When Clay and Catherine Crudup set out to find
the ideal family dwelling four years ago, the quest stopped in Dalworthington Gardens. There the Crudups discovered a lot that was just the right size – a little over a half acre – as well as a structure that was tailor-made to fit all the family needs. It spans 4,900 square feet, with five bedrooms and six baths, and, as Catherine notes, it had curb appeal, a terrifically serene location and a layout that was both grownup- and kid-friendly.
The general appeal of the home was obvious, but the Crudups also soon discovered they were also surrounded by wonderful neighbors, and that they had the benefit of security provided by amazing police and fire departments and accessibility of the best Arlington has to offer. As the photos with this story show, there’s plenty to love about the home – from the spacious living areas that seem to have a perfect view to the outside everywhere you look, to one of those views, specifically: the backyard/pool area.
Then, of course, there’s what the Crudups did with all that space once they moved in and evolved as a family.
Catherine filled all the rooms with charming and elegant decor, without neglecting something every home needs most of all: comfort.
Clay then took his turn making the house even better – at least, where his tastes were concerned. “I have to say that our recently renovated cabana for grilling out, watching the kids in the pool or yard and enjoying sports on the outdoor TV is my favorite spot,” he notes. He adds that he also has a soft spot for one part of the dwelling that he didn’t have to tinker with at all: the attic, which is “the largest I’ve ever seen!”
The sum of those parts – an original spot that was great, plus amendments to make it even greater – has become a vertitable Crudup Manor.
There will be more on the particulars of the house to come, but, first, here’s a look at the family.
Clay is the vice president over operations for three family-owned manufacturing companies located in Arlington and Grand Prairie.
Catherine worked as a registered nurse in the ICU and outpatient surgery centers of local hospitals before leaving the work force to have children. She is now a stay-at- home mom.
Their two daughters, Claire (6) and Campbell (3) join two terriers, Sadie and Ella, to round out the Crudup family, all the members of which have found something special about the place they have called home for the past four years. Clay’s favorite “nook” was mentioned previously. Catherine says she is particularly partial to the “great indoors.”
“Our master bedroom and bathroom are a complete retreat!” she exclaims. “Both spaces are elegant and calming and make me feel like I could be somewhere in Europe. I also love the functionality of our kitchen and being a part of family time while I’m cooking.”
As for the girls, Catherine says they love having multiple living areas for playing, dancing and dress up. “I love my bedroom because it’s so pretty,” says Campbell. Clair agrees: “My bedroom is my favorite because all of my stuffed animals are in there.”
As with many great homes, the Crudups’ abode is often used for entertainment purposes. Catherine says the design that attracted her from the get-go lends itself well to the various family and social get-togethers to which the family plays host.
“We love the openness and flow of the home’s living spaces,” she says. “Any of our gatherings always expand throughout the house and out to the outdoor spaces accessible from the kitchen and den. We use our formal dining and living areas for meals and entertaining. Our den, kitchen, and additional informal family room are ideal for the young families and friends that we host. When the weather cools down, the outdoor cabana overlooking the pool is our favorite spot for grilling out and watching football, and, during warmer months, you can find us in and around the pool with friends and family.”
Every home has some special memories. Catherine says many of those are rooted in the early days as they were settling into the neighborhood.
“We moved here when our oldest daughter was two, and we brought our second daughter home from the hospital only a few months later,” she says. “The memories are too numerous to count. We love walks around the pond and feeding the ducks. Also, every year right before Christmas, Santa makes a special visit to the neighborhood, and the girls get to go over any last-minute changes to their lists. This is a home full of love and laughter!”
