For many years on my way to Easton, I drove past a long straight driveway lined with mature trees that soon curved out of sight to obscure any view of the house. The property was surrounded by farmland, so I surmised this house was a quintessential Eastern Shore farmhouse. I learned it was originally the farmhouse for the farm but for or nearly 25 years, and this house has also been home to a talented duo of artists whom I met through Piazza a few years ago. They retained me as their architect to help them evaluate a renovation and/or addition vs. selling and buying another house that could offer them one-level living. When they gave me their address, I realized my curiosity would soon be satisfied! 

I went back this week to tour the grounds and I again appreciated how a large group of blooming day lilies on each side of the drive marked the transition to the curved portion of the drive. The vista opens up to the house, framed by mature Willow Oaks, massive English boxwoods, and heirloom plantings. I admired the arrangement of large hostas that stretched out in the planting beds at the front and side of the house.  The driveway blends into a sizeable parking area that also serves the detached three-car garage and a large barn that is the workshop of the artisan woodworker husband of the couple.  The compact massing of the two-story house is articulated by gables on each side, with several one-story areas that create a lively composition. The front hipped roof covers a screened porch that leads to the main entry to the house.  

At the rear corner of the house, a towering Magnolia tree provides both shade and its large beautiful blooms. Entrances to both the family room with its single door flanked by long windows and the door at the other side that leads to the kitchen results in an easy indoor/outdoor flow for entertaining. 

On my first visit as their architect, I told them I love topiary and I christened the shed behind the house the “topiary shed” since except for the single door on one side, it is covered entirely with ivy. Its side wall borders the brick terrace opposite a raised bed containing a dwarf red Japanese Maple and other plants along with pots of annuals. The blue umbrella can be positioned to provide shade when needed over the outdoor dining area.

Most of the property is screened by mature trees but at this spot there is a break in the greenery for this long vista to unfold over the farm fields. On the day of my visit, young shoots of corn were asserting themselves upward in the fields to the far distance line of trees. The wooden planter containing herbs for cooking is directly opposite the door to the kitchen. 

I ended my tour of the grounds with another tour of the interiors. I went back to the front door that opens into a foyer between the office and the living room and I remembered the first time I saw this exquisite room. I had just returned from my annual art visit to NYC, which included a visit to MOMA’s modern furniture gallery. I was amazed at the iconic pieces the artistic couple had acquired or the talented husband had crafted for this room that would grace any gallery. My eyes lingered first over the cardboard chairs made famous by architect Frank Gehry, then over the husband’s creation of both the desk and the table that proudly have their place amongst the iconic pieces. Between the two windows are the “Cone Chair“ by  Verner Panton and the fantastic “Carlton” bookcase of many colors by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis that is clearly the focal point of the room.  

The simple palette of white washed pine paneling that adds texture, white ceiling and the texture of the rug over the beautiful original white oak floors provide an enclosure for the colorful furnishings. The geometry of the black sofa by Jasper Morrison is perfectly complemented by design icons Charles and Ray Eames’ round wood coffee table and their LCW cowhide chair. Jean-Marie Massaud black “Ace Chair’ for Viccarbe. Lighting by Martine Bedin’s floor lamp for Memphis in the corner and the large organic uplight by Ingo Maurer  on top of the bookcase on the side wall provide accent lighting.  

 

I love vistas through imaginative spaces and  I savored this one that ends at a large vintage poster.

It’s quite rare that I can include all four walls of a room, but this living room is the exception. I liked the layering of the wood-burning fireplace surround in front of the bookcases and the simple mantel with the steel candle holders by Albert Paley I had first seen in the wife’s office. The photo of the magnolia by George Holzer pays homage to the massive Magnolia outside.  

After reluctantly leaving the living room, I discovered more treasures. A large rug anchors the Jean Prouvé table by Vitra and the sleek black Maarten Van Severn Chairs with their tubular steel legs. When I asked who designed the one-of-a-kind Chiffonier and the Courtier cabinet, the husband modestly but proudly claimed them as his own designs that he crafted – simply elegant! My fave piece of his was the exquisite Courtier next to the white corner cabinet original to the house. The cabinet slopes front to back and I can’t imagine how many hours it took to design and create this gem!

