Standard WinForms and/or Java isn't too far off what you're describing if you're willing to install runtimes, but I know that's not what you're looking for and

Standard WinForms and/or Java isn't too far off what you're describing if you're willing to install runtimes, but I know that's not what you're looking for and I see your point. The difficulty is that people used to agree (and at varying times, sue each other) over which metaphors to use. The desktop platforms are growing further apart on this front. Linux has so much work-in-progress happening at any one time that sustainable fusion is closer than a finished and implemented Wayland. Windows is still pushing a "modern" UI metaphor that no-one can stand. Apple has to my knowledge never shown any interest in what you're proposing at all. That leaves the option of creating another UI layer on top for the app to sit in, and Electron/HTML5 isn't a terrible fit for that. Maybe trying to get rolling with LLVM and emscripten to run the Electron logic is your answer, or Typescript if it helps ameliorate some of the JS qualms for you.