloween decorations! "My decorations definitely lean to scary rather than whimsical, and every year I try to build on what I did the year before," she says.
Holland is also a frozen yogurt aficionado — it's her "kryptonite" — and she will detour on road trips and block time to try new places.
Fro-yo aside, she offered up some of her personal favorites about life in Walsh. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
While Fort Worth is a mere 12 minutes away for anything you might be craving, Holland also suggests two excellent options even closer to Walsh: Fire Oak Grill in Weatherford and Railhead Smokehouse BBQ in Willow Park.
“Both places have Texas-style decor and laid-back ambiance," says Holland. "Definitely ask for my favorite off-the-menu item at Railhead: the fried turkey.”
Where to play
Walsh has 120 acres of green space in addition to a state-of-the-art Athletic Club with sport courts and two huge swimming pools.
But Holland’s go-to hangout is Lake Park — especially in the summer months — where you can rent a kayak, lounge in an Adirondack chair, or go for a swim in the nine-acre lake. There’s also a two-tiered, shaded playground with a cushioned floor to keep little ones safe while they play on swings, slides, and a globe spinner.
Holland also loves Makerspace, a creative lab and gathering place that provides innovative tools and technology like 3-D printers, robotics, laser cutters, woodworking tools, sewing equipment, and kid-friendly arts and crafts. Access to Makerspace is an included amenity for all Walsh residents.
What to see
“Don’t miss a chance to visit downtown Weatherford,” says Holland. “It has a rich Western and pioneer history that can be seen and explored in its downtown square and historic district.”
It’s also the Peach Capital of Texas, and there’s an annual Peach Festival where you can sample many fruity creations.
Where to live
Holland shares that Walsh allows future residents to select from a broad range of architectural styles, with one to suit almost any taste.
There are eight unique styles from which to choose: Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, midcentury modern, Arts and Crafts, modern farmhouse, Texas vernacular, transitional, and Tudor.
“The variety of architecture is so appealing, but if none of those styles perfectly match your taste there are custom-designated areas, such as Cline Park, that allow you to further customize your dream home,” adds Holland.
Holland represented the buyer of 2600 Paladora Drive, which is a quintessential example of a custom home in Walsh.
“Located in Cline Park, this modern hacienda home is elegant, timeless, and welcoming with its beautiful red tile roof, several alfresco gathering spaces, and a neutral color palette that garners a sense of relaxation,” she says.
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Adrianne Holland works and plays in Walsh. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email aholland@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-988-7955.
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
2600 Paladora Dr. is a quintessential example of a custom home in Walsh.