I love trestle tables and the Trestle Table sideboard was designed and crafted by the husband. The pair of steel candleholders match the design of the  candleholders by Albert Paley in the living room. This view of the dining room shows how connected the spaces are-doorways lead to both the living room and the adjacent family room for easy flow among the rooms. 

The cozy family room off the living room has bespoke millwork by the husband in the corner as well as his “Pirouette” table as a plant stand underneath the double windows. I liked how the millwork height stops just short of the ceiling so the white molding can seamlessly surround the walls and the juxtaposition of the off-white millwork with the plush tufted black seating. It is easy to imagine relaxing in this room for binge watching TV. 

The family room has two zones-one for watching TV with the bespoke millwork creating a cozy enclosure for the sofa. There is ample space for snacks and one’s fave beverage on the oval  “Park Lane” coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis. The other zone in the rear corner of the room opens up to the landscape with the double window and the glass door flanked by long windows with two chairs for reading in the warmth of the summer sun.   

Even the powder room was carefully and artfully planned. I admired the two- toned finish of the cabinetry and the black lavatory countertop that highlights the white rectangular vessel lavatory. The upper cabinet for storage tucked under the ceiling molding maintains the lines of the room. The frameless round mirror with a beveled edge and the brown hand towel with white oval design adds more geometry. The painting by artist Michael Mota is the perfect finishing touch.  The window adds daylight and the slats of the shutters over the lower panes provide privacy when needed.  

The exterior door to the kitchen opens into a shallow mud room space. The ‘Hang-it-All” coat rack by Charles and Ray Eames is placed strategically over the radiator to dry out damp jackets or gloves and an open-end cabinet in the kitchen provides space for wellies and boots. I liked how the couple kept the original vintage cabinetry and accented it with the rich, warm khaki walls. The graceful arch over the kitchen sink was added by the husband and the pendant lights provide ample task lighting over the sink. The commercial vinyl flooring is highly durable with easy maintenance.  

The stairs to the second floor end at a landing leading to a “T” shaped hall connecting three bedrooms and a hall bath. Opposite the landing is a closet containing the washer and dryer. The short part of the “T” leading to the primary bedroom passes a storage room and closet that could become a bath for the guest bedrooms. Adding a high window to the new bath directly opposite the window over the stairs would provide sunlight into the new bath. Since the existing hall bath is next to the primary bedroom, it could easily become a bath for the primary bedroom. I loved the semi-transparent light fixture from IKEA.

 

The huge primary bedroom spans the full depth of the house with windows on all three walls that clast sunlight onto the light blue wall and beautiful heart pine flooring. The floor lamp by Artek and table lamp by Noguchi add soft lighting. I coveted the large abstract rug by Natalie DuPasquier for Memphis and the wood furnishings of the “wishbone” chair in the corner, the chest of drawers and maple bench that were all designed and crafted by the husband of the couple. The colorful bedspread and artwork are perfect finishing touches for a delightful retreat.  

If the existing storage room becomes a bath for the guest bedrooms, the hall bath would become the primary bedroom by adding another  door to the adjacent primary bedroom. Since the existing bath door is next to the hall laundry closet, leaving it as-is provides easy access for doing laundry. The beadboard wainscot and geometric curtains add charm and the clever open shelf over the lavatory stores everyday items for convenience. The vintage style light fixture adds ample lighting. Like the kitchen, the commercial vinyl flooring is highly durable with easy maintenance.  

The spacious corner guest bedroom has a high shelf above the window trim for display of the couple’s grown son’s childhood toys and collectibles. The two windows offer panoramic views of the landscape below. I appreciated how the oval mirror over the wood chest of drawers is on axis with the door to the hall. The abstract rug and the orange RAR Rocker by Charles and Ray Eames add splashes of color.

The other guest bedroom has total privacy since it only shares one interior wall with the rest of the second floor. Windows at the front and rear walls offer panoramic views of the landscape below. I admired the antique spool bed and the “Angel” artwork that were designed and crafted by Susan Tiffany and the husband of the couple. I appreciated how the oval wood top of the nightstand stretches out to echo the wings of the Angel above. Painting the exposed beams and the ceiling trim blue with the blue and white window treatment were perfect finishes touches in this charming bedroom

 

This special 2+/- acre property is just over a mile from Easton, yet the house’s location at the end of a long and curved driveway, surrounded by farmland, offers privacy and peace. The quintessential Eastern Shore farmhouse has been well maintained by the Owners for nearly twenty-five years. They enhanced the existing mature landscape under the canopy of mature Willow Oaks and a majestic Magnolia with English boxwoods, hostas and annuals for seasonal color. The outdoor room of the brick terrace at the rear of the property provides vistas of the wooded border along the property line, broken by a gap that extends the vista across the fields to the wooded area in the far distance.

The house’s compact floor plan is zoned very well and as their architect, I   collaborated with them for an addition of a main floor primary ensuite. Since they chose to seek another property, a lucky Buyer has the opportunity to make this unique property their own and to explore the myriad possibilities of the various outbuildings, including the huge 125 year old pegged post and beam barn that is a heated and insulated for a workshop or studio, the three car garage and two additional outbuildings on grandfathered footprints. 

The Owners have become treasured friends and I look forward very much to seeing their exquisite collection of iconic furnishings, art and accessories in a new home. Bravissimo and Bravissima!  

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For more information about this property, contact Denis Gasper with Benson and Mangold at 410-822-6665 (o), or 410-310-8437 (c).  For more photographs and pricing, visit www.bensonandmangold.com or contact Dennis at  [email protected],  “Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Open Houses:
June 15th,  10:00-1:00
June 21st, 10:00-Noon
June 22nd, 11:00-1:00[email protected] 

Photography by Broadview Interactive LLC, [email protected]

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Since one of my criteria for selection of a House of the Week is Landscape Design, I always look forward to featuring the work of Landscape Designer Jan Kirsh. Several years ago, the historic Miracle House property was a House of the Week, so my focus then was on its architecture and its unique history. The property with a cottage and one room school house was once a ten week summer haven for Baltimore children whose parents had been exposed to  tuberculosis. The Miracle House’s tranquil setting on the Chesapeake Bay and the fresh breezes, swimming in the Bay and nutritious food helped the children build up their resistance to the disease.  The Miracle House is now a private residence with a main cottage and a school house is now a guest house.  

Soon after the Owner acquired the property, he realized that his existing random collection of plantings did not maximize the site’s potential. Four years ago, he retained Jan Kirsh to re-invent the spaces to “turn the garden around, and to make it into a head turning garden.” 

Kirsh began by accenting the majestic Oak and Loblolly pines with three native flowering Viburnum shrubs strategically placed to act as visual anchors in the entry bed. On the day of my visit,  I admired the golden yellow carex (sedge) a grass-like plant, that are evergreen and how they lighten the shady garden. A texturally rich combination of shrubs and ground covers provide seasonal interest, with flowers, glossy leaves and various shades of green foliage. Many shrubs are evergreen so the garden is not dormant throughout the winter.

Seeing the transformation of the entry drive to the property, I remembered its  “before” look. The Owner was quite fortunate to have these extraordinarily  towering Loblolly Pines and Oaks that evoke an almost ‘Cathedral like’ feeling. The dappled shade they and other trees provide were an asset in his vision for the gardens that would have breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay. 

As I slowly drove along the gravel entry drive that is parallel to the front elevation of the house, I admired how one side of the drive faces the grove of pines and the other side facing the house now has a profusion of green plantings with accents of color. Kirsh told me she had slowly walked the pine area and sprayed white paint in a meandering line to show her landscaping crew the demarcation line where the bed of pine needles would meet the grassy area along the gravel drive. 

New plantings of  epimedium (heart shaped ground cover) and shrubs of dwarf nandina, viburnum, and boxwood offer shades of green. The Owner is especially fond of annuals so  Kirsh added the purple sunpatiens in front of the white dwarf abelia (flowering shrubs).

At the parking area by the main house, I recognized the deep lavender butterfly bushes next to the golden yellow sedge’s thin strands with the evergreen shrub chamaecyparis obtusa (false cypress) as a sentinel in the background. 

After parking my car, I admired how Kirsh’s mix of blue-gray gravel for the driveway and parking area and the 3/8” Delaware gravel walkway areas defines their common edge. The driveway curves to provide parking for the Guest House. In between the houses, more plantings surround the pool area with views of the Bay. Kirsh deftly handled the adjustment and redesign of the parking areas to define +how guests would approach the three entries to the main house and the one entry to the Guest House. 

Groups of Lamb’s Ear, Panicum Virgatum (native ‘switch grass’) and the tall Northern Bayberry that is a native, very hardy shrub, form the edge of the 3/8” Delaware gravel walkway.  

At the corner of the blue chip gravel parking area, a single stone paver marks the transition from the parking to 3/8” Delaware gravel walkway to the main house. I admired the textures of the Lamb’s Ear, Hydrangea shrub and Molinia (commonly called muhly grass). In the early fall, this native grass displays a cloud of delicate pink flowers that is a surprising visual treat. 

What was once a somewhat barren area under the majestic oak and loblolly pines near the entrance to the main house is now a vibrant mix of boxwood, sarcoccoca and viburnum shrubs, pots of tropical plants, “elephant ears” with annual torenia and the low epimedium ground cover. Kirsh’s keen eye for texture, shapes and sizes of plant leaves and how the composition rises from the low epimedium to the tall elephant ears comes together beautifully in this tranquil spot.  

I have long admired Kirsh’s special talent for creating hardscapes. To expand the Owner’s deck onto a terrace that would blend into the front walkway, Kirsh recycled ‘left overs’ from the pool surround, and the masons saw cut the bluestone pavers into strips. Kirsh’s  scale drawing was transferred to the ground and was actually drawn with paint; then Kirsh oversaw the team of masons who installed the work. I loved the textures and colors of the hand selected oversized river rocks and the Owner was quite appreciative of Kirsh’s artistry. 

 

One of Kirsh’s signature paths with random large stone using Mexican beach pebbles as “mortar” connects the deck at the side of the house to the pool.  (This photograph shows the work when it was in progress.)  The grasses to the right are calamagrostis and the grasses to the left are acorus and dark green perennial allium ‘Millenium’ (its splendid small globe shaped flowers are not in bloom yet.)

Before Kirsh was involved with the landscape design, the Owner had turned his keen eye to the design and construction of the swimming pool and its surround of bluestone paving.  Kirsh designed complementary plantings with sweeps of acorus with patches of ornamental grasses and summer blooming allium that continued the very contemporary tone of the Owner’s vision. 

The pool area highlights how unique this site is. The expanse of the Chesapeake Bay could have been too dominant but here it is a partner. The grand view of the Bay is balanced by color, foliage, hardscape and new planters..  

The Owner’s design for the bluestone pool surround widens to include a dining area and wraps around the diving board at the waterside edge of the pool. Blocks of color draw your eye from indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, across the expanse of the glistening pool water’s surface to the maturing background hedges. At the edge of bluestone are yellow acorus, allium, calamagrostis (feathered red grass) with the northern bayberry and callicarpa dichotoma (Beauty Berry) at the back corner.

The trio of texture and color of this part of the landscape at the rear corner of the pool area is exquisite when summer turns into fall. Yellow acorus is between the allium ‘Millenium’ with mature seed heads in the fall and the tall, narrow Calamagrostis (feather reed grass) in flower with plumes is the backdrop to this delightful late season composition.

I have always loved Elephant’s Ears and these newer hybrids with their yellow “spine” and their giant leaves are set against the rear wall of the main house. Steps from the classic restored sunroom lead down to the Bayside hot tub deck.

Given the strong cold winter winds over the Bay, Kirsh specified hardy shrubs and trees. She chose evergreen boxwood as accents along the expanse of lawn to the Bay. At the BBQ grille location, Kirsh chose a tree lilac that is another solution to withstand winter’s cold temperatures and winds from the Bay. Spots of annual color add summer interest to the shrub borders. The flashes of color here are annual Lantana, whose delicate flowers belie its being a tough, deer resistant plant that requires minimal care.  I love to play croquet and the wide and deep lawn would be perfect for the game.

Kirsh specified shrubs including hydrangea paniculata, abelia, weigelia and Osmanthus to both screen the pool equipment shed and to also provide a colorful rotation during the season when the pool is the primary outdoor room. The shrubs form a background for the plantings surrounding the pool, which was Kirsh’s intentional painterly backdrop for the planting. When Kirsh created the  mixed ‘privacy shrub borders’ of paramount importance was her respect of  the views from neighboring properties so that their long views to the broad water of the Bay would remain open. 

 As I strolled past the pool area, I was struck by how Kirsh located the shrubs in offset parallel rows perpendicular to the Bay so one can see the Bay between the rows as you stroll the grounds. When I reluctantly reached my car, I looked back and the diagonal vista of the shrubbery rows seemed to form a continuous  meandering line. I was also impressed how Kirsh creatively re-used existing plants and transplanted them so they could happily thrive in their new locations. She also added kousa dogwoods along the lawn edge where it meets the existing woodland to make a crisp and clean bed line that defines the lawn. 

As I drove away, I contemplated how the grounds were transformed in the years since I last visited this magical spot. The Owner was a true collaborator with Kirsh and he clearly articulated the specific feeling he wanted the grounds to represent. His primary goal was to make the property a space of pure delight for family, friends and visitors with the hope that they celebrated this naturally beautiful setting, enhanced by seasonal gardens, as much as he does. He was fortunate to have had a Landscape Designer as gifted as Kirsh is for his collaborator. She attentively listened when he described his vision, which enabled her to not only meet but also to exceed his goals.  Kirsh appreciated how the Owner’s enthusiasm for the project affected everyone from the contractors to the  installation crew and how he also contributed his labor to artfully placing some of the Mexican beach pebbles in the paths. 

I don’t use these Italian superlatives lightly but bravissimo to the Owner and bravissima to Jan Kirsh for their transformation of this exquisite property! This novice gardener thoroughly enjoyed passing her mini-course on identifying plants by their correct names.

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Landscape Designer: Jan Kirsh, Jan Kirsh Studio, www.jankirshstudio.com, 410-745-5252

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Design with Jenn Martella:” The William Smith House, c. 1794”

On one of my recent Sunday drives, I discovered the quaint town of Hillsboro, just over the Talbot County line.  I learned it is the oldest town in Caroline County and it was named for Lord Hillsboro of Maryland’s Calvert family. Earlier this month, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and saw many paintings by Charles Wilson Peale, who briefly resided in Hillsboro. He was  a leading portraitist of the American Revolution, particularly for his depictions of George Washington. 

After crossing the Tuckahoe River, I drove up Main Street for my visit to the William Smith House. This distinguished brick dwelling stands out in its surroundings streetscape of  frame dwellings. The brick was befitting for the residence of a successful grain merchant who lived in an important hub for grain and tobacco.  As I walked up one of the two sets of steps that led the wide stoop, I noticed the white areas of the red brick.  I wondered if the house had once been painted and later during my tour,  I saw an earlier picture of the house with white facades. 

The house is set close to the Town sidewalk so the majority of the deep 0.66 acre corner lot is devoted to its mature landscaping with a parking area off the side street. Passing the side yard, I admired the dogwood as tall as the second floor and one of the largest oak hydrangeas I have ever seen. The house’s exterior color palette of red brick, dark shutters and  white trim is classic and I especially admired the 4/4 wide and tall windows

The house has been altered slightly through many decades, but the character of the original building dominates the architecture and retains the feeling of its 1794 era. Later additions included a brick addition and two frame additions that telescope down from the two-story portion of the house. The story and a half addition contains the kitchen, a side entrance past the laundry area and a full bath. Above is the primary suite’s bathroom and walk-in closet. The one-story addition is a family room surrounded by the lawn and gardens .

The side yard adjacent to the neighbor’s property is fully fenced and I later saw a large formerly feral cat whom the Owner has patiently coaxed him to call her garden home. The crape myrtle will bloom midsummer but now the red roses are preening in the filtered sunlight.  

In the open landscape, giant trees are grouped together and at the ground the cluster of hellebores are beginning to bloom. The pineapple, symbol of hospitality, in the middle of the bird bath stands ready to welcome all avian friends. 

Near the rear of the property, there are two outbuildings, one for lawn and garden maintenance and another for myriad uses-studio, playhouse, etc. 

After my stroll around the house and garden, I was eager to explore the house. The listing agent met me at the wide front door that opened into the foyer of the center hall floor plan.  I admired detailing of the original stairs to the second floor with the dark newel post and cap rail, light colored pickets, stained treads and painted risers and the decorative molding below the edge of the treads.  Opposite the front door is another exterior door that leads to a short flight of steps to the lawn and garden. The stairs have indirect daylight from the window in the hall above.

One could add a glass storm door to the garden door to bring both light into the foyer and also to create a long vista of the garden from the front door. I loved the choice of one of my fave historic colors for the doors and trim. The long Oriental rug adds color and the period pendant light fixture’s glass shape floats serenely in the space. 

 Next to the stairs is the charming living room with a fireplace and original mantel between bespoke millwork. I did not need to turn on a light since there was ample sunlight from the wide and tall windows at the front and rear of the room. The upholstery of the seating around the coffee table pick up the colors in the Oriental rug and I especially admired the upholstered antique settee. Placing the curtain rods for the window treatments very close to the high ceiling accentuates the room’ high ceiling.

On the other side of the foyer is my fave room, the elegant dining room. Sunlight streams into the room through the front and side windows that offer views of the side garden. On top of the refinished mantel is a collection of Native American ceramics and I was delighted to see several pieces from the Acoma Pueblo that are very similar to ones I own. The large Oriental rug anchors the antique wood table and Chippendale chairs and the bespoke millwork at the side of the fireplace with closed cabinets above and glass fronted doors above for display provide ample storage. The Georgian chandelier is the perfect finishing touch.

The focal point of the dining room is a stunning Maryland Eastern Shore “ cross raised panel tombstone arch raised panel barrel back” corner pine cupboard with iron hinges in a deep cranberry color. The listing agent confirmed the Owner once had an antique store in St. Michaels. Small world-I then realized I had bought an iron bed for my guest room from her several years ago!

From the dining room, I stepped down to the open plan kitchen-gathering room. I appreciated how this kitchen combined old and new elements. Combined with the exposed stained beams and the brick wall of the stairs to the attic, this kitchen has so much character. The light colored cabinets’ design have low “feet” instead of a full knee kick. The large island cabinetry with a butcher block top is perfect for baking. At the side of kitchen is a short hall past the laundry area and a full bath to an exterior door leading to a deck that offers a secluded retreat in the fenced garden.

The kitchen overlooks the gathering room with its pitched ceiling and stained collar beams in homage to the kitchen’s older exposed beams. The wide picture window and side window provide panoramic  views of the fenced garden. The half glass/half paneled exterior door is another window overlooking the landscape and leads to a stoop and a paver path to the parking area. The mix of antiques and other furnishings create a charming space for end of workday relaxation. 

There are so many charming details in this house but my fave one is how the steps end at a landing with risers on either side up to the second floor. The graceful curvature of the baseboard and molding flows seamlessly onto each side of the landing and the stair’s cap railing echoes the curvature to the railing above overlooking the foyer.

The width of the hall allows space for a corner mini-office with an antique writing desk and chair for checking emails with daylight from the hall window overlooking the garden. The bookcase holds memories of loved ones to keep one company. Beyond the doorway is the primary bedroom at the corner of the house.

The antique corner cabinet, wood trunk, Oriental rug and wood chair and footstool create a cozy corner for relaxing and the fireplace’s trio of iron candlesticks and waterfowl are charming accents.

I can’t resist canopy beds and this one with its gentle curved open frame is beautiful as it is, but one could easily add a lace canopy.  The front windows provide plenty of sunlight and views of the neighborhood.

The second floor’s bathroom has a claw foot tub outfitted with a shower head. The beadboard wainscot, chair rail, wood floor, rug and both the arched top plantation shutter and window treatments create a charming bath that evokes the house’s period.

I would be a contented guest in this charming bedroom with the bowfront antique chest of drawers, fireplace, Oriental rugs wood pencil post bedframe, duvet and the chair by the window.

The story and a half addition to the house is reached by stairs from both the kitchen and from the primary bedroom if an ensuite is desired. This space is more than mere circulation with its bright yellow walls, the exposed brick of the original part of the house and the beautiful wood floors.  Accents of  the boat sculpture in the window and the large artwork on the brick wall give this space a unique personality.  Windows at each side wall of the stairs keeps the space sunny and bright.

The addition contains a large bathroom and walk-in closet. The antique pie safe is a much more charming storage closet than door to a linen closet.  Along with the pie safe, the wood antique storage unit between the two porcelain vintage pedestal lavatories, wood floors accented with small Oriental rugs and artwork all create a charming eclectic look.  

Desirable deep corner lot with mature landscaping in a small historic town very close to Easton’s shopping, arts and cultural events. Highway 404 is also close by for quick access to the beaches and DC. The Hillsboro Public Landing on the Tuckahoe is only a block from the   property. The house’s appealing architectural style, and the interior’s high ceilings, wide and tall windows, multiple fireplaces, built-in millwork and beautiful original wood floors are combined with modern conveniences for today’s lifestyle.  Brava to the Owner’s interior design and her collection of antiques that give this house its individual personality. If you are seeking a historic property, this gem is one not be missed, at a very competitive price compared to  a restored house in another Eastern Shore Historic District.  

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For more information about this property, contact Broker Nancy McDonald McGuire at Maryland Heritage Properties , 410-778-9319 (o) ,443-480-7342 (c), or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.marylandheritageproperties.com/home , “Equal Housing Opportunity.” For decades, Nancy McDonald McGuire has specialized in representing historic buildings in Maryland in general and the Eastern Shore in particular. 

Photography by Jennifer Martella

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

This is the second opportunity for me to feature a project by Jones & Jones Properties. For the last four years, this talented brother and sister duo has specialized in the restoration of significant residential properties in Chestertown’s Historic District.  Together they develop a vision for a property; then Patrick as craftsman builder makes the vision a reality, assisted by Kathleen’s eye for design elements and finishes. Their first two ventures were the restoration/renovation of historic houses on Water and Cannon Streets and the latter was a previous House of the Week.

Today’s feature is their most ambitious project to date. As Owners and Builder, their restoration/renovation of “The Tilley House” was a labor of love for them. The house’s distinctive mansard roof identifies it as the “Second Empire” architectural style, with its steep lower roof pitch and low higher pitch. Popular from 1855-1885, the style’s name honors Napoleon III’s Second Empire. He retained Baron Haussman for a massive urban renewal project of Paris that created boulevards lined with apartment blocks with mansard roofs that are highly prized real estate today. 

This property’s prominent site at the corner of High and Water Streets offers vistas to the Chester River  from both the front and side porches and many rooms. This photo shows the original part of the house where the mansard roof ended;  later additions had lower gable roofs. I admired the articulated front elevation with the main floor porch and its metal hipped roof, angled bay wall projections at the corner of both floors and the mansard roof’s dormer containing a double unit window. No detail was too insignificant; even the bars of the vents in the brick foundation wall pay homage to the ones in the historic Custom House across the street!  

The bay wall projects into the front porch to expand the view of the Chester River  from the living room. The rest of the porch floor is deeper to easily accommodate chairs. On the day of my visit, it was easy to linger enjoying both the garden of the property cattycorner to this property and the view of the Chester River. High Street slopes down to the waterfront and combined with the height of the porch floor above the brick sidewalk, this porch becomes a private outdoor room.

I first saw this house before renovation work began and I was amazed to see how splendid the spaces have been transformed.  The beautiful original staircase that rises to the third floor was restored and is now a sculptural element against a background of white. Jones & Jones decided to give buyers the option of selecting one’s choice of finishes so they created a list of allowances for buyers to choose finishes that fit their budget. What was formerly a wall behind the stairs is now an arched doorway to the dining room that also extends the perspective from the front door. Another wide wall opening in the stair hall leads to the front parlor.

The solar orientation of the corner living room casts sunlight deep onto the room’s beautiful wood floors that flow throughout the house. The angled bay is a delightful nook in this spacious room and the gas fireplace’s mantel was crafted to be in keeping with the period of the house. Throughout the house, the original window and door trim with rosette corners have been carefully restored.

Behind the parlor is the kitchen-breakfast area and the kitchen layout was carefully thought out around the long existing windows. The window next to the cabinetry is centered on a space that was sized wide enough to accommodate a breakfast bar at the higher countertop. The sleek cabinetry design with a mix of light gray and deep slate blue island should please any cook and the countertop material is another allowance item to suit a buyer’s own taste. I especially liked the design of the cabinet pulls that echoes the R/F door pulls and how the mix of glass and solid fronts of the upper cabinets rise to the underside of the ceiling to maintain the spatial volume. The  kitchen’s location in the middle of the main floor’s open plan layout makes it the hub of the house. 

To support the wide wall opening between the kitchen and dining room, slender offset columns and a corner post define the dining area. The windows are very close to the adjacent neighbor’s house so a window treatment of plantation shutters would add both texture, daylight and privacy. The beadboard wainscot around the perimeter of the space adds texture and an opportunity to add either an accent paint color or wallpaper.

The doors at the corner of the family room lead to a full bath next to a closet facing the kitchen. The other door at the corner is another closet so this flexible space could be a family room with a sofa bed for guests who prefer a main floor bedroom. Throughout the house, the style of the new four-panel doors look like original period doors. 

The pair of French doors and full sidelights overlooks a deck and the yard that is a blank canvas for a gardener to plan their private dream garden. Fences on either side of the yard provide privacy and creates a safe play space for young children and the family pet. At the end of the yard is a garage that can accommodate a single vehicle. The garage’s loft storage is a bonus. 

Beyond the gorgeous staircase at the second floor landing is another wide wall opening framed by a graceful elliptical arch leading to the laundry room and to the primary ensuite at the rear of the house. 

The sumptuous primary bedroom has a gas fireplace opposite the bed wall and views of the Historic District from the two windows. The door next to the fireplace leads to the primary bath and walk-in closet.

The primary bath is compartmentalized with a walk-in closet at the rear corner opposite the dual lavatories. The door to the toilet compartment backs up to the shower-tub area under the window.

The tiled wainscot defines the location of the tub on axis with the window. I admired the dual recessed niches at the shower wall, the options of both a wall mounted and hand held shower heads and the herringbone pattern of the floor tile.

Lucky is the guest who gets to stay in the second-floor corner bedroom with a view of the roofs and treetops of the surrounding Historic District and the Chester River from the bay window and the single window!

Kathleen Jones has a flair for selection of finishes and I loved the leaf pattern and colors of the second floor bath’s shower wall. The size and color of the floor tile evokes the flooring found in Second Empire houses.  

I love mansard roofs for the full height spaces they provide. The front part of the third floor tucked under the mansard roof is finished with two guest bedrooms/offices with the clever detail of the perimeter HVAC built out to form a ledge. Truly a breathtaking bird’s eye view!

The site aerial shows this corner property’s prominence on two of Chestertown’s Historic District’s earliest streets with the neighboring properties of Widehall and the Custom House, the latter of which was one of the original British Royal Ports of Entry to the Americas. The Tilley House was completely renovated last year, including all systems, kitchen and bathrooms. Original period details including the majestic wood stair that rises up three floors, many doors and molding were carefully preserved. The original layout of rooms connected by doors were creatively modified with graceful arches or wide wall openings supported by columns that opened up vistas between the rooms. Sunlight now penetrates deeply onto the beautiful hardwood floors. Instead of a mix of rooms, the main floor is now an open plan living room, kitchen, dining and family room with easy flow among the rooms. 

The front porch for interacting with neighbors on their daily stroll or simply relaxing to enjoy the tranquil view of the Chester River and the rear fenced yard that awaits your own garden design are semi-private and private outdoor rooms.  Other bonuses include the partially finished basement’s ideal temperature for wine storage and the one-car garage for off street parking. 

You can truly make this exquisite property your own by selecting finishes from the Allowances List. This is a rare opportunity to become the next steward of this unique property that combines both 19th century charm with 21st century conveniences that has been meticulously restored and renovated by one of Kent County’s renowned craftsman builders, Patrick Jones. Jones & Jones have set the bar very high for the Historic District and I eagerly await their next project—Bravissimmo and Bravissimma to this talented duo!   

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For more information about this property, contact Murphy O’Neill at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate Company, at 410-778-0330 (o),443-480-4275 (c), or  [email protected] .For more pictures and pricing, visit  www.easternshoreofmarylandrealestate.com “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Photography by JM real estate photos [email protected]

Upcoming Open Houses Dates: 
Saturday, May 17th from 9:30-11:30 
Sunday, May 25th, 11:00-1:00

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.